Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Lead)

The Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Lead) is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of Clallam County’s wastewater treatment plants and collection systems in Clallam Bay/Sekiu. Serving as the Operator-in-Charge, this position provides lead direction and training to lower-level operators and trainees while ensuring treatment and collection system activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and operational standards. The incumbent applies advanced technical expertise to monitor plant performance, operate specialized equipment, and support the effective use of personnel and resources. Working closely with management, the Senior Operator helps maintain reliable wastewater services that protect public health, environmental quality, and the County’s operational and regulatory responsibilities.

• Oversee and perform plant operation and maintenance work performed in both of the County's wastewater treatment plants in Clallam Bay/Sekiu.
• “Operator In-Charge” of both of the County’s Group II treatment plants.  Prepare and submit all required DMRs including: Monthly, Quarterly, Annual of all types required under facility permits.  Maintain compliance with laboratory requirements and certification. Track and maintain calibration requirements of all equipment.
• Operates sewage treatment, sludge processing and disposal equipment in wastewater treatment plant to control flow and processing of sewage.
• Monitors flows in the collection systems and through treatment plants to optimize treatment processes and prevent overflows.  Observes variations in weather and operating conditions, interprets meter and gage readings and tests results to determine process requirements.
• Starts and stops pumps, engines and generators to control flow through biological treatment, settling, aeration and sludge digestion processes.
• Perform routine daily checks for alarms on instrument panels, check for breakdowns or shutdowns that are mechanical. 
• Ensure daily, weekly, quarterly and annual laboratory sampling and processing are completed as required.   This includes, but not limited to: Flows, pH, temperature, BOD5, TSS, Fecal Coliform.  Check for biological problems.
• Perform preventative maintenance on check-valves, lines, pumps, air compressors and aeration systems.  Clean filters on pumps and lubrications.
• Replace electrical contacts as needed, including fuses, relays and transformers
• Inspect generators, starting weekly; check oil, water, fuel, tires and battery to assure readiness for emergency power outages.
• Maintains daily records of flows, temperature, rainfall and effluent flows for 24-hour periods.  Take daily hour meter readings on pump stations recording in appropriate logs.  Prepare or assist in the preparation of Washington State Department of Ecology monitoring reports and rainfall infiltration studies.  Maintain operation and maintenance manuals on equipment used in the plant.
• Perform inspections and site approval for existing and new sewer hook-ups and repairs.  Document and maintain accurate records and maps.   Perform utility locates for existing systems.
• Review and analyze pumping station operations.  Check mechanical equipment in plants; repair, as necessary, motors, pumps, blowers, drive mechanisms, electrical circuits, breaker switches, hydro-pneumatic water system, chlorine gas electronics, valves and injectors.  Perform preventative maintenance such as lubrication and periodic cleaning and parts replacement to prevent major breakdowns.
• Maintain certification of District Water Quality Control Laboratory.
• Collects samples and conducts laboratory tests, using testing equipment.  Prepare and submit testing reports as required by Federal and State laws and regulations.  Clean lab ware and prepare solutions per relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Performs general housekeeping, painting, building and grounds maintenance, clean grit chambers, manage bio-solids recycling program.
• Assist in the establishment and maintenance of appropriate procedures for treatment plant processes, tests and analysis including determining when and how plant process adjustments should be made, based upon analyzed data.
• Assists in selection of personnel;   as a Lead worker.  Make work assignments to subordinates after analyzing workload and management information needs.
• Routinely communicate with Utility Program Manager regarding sewer system status and anticipated needs.   Provide requested information needed by management to develop budget, anticipate costs, and monitor expenses.
• Assist in the development and implementation of modern operating procedures in accordance with rules, regulations and procedures.
• Participate in professional meetings, seminars and other meetings as necessary.  Maintain certification continuing education units (CEU's).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requires knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by examples in the above job description 
 
Education 
High school diploma or GED supplemented by college-level coursework, professional training, or specialized instruction in wastewater treatment, collections systems, environmental science, or a related field.

Experience
Minimum three years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, including lead operator experience and “Operator-In-Charge” duties.

Special Requirements
• Possession of a valid Washington State Group II (or higher) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
• Reside within thirty (30) miles of the Clallam Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies as required.

Salary : $35 - $43