WWTP OPERATOR III

Position serves as a working foreman in operations, laboratory analysis, maintenance and repair of the wastewater treatment facilities and the collection system.

**This position has been classified as a safety sensitive position and is subject to our drug testing policy to include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident for the following prohibited substances: marijuana, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine, as well as any drug not approved for medical use by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.**

• Collects sewage and sludge samples for laboratory tests and analysis.
• Conducts tests on wastewater and sludge including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, suspended, dissolved and total solids, Chemical Oxygen Demand, TKN, nitrates, fecal coliform, calibration of dissolved oxygen and pH meters and other tests deemed necessary by the Wastewater Superintendent to maintain operational compliance.
• Collects samples for the WWTP operational controls and for the Industrial Pretreatment Program, and conducts test to monitor compliance with regulations.
• Inspects, maintains, and operates treatment facility machinery and equipment such as pumps, bar-screen, vacuums, aerators, compressors, motors, tractors, loaders, rotating bridges, composting equipment, and the belt press as assigned by the Wastewater Superintendent.
• Cleans equipment and filters making minor adjustments and repairs as required.
• Maintains a daily log of operations; reading gauges, observing flow, and recording the information.
• Inspects, maintains and operates laboratory facility machinery and equipment.
• Maintains WWTP landscaping, farm crops, and farm operations.
• Performs or delegates custodial work such as sweeping, mopping and scrubbing to keep buildings and equipment in a clean and orderly manner.
• Participates in the training of new operators in wastewater division under direction of Wastewater Superintendent.
• Attends short schools, training programs and seminars that will enhance ones knowledge of the safety, maintenance and operation of the WWTP and collection system as assigned by the Wastewater Superintendent.
• Maintains and performs a workable preventive maintenance program on all plant equipment, buildings, grounds and implements.
• Excavates with backhoe, bobcat, shovels, picks and other hand tools around sewer lines in order to expose problem areas. These areas may consist of exposing gas, water, electrical, cable and fiber optic lines prior to finding the city sewer line.
• Provides both written and oral reports to the Wastewater Superintendent.
• Directs daily activities of employees in the construction, maintenance and repair of the wastewater collection system and the treatment facility as assigned by the Superintendent or higher level Operator.
• Assist in the preparation of an annual budget for the wastewater division.
• Keeps current and up-to-date records on all O & M manuals for the wastewater division.
• Maintains orders and picks up spare parts, chemical inventories, supplies and materials needed for repair, maintenance and compliance of the wastewater division.
• Maintains records of collection and treatment processes maintenance and repairs.
• Performs all duties assigned to lower level operators when deemed necessary by the Wastewater Superintendent to maintain operational compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of hands on experience in the wastewater field.
• Must have or be able to obtain within a twelve (12) month period or next available testing date, a Level III Operators Certification of New Mexico

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid New Mexico Commercial Drivers’ license including the appropriate endorsements.
• Requires a New Mexico Class III Wastewater Operators Certificate.
• Experience in activated sludge treatment is preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• City of Clovis Personnel Manual, Department rules and regulations, state and federal regulations, EPA regulations

Skills in:

• Management, employee and customer relations, safe operation equipment such as computer, and printer.

Ability to:

• Plan and schedule daily operations and work load for employees. Understand and follow basic safety precautions, rules and regulations; interact diplomatically with public, establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationship with Police Dept, and other departments. Respond in the event of emergencies to assist Police Department and others.

Physical Requirements

• Moderately heavy work involving frequent standing, walking, balancing, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling and squatting; pushing, pulling and lifting items weighing up to 100 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Clovis policies. Essential duties are predominantly performed outdoors with exposure to all types of weather conditions. Employee is exposed to airborne particles, potentially toxic and/or caustic chemicals, and extreme temperatures, travel from site to site, work around traffic and heavy construction equipment. Use of safety shoes, glasses and other equipment is required. Due to the environmental sensitivity and requirements of operation of the facility the above milestones must be met to continue employment.