Job Details

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

This is a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position with Carson City Public Works. Under general supervision, learns and performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation, inspection and performance of preventative maintenance on a variety of primary, secondary and tertiary plant equipment, plant sampling and other activities related to continuous operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

Salary ranges: Individuals may choose between the following Nevada PERS Retirement plans: Employer-Paid PERS: $24.5270 - $34.3376 hourly / $51,016.16 - $71,422.26 annually. Employee/Employer-Paid PERS: $29.5889 - $41.4245 hourly / $61,544.86 - $86,162.96 annually. To learn more about the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), click here. This position is covered by the Carson City Employees Association. The current collective bargaining agreement outlines the generous benefits offered to Carson City employees: click here.

Human Resources determines whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications for the job based on your experience as you describe it on your application. Do not substitute a resume for your application, or write "See Attached Resume" on your application. We do not review resumes, unless specifically stated on the job announcement. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education and Work Experience" section of the application. Applicants not meeting these requirements will not be considered for employment.

Examples of Duties

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Operates pumps, valves, and other equipment via computer, hand or mechanical means to regulate the flow of wastewater through various primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes.
• Maintains even flow to ensure maximum efficiency of plant equipment.
• Operates solid dewatering equipment to separate the liquids from the solids for disposal in the landfill.
• Operates, adjusts and performs basic maintenance on chemical mixing and feed equipment to ensure compliance with established guidelines.
• Inspects plant equipment, reports and records any failures or operating difficulties.
• Initiates work orders and requests repairs by writing work orders in computerized maintenance management system; ensures work orders are accurate and complete.
• Stops, starts and isolates equipment for maintenance repairs and for normal operation.
• Takes samples of wastewater, scum, grit, sludge and other materials and properly records chain of custody information for samples being delivered to the laboratory.
• Performs and coordinates basic maintenance on equipment as necessary to ensure compliance with discharge standards and operational need; reads meters, gauges, charts and instruments.
• Monitors and maintains chemical inventory; receives and unloads bulk chemicals, for plant operations and stores when appropriate.
• Performs record keeping functions such as logging information regarding plant operation, test results from process lab, maintenance work performed and unusual operating conditions in a logbook.
• Cleans equipment by using high-pressure water sprayers and associated cleaners.
• Uses common hand and power tools in the course of the work.
• Performs basic facility and grounds maintenance in the area of the treatment plant.
• Reads and interprets plant design drawings in order to provide troubleshooting assistance.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
• Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work; drives City vehicles to work sites, transports materials and assists other staff as required.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and City staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Typical Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience: Equivalent to a High School education or GED; AND one (1) year of journey-level experience in the operation and maintenance of mechanical/electrical equipment; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

• Valid Class C Driver's License.
• Nevada Water Environment Association (NWEA) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I Certificate within eighteen (18) months of date of employment.
• Must take pre-employment physical examination and Respiratory Fit Test.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of modern wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance. Understanding of the physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of wastewater treatment including microbiological and bacteriological analysis. Understanding of federal, state and local requirements and regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment. Understanding and adherence to standard traffic laws and ordinances, safety regulations, principles, practices, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and equipment related to the work. Tools and equipment used in the trade.

Skill in: Analyzing and evaluating chemical, biological and physical data and advising and coordinating appropriate corrective action when necessary. Identifying and resolving operational, technical and procedural problems and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Preparing clear and concise written reports. Operating an assortment of measurement tools, sampling equipment and laboratory instrumentation. Using computers and software packages. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all personnel contacted in the course of duties. Performing skilled maintenance work related to wastewater plant operations in a safe and efficient manner. Performing safe operation and maintenance of hand and power tools related to the work. Planning repair work with maintenance to determine procedures and priorities for equipment repairs. Safely driving a variety of vehicles. Maintaining accurate records of work performed.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Under General Supervision - Incumbents at this level are given assignments and objectives that are governed by specifically outlined work methods and a sequence of steps, which are explained in general terms. The responsibility for achieving the work objectives, however, rests with a superior. Incumbents are not required to apply theory or to use their own judgment. Immediate supervision is not consistent, but checks are integrated into work processes and/or reviews are frequent enough to ensure compliance with instructions.

Physical Demands & Working Environment: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Strength and mobility to work in a typical field or shop maintenance setting, including operating hand and power tools; stamina to perform sustained physical labor, including standing, walking, climbing and working in confined or awkward spaces; strength to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds with proper equipment; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over a radio or telephone. Work outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Work involves exposure to potentially hazardous fumes, solvents and liquids. Employees must maintain an active telephone. Employees must reside within 30 minutes of Carson City. Employees must be willing to work overtime, shifts, weekends and holidays. Required to be on-call.

Supplemental Information

Conditions of Employment:

1. All new employees will serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months. Such employees are not subject to the collective bargaining agreement and may be laid off or discharged during this period for any reason.

2. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

3. Any City employee may be required to stay at or return to work during emergencies to perform duties specific to this classification or to perform other duties as requested in an assigned response position. This may require working a non-traditional work schedule or working outside normal assigned duties during the incident and/or emergency.

4. Employees may be required to complete Incident Command System training as a condition of continuing employment.

5. New employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation which cost the new employee $56.25 and a drug screen which costs $36.50. Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug screen.

6. Carson City participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment with Carson City must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their