This employee may serve as an operational crew leader and as an operator of record or backup operator of record. This employee is responsible for monitoring the proper operation of and controlling the various processes and equipment in a facility, including wastewater plants, pump stations, and wet weather facilities. Ensure permit compliance. May perform process maintenance tasks to ensure normal, continuous operations. Performs related duties as required. Maintain clean and safe work environment. On-the-job training of other personnel may be required for this position
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
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 I 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 I may operate all process equipment within a wastewater treatment plant, high-rate treatment plant, or collection system control facility.(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., Safety Policies and Procedures 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. Staffing 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. Recognize and respond to process conditions that may lead to process failures or problems. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with supervisors and coworkers.
Keep accurate written and electronic records. 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. Supports the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) through data gathering.
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 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 wastewater treatment processes and equipment (such as SCADA) and makes necessary adjustments to computerized control systems to ensure that the process is operating according to specifications and operating manuals; takes necessary steps such as responding to telephone calls, computer messages, and alarm signals for process or equipment failures and changes. Collects regular readings from equipment as assigned; collects water samples and processes them appropriately; performs laboratory analyses as assigned.
Writes work orders; enters work requests into computerized work order/maintenance system. Plans, directs, coordinates, and oversees the operation of a treatment plant to ensure that daily routines, procedures, and methods are being carried out properly. Directs, trains, and observes the work of lower-level personnel in the daily operation of a plant facility. Fills in for supervisory personnel as directed; fills in for lower-level personnel as necessary. Operates facilities and equipment necessary for flood control. Under the direction of a supervisor, displays a working knowledge of current safety policies, instructions for proper usage, and other procedures and professional practices required for completing job duties. Identifies and eliminates unsafe practices and conditions. May oversee or perform laboratory analysis to evaluate treatment process. Operates a fork lift.
Assists those contacted in the course of duty in an effective, efficient, and professional manner. May serve as OOR (Operator of Record) for Class I Facility or Lower. May Serve as BU OOR (Back up Operator of Record) for Class II facility or lower. Make process decisions in the absence of a Plant Supervisor based on current business/operational practices. Assist Water Reclamation Operator in Training with Class I exam preparation.
Promotional:
A Water Reclamation Operator in Training possessing an Class I Water Supply Professional Operator Certification and one year of satisfactory performance will be promoted without exam to Water Reclamation Professional Operator I. There will be no probationary period.
Open:
Each applicant must have a minimum of one year 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 I Wastewater Operator Certification or higher 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 Class I license. The operator will be automatically promoted to the operator position that is associated with their certification. Failure to maintain the Ohio Class I Water Reclamation Professional Operator certification may result in disciplinary action. Must be willing to work 12-hour irregular shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to work in confined spaces and at elevated heights. Certification in forklift operation may be required. Must be able to remove facial hair as needed to ensure proper use and fit of a respirator. Must demonstrate competency in routine operational and safety procedures.
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.
