Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator at Nueces River Authority in Robstown, Texas

Job Description:

The Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator reports to the Director of Utilities under general supervision to perform complex operations and maintenance functions for the Authority’s wastewater treatment plant(s), pump stations, and related facilities.

He/she is responsible for:
1) Conducting daily on-site inspections of all materials and workmanship of ongoing construction projects.
2) Conducts test on construction materials as required by specifications.
3) Performs preventive maintenance, provides fuel and oil for generators at treatment plant(s) and pump stations.
4) Inspects, maintains and repairs air compressors, motors, pumps and injectors at treatment plant(s) and pump stations.
5) Maintains effective work procedures.
6) Effectively resolves on-the-job problems as they occur.
7) Maintains an adequate inventory of supplies and materials.
8) Arranges for repair or replacement of equipment that cannot be repaired by Authority staff.
9) Records and interprets data from flow meters, strip chart recorders, data loggers and the like.
10) Calculates dosages and meters chemicals to be injected.
11) Assures chemical pumps and lines are working properly.
12) Conducts analytical tests to document and check dosage of chemicals.
13) Makes adjustments to optimize efficiency.
14) Maintains computer and other reports on treatment plant operations.
15) Prepares daily and periodic reports.
16) Responds to alarms and call relating to treatment plant and pump station operations.
17) Provides training and assistance to other treatment plant and pump stations operations.
18) Participates in periodic cleaning of tanks and filters. Oversees the cleaning and maintenance of treatment plant buildings, lift stations and grounds.
19) Responds to customer complaints or questions regarding odors, and other related services.
20) Perform additional duties as may be assigned.

An applicant for a wastewater treatment plant operator should have a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma; 2 years of wastewater treatment plant experience OR 32 semester hours of College and 1 year experience; a valid Class “C” Ground Water or Wastewater Operators License issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Texas driver’s license or the ability to obtain in a reasonable time. Applicant must have knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and tools used to operate, maintain, monitor, and repair wastewater treatment plant and related pump stations and equipment; laws and regulations related to the treatment and transmission of wastewater; safety practices required in water and wastewater treatment operations; and regulations related to confined space entry requirements.

Must have the ability to:
1) Exercise good judgement, keep calm and make appropriate decision in emergency situations.
2) Read, understand, interpret and apply regulations related to wastewater standards.
3) Maintain treatment plants in accordance with permit requirements.
4) Collect samples; perform laboratory analysis and mathematical calculations.
5) Maintain and repair a variety of pumps station and treatment plant equipment, such as air compressors, injectors, valves, filters, generators, pumps, and motors.
6) Make minor adjustments to electrical and alarm equipment.
7) Operate a computer to input, access and analyze data.
8) Establish effective working relationships.
9) Lift items up to 50 pounds.

The position requires work in conditions with exposure to variable temperature and weather conditions; confined work spaces such as being lowered into and performing work in access holes; heights such as ladders and storage tanks; high levels of noise; electrical hazards; dust; exposure to toxic substances and chemicals. Applicant must have the ability to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays as well as respond to 24-hour emergency alarm or calls.