Job Description: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, II, and III
A. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I
Salary Range: 14.00/hr – 17.50/hr
FLSA: Nonexempt
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Maintains and operates the District’s wastewater treatment system in a safe, effective and efficient
manner; requires technical expertise. Duties include operating wastewater treatment plant, which
requires making process control changes as necessary, performing tests on wastewater samples,
and maintaining facilities and equipment. Must be able to effectively communicate and speak
English.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
1. Reports to: Chief Operator
2. Directs: This is a non-supervisory position
3. Other: Works integrally with District employees and District customers and contractors.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Observes variations in operating conditions and records them in a daily log;
Collects samples at various locations throughout the plant for lab analysis;
Monitors all equipment and components such as clarifiers, aeration basins, belt presses, bar
screens, chemical feeders, pumps and meters, conveyors, and other units to make sure they are
operating as they should;
Assists in adjusting dosage rates of chlorine, sulfur dioxide, polymer and other chemicals as they
are needed in the treatment process;
Performs routine tests on water samples according to job duty and function, such as pH, D.O.,
chlorine levels, sulfur dioxide levels, temperature, and records the results. Report any results that
are not within our permit parameters;
* for the purpose of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
This job description does not take into account potential reasonable accommodations.
Assists in cleaning of equipment, clarifiers, aeration basins, weirs, pumps, screens, and other
miscellaneous equipment;
Assists in some maintenance and repair of various equipment;
Operates light equipment, such as bobcat, forklift and drives truck as necessary;
Assists in keeping a daily log of operations and test results;
Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of methods, practices, and equipment used in wastewater treatment plants;
appropriate laboratory analysis, including activated sludge wastewater process, solids treatment,
and safety procedures and first aid.
Handle dangerous chemicals; understand and follow detailed oral or written instructions;
demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; work with direct supervision;
attend and understand technical courses; perform basic mathematical calculations; assume
responsibilities for complete operation of treatment plant; operate specialized equipment; detect
and repair, or report for repair, problems in equipment operations; establish and maintain effective
working relationships with co-workers; tolerate outside conditions, including exposure to adverse
weather conditions; and maintain appropriate necessary certifications, Texas driver’s license
applicable to job responsibilities, and a good driving record.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
High School graduate or GED equivalent; plus one to three years of experience in wastewater
treatment plant operations; or an equivalent combination of experience and training which
provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED
TCEQ wastewater class “C” license required and appropriate Texas driver’s license with good
driving record.
PROGRESSION TO
Operator II and TCEQ wastewater class “B” certification
* for the purpose of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
This job description does not take into account potential reasonable accommodations.
B. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II
Salary Range: $17.50/hr - $19.00/hr
FLSA: Nonexempt
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Maintains and operates the District’s wastewater treatment system in a safe, effective and efficient
manner; requires technical expertise. Duties include operating wastewater treatment plant, which
requires making process control changes as necessary, performing tests on wastewater samples,
and maintaining facilities and equipment. Must be able to effectively communicate and speak
English.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
1. Reports to: Chief Operator
2. Directs: This is a non-supervisory position
4. Other: Works integrally with District employees and District customers and contractors.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Responsible for switching pumps and chlorination or sulfur dioxide regulators as needed;
Adjusts valves and pumps and other equipment and units in the treatment plant in order to
maintain the proper levels of sludge, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, MLSS, flow rate, and chemical feed
rates in the treatment process;
Makes process control decisions in the treatment plant according to lab test results and other tests
that are done in the plant. This will involve turning on or off pumps or opening or closing valves
and directing the flow of water through the treatment plant;
Makes process decisions as needed in emergency situations which require immediate action to
prevent potential plant upset or permit violations;
Determine chemical feed rates for chlorine, sulfur dioxide, polymer and other chemicals as
needed in the treatment process;
Observes variations in operating conditions and records them in a daily log;
Collects samples at various locations throughout the plant for lab analysis;
* for the purpose of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
This job description does not take into account potential reasonable accommodations.
Monitors all equipment and components such as clarifiers, aeration basins, belt presses, bar
screens, chemical feeders, pumps and meters, conveyors, and other units to make sure they are
operating as they should;
Performs routine tests on water samples according to job duty and function, such as pH, D.O.,
chlorine levels, sulfur dioxide levels, temperature, and records the results. Report any results that
are not within our permit parameters;
Assists in cleaning of equipment, clarifiers, aeration basins, weirs, pumps, screens, and other
miscellaneous equipment;
Assists in some maintenance and repair of various equipment;
Operates light equipment, such as bobcat, forklift and drives truck as necessary;
Assists in keeping a daily log of operations and test results;
Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of methods, practices, and equipment used in wastewater treatment plants;
appropriate laboratory analysis, including activated sludge wastewater process, solids treatment,
and energy recovery; and safety procedures and first aid.
