Solids System Operator

THE CITY OF PORT HURON IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

SOLIDS SYSTEM OPERATOR

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform technical and semi-skilled work, and labor, in a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). To operate and maintain equipment utilized in the handling, dewatering, and storage of residuals, including the operation and maintenance of machinery to land apply biosolids for agricultural use. To perform laboratory analysis, maintain records and perform work as required to operate the biosolids handling process at the WWTP.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: An employee in this class may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform.)

• Monitor charts, meters, gauges, alarms, and other instruments to determine the condition and efficiency of sludge feed systems, thickening operations, storage operations, chemical feed systems, odor control operations, and other equipment, as required.
• Operate and perform routine and preventative maintenance on equipment utilized in the residuals dewatering and storage of the biosolids handling operation.
• Determine chemical feed rates based upon residual flows, percent solids, temperature, and other factors which may affect system performance.
• Operate and perform maintenance on a wide variety of pumps, motors, fans, compressors, augers, thickeners, chemical mixing and transport systems, and other equipment in a WWTP.
• Operate, maintain, and perform routine analysis to determine the performance of a lime mixing and delivery system.
• Operate, maintain, and perform routine analysis to determine the performance of the polymer mixing and delivery system.
• Operate and perform limited preventive maintenance, including tire replacement, on a 100,000 GVW semi-tractor and trailer. These vehicles must be operated safely and efficiently on city streets, highways, and off-road conditions.
• Operate, maintain, start-up, shutdown, and oversee the efficient operation of a sludge thickening system by adding polymer, and maintaining adequate pH levels by lime addition to achieve permit limits.
• Monitor biosolids batch transfers and tank capacities.
• Operate and perform routine and preventative maintenance on a T-270 New Holland tractor with pull behind tank and attached subsurface soil injector.
• Assist the maintenance department in plant projects, cleaning, yard work, snow removal, confined space entries, and lift station maintenance as needed.
• Assist the maintenance department in the event of a power failure or emergency.
• Assemble and process data using hourly, daily, weekly, and/or monthly reports.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used in WWTP operations.
• Knowledge of machines, equipment and materials used in a WWTP.
• Knowledge of the chemical and physical processes involved in the treatment of sewage, the dewatering of residuals, and land application of biosolids.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instruction.
• Ability to follow a map and directions to remote field sites for biosolids land application.
• Ability to enter and work in small confined spaces.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60-pounds.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment in rough terrain, heat, and dust.
• Ability to service, maintain, and make adjustments to pumps, conveyors, chemical feed systems, dust collector systems, and other equipment.
• Ability to operate and understand sludge storage inventory, valving, and pumping systems.
• Possess the mechanical aptitude to grease and change oil on equipment and to discern when equipment is not operating properly.
• Ability to maintain accurate logs, records, results of routine lab analysis, and make simple arithmetic calculations including totals and averages.
• Demonstrate ability to safely and efficiently operate a semi-tanker and specialized agricultural injection equipment.
• Ability to climb up and down ladders on equipment many times per day.
• Must be able to work efficiently without undue fear of heights.
• Ability to work safely, reliably, and efficiently without supervision.
• Ability to perform day maintenance tasks such as cleaning, hosing, painting, labeling, washing and waxing equipment, and assist the maintenance department as needed.
• Ability to work a rotating shift schedule that rotates weekly as follows:
  • One week of midnights – 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
  • One week of afternoons – 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • One week of day maintenance – 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • One week of days – 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

An employee in this classification, upon appointment, shall have the equivalent of the following training and experience:

• Graduation from an accredited high school.
• Some experience in the operation and maintenance of equipment in a WWTP or in operation and maintenance of similar equipment.
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver License (Operator’s) and a valid Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL), Group A/Air, with Endorsement "N".
• Must have a driving record sufficiently free of violations to demonstrate safe and above average driving skills.
• Must have 1 year experience driving a semi-tractor trailer with a minimum of 26,001 GVW, and can verify this experience.

Salary Range: $22.66 - $28.33 per hour

Benefit Package, including:

• Paid vacation leave, sick leave and holidays
• BCBS PPO Healthcare, Delta Dental, life and optical insurance
• Disability income plan
• MERS Defined Contribution Plus Qualified Retirement Program
• Deferred compensation plan (457)
• MERS Healthcare savings plan

Date Posted: Monday, June 1, 2026
Application Deadline: Open until filled

To Apply:

• Job applications can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded
• If mailed, it must be postmarked by the deadline date listed above.
• Job applications will be accepted online via email to cphemployment@porthuron.org.
• Job applications will also be accepted in-person or by mail at: