Wastewater Collections/Operator

Position Summary:

As a foundational level employee with the wastewater department, you will assist and help run the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant. You must be a helpful team player who is ready to do physical activity like mowing grass, painting and maintaining machines and equipment. Work is generally routine and is accomplished in accordance with established policies, procedures and practices. On occasion, independent judgment must be used when accomplishing tasks.

General Statement of Duties:

Conducts bacteriological and chemical tests required by local, state and federal regulations. Observes the condition of sewage entering the treatment plant, adjusts the addition of chemicals for proper sewage treatment according to prescribed standards. Responsible for the accurate completion of a variety of reports as required by local, state, and federal regulations. Operates wastewater treatment plant. Hauls sludge. Checks, repairs, and maintains lift stations; washes and cleans basins; refills digester and drying beds.

Minimum Qualifications and Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education: High School graduate or GED equivalent required.

Requirements: Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license. Ability to use and maintain hand and power tools and other equipment (mechanical or electronic) as needed. Obtain State of Tennessee Wastewater Operator Guide I license within 18 months.

Experience: No prior experience required. Preferred 1-3 years of operator experience.

Reports Directly to: Wastewater Director

Review Responsibility: Wastewater Director

Essential Duties and Tasks:

Conducts bacteriological and chemical tests required by local, state and federal regulations. Observes the condition of sewage entering the treatment plant, adjusts the addition of chemicals for proper sewage treatment according to prescribed standards. Responsible for the accurate completion of a variety of reports as required by local, state, and federal regulations. Hauls sludge. Checks, repairs, and maintains lift stations; washes and cleans basins; refills digester and drying beds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have knowledge of the operation, type of defects and repair methods applicable to pumps, chlorinators, feeders and other plant equipment.
• Knowledge of safety factors and hazards in handling sewage and wastewater treatment equipment.
• Knowledge of chemistry and laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Must have skill in the use and care of tools and equipment necessary to perform various mechanical repair tasks.
• Knowledge of the theory and practice of modern wastewater treatment, and of the machines, equipment and material used in such treatment.
• Knowledge of the layout of piping and valves at the wastewater treatment facility, lift stations, and wastewater collection system.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment. Must have an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to perform bacteriological tests as required by state and federal regulations, to keep records and prepare clear and concise reports of wastewater operations.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex written and oral instructions, read, write legibly and make accurate arithmetic calculations.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

This position must have overall stamina and ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity. Job requirements may include the ability to climb, bend, and work in tight or confined areas. In addition, close vision, color vision, depth perception, and far vision are essential to performance to the position. Corrective lenses may be utilized. The incumbent must be able to hear alarms and have the ability to audibly identify the presence of a danger or hazard. The position also requires the ability to tolerate a variety of weather conditions; hot, cold, wet along with pollutants such as fumes, dust and other contaminants found on construction sites. The Wastewater Operator may also be required to be available during emergency situations and may be required to work irregular or extended hours as necessary to complete Town business.

FLSA: Non-exempt

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; and nothing in this herein restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Revised: 5/6/2026

Benefits Included:

• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS)
• Optional: 401k & 457b Optional Retirement Plans
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance Benefits Available
• Optional: Accidental, Hospital, Cancer
• HSA/FSA
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability & Accidental