Handle dangerous chemicals; understand and follow detailed oral or written instructions;
demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; work with direct supervision;
attend and understand technical courses; perform more advanced mathematical calculations;
assume responsibilities for complete operation of treatment plant; and have an understanding of
lab procedures and how they relate to operations; operate specialized equipment; detect and
repair, or report for repair, problems in equipment operations; establish and maintain effective
working relationships with co-workers; tolerate outside conditions, including exposure to adverse
weather conditions; and maintain appropriate necessary certifications, Texas driver’s license
applicable to job responsibilities, and a good driving record.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
High School graduate or GED equivalent; plus three to five years of experience in wastewater
treatment plant operations; or an equivalent combination of experience and training which
provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED
TCEQ wastewater class “B” license required, and appropriate Texas driver’s license with good
driving record.
* for the purpose of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
This job description does not take into account potential reasonable accommodations.
PROGRESSION TO:
Operator III and TCEQ wastewater class “A” certification.
C. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III
Salary Range: $19.00/hr - $25.00/hr
FLSA: Nonexempt
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Maintains and operates the District’s wastewater treatment system in a safe, effective and efficient
manner; requires technical expertise. Duties include operating wastewater treatment plant, which
requires making process control changes as necessary, performing tests on wastewater samples,
and maintaining facilities and equipment. Must be able to effectively communicate and speak
English.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
1. Reports to: Chief Operator
2. Directs: This is a non-supervisory position
5. Other: Works integrally with District employees and District customers and contractors.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
The ability to troubleshoot a problem in the operation of the treatment plant and make the
necessary changes to correct the problem;
The ability to do process control tests and understand the results and make changes in the
treatment plant as needed in order to make sure each unit in the plant is operating as it was
designed to;
Must be able to fill out reports, make sure all daily logs are complete, and report any changes in
the treatment plant to the Chief Operator;
Must have a good understanding of state requirements for wastewater treatment and understand
the permit of the facility that you are working at;
Must be able to teach the apprentice and other operators the treatment process, the lab tests that
are done, and the adjustments that have to be made in the plant daily;
* for the purpose of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
This job description does not take into account potential reasonable accommodations.
Responsible for switching pumps and chlorination or sulfur dioxide regulators as needed;
Adjusts valves and pumps and other equipment and units in the treatment plant in order to
maintain the proper levels of sludge, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, MLSS, flow rate, and chemical feed
rates in the treatment process;
Makes process control decisions in the treatment plant according to lab test results and other tests
that are done in the plant. This will involve turning on or off pumps or opening or closing valves
and directing the flow of water through the treatment plant;
Makes process decisions as needed in emergency situations which require immediate action to
prevent potential plant upset or permit violations;
Observes variations in operating conditions and records them in a daily log;
Collects samples at various locations throughout the plant for lab analysis;
Monitors all equipment and components such as clarifiers, aeration basins, belt presses, bar
screens, chemical feeders, pumps and meters, conveyors, and other units to make sure they are
operating as they should;
Performs routine tests on water samples according to job duty and function, such as pH, D.O.,
chlorine levels, sulfur dioxide levels, temperature, and records the results. Report any results that
are not within our permit parameters; and make necessary changes in order to meet permit limits.
Assists in cleaning of equipment, clarifiers, aeration basins, weirs, pumps, screens, and other
miscellaneous equipment;
Assists in some maintenance and repair of various equipment;
Operates light equipment, such as bobcat, forklift and drives truck as necessary;
Assists in keeping a daily log of operations and test results;
Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of methods, practices, and equipment used in wastewater treatment plants;
appropriate laboratory analysis, including activated sludge wastewater process, solids treatment,
and energy recovery; and safety procedures and first aid.
Handle dangerous chemicals; understand and follow detailed oral or written instructions;
demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; work with direct supervision;
attend and understand technical courses; perform advanced mathematical calculations; assume
responsibilities for complete operation of treatment plant; be familiar with design criteria and plant
* for the purpose of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
This job description does not take into account potential reasonable accommodations.
design; operate specialized equipment; detect and repair, or report for repair, problems in
equipment operations; must be able to fill in for the chief operator when necessary; establish and
maintain effective working relationships with co-workers; tolerate outside conditions, including
exposure to adverse weather conditions; and maintain appropriate necessary certifications,
Texas driver’s license applicable to job responsibilities, and a good driving record.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
High School graduate or GED equivalent; plus four to six years of experience in wastewater
treatment plant operations; or an equivalent combination of experience and training which
provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED
TCEQ wastewater class “B” license required and appropriate Texas driver’s license with good
driving record.
PROGRESSION TO
TCEQ wastewater class “A” certificate and ability to fill in for the Chief Operator when necessary.
* for the purpose of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
This job description does not take into account potential reasonable accommodations.