Wastewater Operator Technician - City of Lancaster, PA : Job Details

Operates wastewater treatment equipment and all phases of sludge treatment.* Follows safe practices in the performance of duties.* Operates wastewater treatment and plant equipment, including raw sewage pumps, motors, grit chambers, mechanical and manual screens, clarifiers, valves and oxygen generation system.* Regulates and adjusts motors, flow meters, chlorinators, pumps and valves.* Takes samples and performs calculations according to regulations set forth by the Department of Environmental Protection.* Takes various readings from equipment and makes appropriate entries in plant logs.* Operates the computer system to monitor and control the plant sludge process.* Operates all phases of sludge treatment, including the use of pumps, thickening, belt presses, and lime stabilization process equipment and chemical conditioning* Assists with all maintenance repairs in the mechanical and electrical fields as required.* Performs shift maintenance of all sludge handling and operations.* Performs custodial duties as assigned.Education, Training and Experience* A High School diploma, completion of vocational school or a GED accompanied with at least three (3) years experience as a wastewater plant operator or sludge technician is preferred; a Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry or related field is highly desirable.Licenses and Certificates* Possession of a current, valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required.* Possession of a valid, current Class A1 subclass wastewater operators certification as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or pass test of such certification no later than 3 years* Knowledge of safe practices related to Public Works.* Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in the treatment and sludge processes of a wastewater treatment plant is preferred.* Considerable knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment and the operational and safety hazards associated with this equipment is preferred.* Some knowledge of chemistry and biology as applied to wastewater and sludge treatment is preferred.* Working knowledge of all plant computer monitoring and control systems including lime stabilization areas is preferred.* Proven ability to take readings, check records and make mathematical computations is preferred.* Successful completion of a work-related plant operator test administered by the Bureau of Human Resources is required.* Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets is required.* Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English is required.* Ability to read and write legibly.* Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others is required.* Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations is required.* Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs is required.* Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement is required.Environmental Conditions* Indoors, environmentally controlled.* Outdoor, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature.* Exposure to noise, pollution.Safety Equipment Used or Needed* Personal Protective Equipment such as hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear, steel toed safety shoes, rain boots and respirators.Comments* Requires standing, bending, walking, sitting and climbing in the performance of duties up to eight (8) or more hours a day.* Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.* Requires occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.* Requires the operation of automotive vehicles and other power equipment.* Requires walking, standing, kneeling and climbing stairs.* Requires working under adverse conditions, which may involve unpleasant odors.* Requires working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.* This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.