This employee has responsibility for job direction and performance of all tasks associated with the various unit processes and equipment in a wastewater treatment plant or section of a plant for a shift. May relieve or substitute for other employees on an assigned shift. On-the-job training of personnel in lower level job classifications is a basic responsibility. Performs related duties as required.
Assignments and objectives are set for this employee and established work methods are to be followed. In turn, this employee may set the assignments and objectives for other lower level employees. Work performed by employees in this classification may be reviewed occasionally during the process and upon completion. The Water Reclamation Professional Operator III may function as crew leader on a shift and may fill in for lower level or higher level employees as necessary. The Water Reclamation Professional Operator III operates granular activated carbon regeneration equipment, or other water processes.(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)
Knowledge of:
Plant processes, including the wastewater treatment process, and understanding of the collection system and its interaction with facility operations. High school mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; solving word problems using mathematical equations); high school algebra desirable. Emergency response plans and procedures.
Safety policies and procedures, e.g., Employee Safety Instruction Manual and applicable agency requirements.
Capabilities of machinery and equipment. Human Resources policies and procedures for the City, department, and division.
Proper protocol to follow in the case of an equipment or process malfunction, e.g., the person to contact to have equipment repaired.
Manpower requirements for each job. Proper techniques for obtaining, storing, and transporting laboratory samples. Chemical and biological treatment characteristics and wastewater process control strategies. Permits and regulations are applicable to the facilities.
Skill to:
Inspect equipment and determine if it is operating properly. Operate a personal computer in the performance of duties.
Monitor and adjust process equipment in the field and on SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) to ensure proper and safe operations. Operate and service auxiliary equipment at work location. Manually operate process and other related equipment. Monitor alarm systems.
Assist in the operation of remote-controlled equipment utilizing various computer software, including but not limited to SCADA, CMMS, Office Suite, and Eops, as well as effectively operating computer equipment and related hardware. Operate and maintain plant equipment in a safe manner (including skimming, shoveling, turning large valves, controlling high-pressure water hoses, climbing ladders, cleaning filters, and strainers).
Use various hand and power tools. Collect samples in various containers using tools or automated sampling equipment.
Attach and detach discharge hoses, place submersible pumps in tanks, pits, channels, etc. Opening and closing valves up to 96 inches in size, including those requiring overhand or hand-over-hand operation. Move containers of grit, screening, sludge, and similar materials using large equipment such as overhead cranes, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other tools. Transport, set up, and use hoses of varying sizes. Maintaining a clean work environment by following established protocols.
Wiping and washing equipment and adhering to assigned cleaning schedules. Operate assigned vehicles or equipment safely and in accordance with qualification standards.
Reading and interpreting gauges, diagrams, charts, and computer monitors. Perform calculations to solve practical and operational problems.
Operate and maintain wastewater analytical equipment and samplers. Conduct a variety of analytical tests, including those for permitted and process control samples.
Creating process-related reports using various software. Train other employees as needed, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and guidance.
Ability to:
Work in hazardous environments following safety protocols, including inclement weather. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with supervisors and coworkers. Keep accurate written and electronic records. Read and follow instructions.
Carry and maintain a city-issued communication device and monitor as required while on duty. Remain calm in stressful situations.
Respond to alerts from various sources, including telephone, alarm signals, visual alerts on SCADA, and unusual noises in the plant. Perform operational preventive maintenance tasks. Contact additional personnel as needed for staff shortages or maintenance emergencies. Lift up to 60 lbs.
Wear an air-supplied and/or filter respiratory protection device in a manner that provides the required protection against toxic fumes, oxygen deficiency, dust, and airborne particles. Climb and descend ladders. Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Interact with internal and external customers professionally. Serve as operator of record or backup operator of record. Compile permitted data from various sources, both electronic and written. Follow instructions for filling with staff shortages or calling in emergency coverage for various job classifications while maintaining proper records.
Examples of Work Performed(Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.)
Monitors the operation of various processes and equipment to ensure that the process is operating according to specifications and operating manuals.
Operates and make process adjustments using computerized control systems (SCADA). Performs maintenance for machinery (pumps, compressors, motors, chemical feed equipment, valves, etc.) and plant facilities to ensure normal, continuous operation of unit processes, related mechanical and control equipment.
Loads and unloads wastewater treatment chemicals. May mix chemicals to prepare solutions. Responds to telephone calls, messages and alarm signals for emergencies such as fluid leaks (chemicals, water, etc.), equipment changes and failures, process failures, high level alarms, etc. Working knowledge of current safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOP), and other procedures and professional practices required for completing job duties.
Identifies and eliminates unsafe practices and conditions and brings such matters to the attention of the crew leader or supervisor. Tours the assigned work location and grounds to check for unusual or faulty operation of pumps, motors, and equipment. May be required to drive a light truck, van, or car to various sites.
May perform laboratory analysis to evaluate treatment process, i.e., chlorine residual. Assist those contacted in the course of duty in an effective, efficient, and professional manner. May serve as Operator of Record (OOR) for a Class III facility or lower. May serve as Backup Operator of Record (BU OOR) for a Class IV facility or lower. Make process decisions in the absence of the Plant Supervisor based on current business/operational practices.
Leads or assists with coordinating contractor outages. Assists in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Assists with Capital Improvement Program (CIP) reviews and provides comments to supervision. Assists with training lower-level operators in preparation for EPA certification exams.
Supports Water Reclamation Operators with preparation for the Class III exam and lower level exams.
Promotional:
A Water Reclamation Professional Operator I, II or Water Reclamation Operator in Training possessing an Ohio Class III Water Reclamation Professional Operator Certification and 12 months of satisfactory performance with MSDGC will be promoted without exam to Water Reclamation Professional Operator III. There will be no probationary period.
Open:
Each applicant must have a minimum of 12 months of full-time experience in a comparable role, such as a Water Reclamation Professional Operator, within a wastewater treatment plant. Applicants must also possess a Class III Water Reclamation Professional Operator Certification issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) in wastewater treatment. The probationary period will be 12 months
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid Driver's License. Must hold a valid physical or digital copy of Ohio Water Reclamation Professional Operator II certificate. Must be willing to work 12-hour irregular shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Capability to work safely in confined spaces and at elevated heights. Certification in forklift operation may be required. Serves as technical lead on complex operational matters and acts as a peer leader. Supports a culture of continuous improvements and knowledge-sharing.
HR Contact: Stephanie.Jones@cincinnati-oh.govEnvironmental Conditions:
Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to extreme heat and extreme cold; exposure to computer screens; work in confined spaces, closely with others, with machinery, on ladders/scaffolds; work around moving objects/vehicles, on slippery or uneven surfaces; work with electrical energy; exposure to vibrations, noise, biological hazards, dust (silica, etc), fumes, smoke, gases, toxic chemicals; Tour plant often in inclement weather, over hard and slippery surfaces, while adhering to safety practices and procedures.
Physical Conditions:
Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged periods of time; moderate and heavy lifting and carrying; pulling, pushing, reaching; crawling, kneeling, bending, climbing; general manual dexterity required; must be able to operate all assigned machinery; must be able to operate assigned vehicle; must be able to maintain ability to pass annual respirator fit tests and have good hearing and vision.
