JOB DESCRIPTION FORM
COMPANY: Newport Utilities
DATE REVISED: 7/1/2009
JOB TITLE: Wastewater Plant Operator
REPORTS TO:
Wastewater Manager
PURPOSE OF THE JOB (Why is this job performed?):
The role of the Plant Operator is to perform the necessary operations which are required for safe
and effective processing of wastewater.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
1.
Become thoroughly familiar with and comply with all applicable safety, security, and
environmental rules and regulations, and company policies and procedures.
2.
Haul screenings of solid waste from head works to solid waste disposal container using
back hoe.
3.
Monitor the pumping process at each stage of treatment to insure continuous operation
and flow (i.e., equalization basin, aeration basins, solids levels in secondary clarifiers,
sand filters, nitrification tower, chlorine contact and thicken sludge for digestion and
dewatering.)
4.
Fill sodium hypochlorite tank and dilute as required.
5.
Mix polymer, run belt presses and sludge dryer, take sludge samples and haul sludge to
storage pad).
6.
Make minor repairs, or provide assistance to maintenance personnel to repair pumps.
7.
Cut grass and trim areas at wastewater plant and pump stations.
8.
Excellent attendance.
9.
Clean buildings and outside tanks as required.
10.
Shift rotation may be required.
11.
Subject to working overtime on short notice.
MARGINAL JOB DUTIES:
1. Perform light electrical maintenance.
2. Perform light plumbing maintenance to include soldering copper tubes for water lines, and
compressed air lines.
3. Assist Sewer Collection crew in making repairs.
4. Retrieve samples from industrial sites.
5. May drive dump truck for sludge disposal purposes or collection system repair. (CDL
Drivers License required.)
6. Pickup and deliver supplies and mail from Main Office and Operations Center.
7. Perform other duties as directed by supervisor.
REVIEW OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Frequently lift and carry up to 60 pounds at mid-thigh level (bags of polymer and buckets of
solid waste materials).
2. Constantly stand and walk for periods of approximately seven hours, as required to walk
between stations, clean filters, and monitor water treatment process.
3. Occasionally climb stairwells and ladders to top of 60 foot nitrification tower and bio-solids
silo to monitor processes or repair equipment.
4. Frequently stoop to pick up parts and motors and to access screens with rake when being
cleaned.
5. Occasionally twist in either direction when shoveling sludge and cleaning screens.
6. Frequently reach with arms extended out in front when operating lawn equipment, cleaning
screens or working on equipment.
7. Occasionally access areas which are out of direct line of vision and require some fine
manipulation with the fingers.
8. Possess adequate auditory and verbal skills to communicate with the Supervisor.
9. Possess sufficient visual acuity to read gauges, check screens, and monitor waste water
process.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:
1. Develop a tolerance for exposure to frequent changes in weather conditions (i.e., rain and
extremes in temperature).
2. Develop a tolerance for constant exposure to liquids and humidity.
3. Develop a tolerance for frequent exposure to extreme noises from machines in blower
buildings and pump houses.
4. Develop a tolerance for frequent exposure to vibrations caused by large pumps.
5. Develop a tolerance for odors from unprocessed wastewater and from pollen and dust from
roads and equipment.
6. Develop awareness for potential hazards from pumps and machines and practice caution
when working around them.
7. Develop awareness for potential hazards when climbing stairs to sludge handling and ladders
to nitrification tower, bio-solids silo, and other heights.
8. Develop awareness for potential hazards due to exposure from hazardous gases.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, OR LICENSES
REQUIRED (Identify each):
1. Possess a high school diploma or GED Certificate.
2. Must possess a Class IV Wastewater Operator License or acquire a Class III Wastewater
Operator License within 24 months from date of hire – as issued by the Tennessee
Department of Environment and Conservation.
3. Possess adequate reading ability to monitor flow meters and gauges.
4. Possess adequate written language ability to record readings.
5. Possess adequate mathematical ability to calculate data (addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division and logarithms).
6. Possess adequate computer skills to complete time sheets and other electronic reports as
required.
7. Must possess and maintain a valid TN drivers License. A CDL Drivers License is required
to drive large department trucks. (when applicable)