Wastewater & Collections Lead Operator

General Statement of Duties

This non-exempt position is responsible for leading a team of operators and for performing a wide variety of semi-skilled and manual work involved in the operation of the District’s wastewater treatment plants and collections systems.  Lead and assist in the supervision of operators, and inspect and review work methods, performance, and quality. This position is a “working lead” and may perform all the duties of an A-D/1-4 Operator.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the Wastewater and Collections Supervisor and the general direction of the Wastewater and Collections Manager.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading, training, and directing a team of operators of various educational, certification and practical skill levels in both the wastewater & collections areas of operations.

• Responsible for trouble shooting equipment and process control issues and working closely with the maintenance and IT departments, vendors and contractors for equipment repairs and scheduling. Performs appropriate follow-up procedures and keeps the Wastewater & Collections Supervisor informed.

• Oversees assigned operators and along with them, operate pumps, engines, generators and valves to control processes at the North and South wastewater treatment plants and District collections systems according to standard operating procedures. Inspects equipment and makes recommendations to the Wastewater & Collections Supervisor regarding necessary repairs and maintenance.

• Assists with scheduling staff within the Water Resources Department and makes recommendations to staff schedules.  Assists Water Resource Supervisors with the implementation of any schedule changes.

• Responsible for training and ensuring compliance of all operators in the use of safety equipment and standardized safety procedures. Anticipates possible unsafe situations and advises operators in proper and safe procedures.

• Serves in a project manager capacity coordinating operators, working with other departments and contractors to ensure the efficient completion of assigned projects.

• Responsible for and may collect daily samples of chemical and biological concentrations, perform multiple laboratory tests, maintain accurate laboratory records, and makes routine process control changes. Ensures that required daily permit related tests are completed and reviews parameters. Performs quality control on data entry and lab results.

• Records data required for regulatory and operational reporting on physical changes. Data recorded includes, but is not limited to: Alarms, adjustments made, troubleshooting, equipment rotations, and instrument readings. Inputs data into database, generates trending reports, and generates raw data for monthly departmental reports. Compiles information necessary to prepare additional reports as directed.

• Works independently and with the team to ensure all Federal, State and Local regulations are met.

• Verbally reports emergency and major malfunctions to the Wastewater & Collections Supervisor and initiates proper action per procedures. Performs appropriate follow-up procedures.

• Calculates chemical orders based on technical expertise and standard operating procedures.   Maintains adequate chemical and supply inventories. Delivers chemicals to locations, as needed.

• Operates and maintains the wastewater and collection system. Supervises and inspects repairs by contractors.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Submits budget recommendations to Wastewater and Collections Supervisor.    

• Generates P.O. requests, schedules work orders and equipment repairs.

• Manages coordination between subcontract locating services and may provide additional support by means of meeting on site or maps, in addition to regular inspections.

• May assign operators or conduct locates of both water and wastewater mainlines to prevent damage to District lines by others.

• Calibrates operational equipment as needed.

• Handles hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals during delivery, storage and use.

• Routinely performs physical cleanup and housekeeping of work areas, equipment, and buildings using standard cleaning equipment and material, and chemical cleaning procedures.

• Attends technical and safety training meetings, courses, and seminars as required.

• Assists with district public relations by conducting plant tours; representing the district in the community; or responding to telephone inquiries and complaints.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  

• Solid lead worker skills, direct, and train operators of various education, certification and practical skill levels.

• Excellent organizational skills required for efficient project management and the scheduling of manpower resources.

• Ability to accurately compile, analyze and interpret data to troubleshoot, make judgments and solve problems with process and equipment. 

• An ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, organize activities in order to complete tasks in accordance with priorities, address multiple demands and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently with broad direction and limited supervision. Ability to work effectively with supervisors and co-workers and deal tactfully with the public.

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local wastewater and collections regulations and permitting requirements.

• Solid knowledge of equipment and procedures used in the operation of wastewater and collections systems.

• Solid knowledge of chemistry, biology, and mathematical and statistical calculations necessary to conduct, analyze and interpret the results from standard laboratory tests; and calculate chemical feed rates, water usage, and production rates.

• Solid knowledge of electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics to inspect equipment and request repair and maintenance.

• Solid understanding of SCADA computer system functions.  Solid computer knowledge including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

• Solid knowledge of safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment and ability to apply safety principles on all job tasks.  Ability to anticipate unsafe circumstances; act accordingly to prevent accidents and promptly report accidents and hazardous conditions.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Safety Data Sheets, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions; procedure manuals, blueprints, and technical documentation.

• Ability to operate basic hand and power tools in a safe and efficient manner. 

Qualifications / Experience

• Colorado Class C Wastewater Treatment and Colorado Class 1 Collections certifications are required. Colorado Class B Wastewater Treatment certification required within a year of starting position, Colorado Class A Wastewater Treatment certification required within 2 years of starting position. Colorado Class 2 Collections required within 1 year of starting position and Colorado Class 3 Collections required within 2 years of starting position.

• Previous lead/supervisory experience preferred.

• Must have a Motor Vehicle Record within the Acceptable or no less than Borderline rating according to the Vehicle Policy.

Working Conditions / Physical Activities

• Monday through Friday, 40 hours per work week. Must be able to work weekends and occasionally overnights during high volume periods

• Shares responsibility with the Wastewater and Collections Supervisor as the backup to on-call operators. Will fill in on rotating weekend on-call duty schedule if an operator is out on extended leave or there is an open operator position waiting to be filled. Subject to mandatory overtime on an as needed basis to work within the department and for other duties as assigned.

• Performs strenuous physical labor and stands for extended periods of time.

• Works in a wastewater plant where elevated levels of noise, irritants, dust, dirt, bacteria, hazardous chemicals/air/materials and fumes are always present.  May come into contact with raw wastewater.  The Hepatitis B Vaccine is strongly recommended and is offered at no cost by the District.

• Work may take place outside in all weather conditions.  May be exposed to risks typically associated with working around water, chemicals, electricity and other man-made and natural hazards. 

• Use of a respirator may be required for some tasks and may work in confined spaces.

• Lifting and handling objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently. 

• Frequently performs activities requiring a full range of body movements including stooping, twisting, kneeling, bending, leaning, reaching, climbing (heights), stretching and working in awkward positions. Requires eye/hand and hand/foot coordination for operation of tools, equipment and driving vehicles.

• Vision to read manuals and record data and monitor and observe instruments and gauges; hearing/listening for troubleshooting and warning signals; speech communication to provide technical information and communicate with employees and citizens.

*This job will be open until filled and will be posted for at minimum of 5 days from the date of the posting. 

Parker Water & Sanitation offers a robust benefits program including: 

• Low-cost health premiums 

• 100% District paid dental and vision insurance 

• District HSA contribution for those on our HDHP insurance 

• Social Security Replacement program – 401(a) 

• 457 (b) retirement plan with District match up to 5%, fully vested right away 

• 100% District paid Short- and Long-Term Disability 

• 100% District paid Life and Disability Insurance (2x annual salary) 

• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5250 per year 

• Employee Wellness program 

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer 

For a more in-depth overview of the many benefits PWSD offers please visit www.pwsd.org/careers and click on the Total Rewards Program link. 

Salary : $48 - $56