Solid Waste Technician 4 - Plant Operator

Employee in this position is the top-level Solid Waste technician for the Solid Waste Division.   Employee in this position is cross-trained to operate and maintain all facilities and equipment for Solid Waste and Moderate Risk Waste, and have primary responsibility for Biosolids operations.

Employee will be able to carry out daily equipment monitoring and perform required operational tasks for all programs including laboratory tests and analyses.  Solid Waste equipment may include front-end loaders, backhoe, trucks up to 10 cubic yards, yard tractor, forklift, and large and small solid waste compactors.  Septage Treatment Plant equipment includes all septage and sewage sludge receiving, transmitting and treatment equipment including headworks, bar screens, screening press, aerated grit chamber, aeration basins, all pumps, blowers, piping, land application and valves for same. Moderate Risk Waste and Recycling programs include various medium equipment, small tools and specialized procedures.

Duties include all work necessary to process solid, moderate risk, and liquid waste at all County facilities including operation and monitoring of the Septage Treatment Plant, and delivery, application, record keeping, permit preparation and reporting for Biosolids operations.

• Separate white goods, hard-to-handle wastes, recyclable, and hazardous wastes from the solid waste stream and direct to desired receiving area.
• Carry out maintenance and/or repairs on all equipment and facilities as directed by operations supervisors.  Assist other personnel as required.
• After receiving proper training, assist with or carry out the processing of household or other special or moderate risk waste which County facilities are authorized to handle.  Keep accurate records of activities.
• Oversee and/or perform any cleanup and maintenance tasks as directed.
• Assist customers of the transfer station and other solid waste facilities regarding proper operating procedures for solid, hazardous, recyclable, and other wastes received by all facilities.
• Assist with the construction of various building and improvements at Solid Waste facilities.
• Assist with or carry out duties involved with the operation of the environmental control systems at all facilities.
• Monitor the performance of all equipment, controls, gauges, and indicators for all equipment.  Record statistical data concerning plant operations on computer spreadsheets, evaluate data and prepare reports as required.
• Carry out basic monitoring, testing and laboratory analysis on solid waste, septage, supernatant, and biosolids systems including maintenance of proper records on paper or computer and reporting for same, including annual reporting and permit renewal requirements.
• Make adjustments to solid waste and biosolids machinery operations based on interpretation of testing/monitoring. Control and maintain flow of materials during solid waste and septage operations. Perform solids/grit removal operations from screens/chambers.
• Assist in the training and supervision of personnel.
• Assist other departments/sections in the performance of related activities.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

• Ability to frequently move heavy loads up to 500 lbs. using hand equipment and lift up to 50 lbs. to shoulder height.
• Familiar with equipment, tools, and techniques commonly used at wastewater and solid waste facilities from small tools to heavy equipment and knowledge of safety principles of same.
• Working knowledge of large blowers, small to medium pumps, piping/valve systems, diesel and gasoline engine mechanics, medium/heavy equipment maintenance, and hydraulic systems maintenance.
• Working knowledge of wastewater treatment procedures, soil sampling, and environmental testing required for operation of all facilities.
• Basic knowledge of computer word processing and spreadsheet programs.  Ability to read, understand and comprehend basic instruction and operating manuals as well as perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Working knowledge of painting, basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other facility maintenance skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English verbally and in writing for any purpose having to do with assigned duties.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events remain calm in stressful conditions.
• Ability to work effectively in a challenging environment indoors and out, including noise, dirt/dust, liquids, strong odors, moving equipment, and enclosed spaces.
• Independent and self-motivated to complete required tasks in a timely manner with a minimum of supervision.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent.  Two or more years of post-high school technical training, job-related experience or trade school required.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License required.
• Employee shall have or be able to obtain their Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Training (OIT) certificate within 1 year, and Level I certification  within 4 years.
• Certificates of training in any applied skill desirable including heavy equipment, welding, construction trades, or related skills.
• Ability to receive certification within one year, or as directed, for skills including first aid, industrial safety, confined spaces, and hazardous waste handling and to maintain said certification.
• Ability to effectively maintain a working relationship with other employees.
• Employee must be willing to attend seminars and classes as required.

Salary : $30 - $31