Assistant Plant Operator

To assist in the operation and control of plant processes and equipment necessary to clarify, treat, and disinfect wastewater discharged to receiving waters. High School Diploma or Equivalent Ohio EPA Class I Water Treatment Operator's License or must obtain Ohio EPA Class I Water Treatment Operator's License within three years from date of hire. When an Ohio EPA Class I Water Treatment License is obtained the assistant plant operator pay range 06 will become plant operator pay range 08. Valid Ohio Driver's License Must have or obtain a commercial driver's license with all applicable endorsements within four hundred eighty (480) working hours from date of hire Core Competencies Process Monitoring and Control Ability to monitor control panels, adjust valves and gates, start and stop pumps, engines, and generators, and turn air valves to regulate the flow of sewage and control operating conditions in wastewater treatment processes. This includes interpreting meter and gauge readings, conducting laboratory tests, and making operational process changes under the direction of the Shift Operator. Maintenance and Repair Skill in performing routine plant maintenance tasks, cleaning and painting plant equipment and facilities, and identifying and reporting the need for major equipment repairs. Additionally, capability to make minor equipment repairs, such as replacing seals, rings, gaskets, and performing other maintenance duties as assigned. Assistance and Learning Willingness to assist the Shift Operator in various tasks, accompany them to learn procedures for removing obstructions, accelerating influent through screening processes, and making daily sludge draws to the digesters. This competency involves actively participating in learning opportunities and applying acquired knowledge in daily operations. Communication and Documentation Ability to understand and communicate written instructions, maintain logs of operations, record meter and gauge readings, and document test results. This includes effectively communicating with supervisors and colleagues regarding operational changes, maintenance needs, and any issues encountered during the shift. Safety and Reliability Commitment to following supervisor's instructions, tolerating stress, and maintaining a responsible attendance record. This involves adhering to safety protocols, avoiding violent behavior that threatens the safety of other employees, and reporting to work punctually and regularly to ensure the continuous operation of the wastewater treatment plant. Essential Responsibilities Monitors control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow of sewage, under direction of Shift Operator. Starts and stops pumps, engines, and generators to control flow of raw sewage through filtering, settling, aeration, and sludge digestion processes, under direction of Shift Operator. Maintains log of operations and records meter and gauge readings. May collect sewage sample, using dipper or bottle and conduct laboratory tests, using testing equipment, such as colorimeter, pH Meter, D.O. Meter, Sludge Indicator. Makes daily sludge draws to the Digesters as required. Assists Shift Operator in the pumping of scum when needed and the hauling of scum and screenings to the landfills. Cleans and paints portions of the plant equipment or facilities, and performs routine plant maintenance, and other tasks as assigned. Reports need for major equipment repairs and/or makes lesser repairs his/herself, by replacing seals, rings, gaskets, plugging, etc. Accompanies Shift Operator II to learn how to remove obstructions, such as coarse materials from Bar Screens, and to accelerate influent through initial screening process. Turns air valves to aerate effluent, and control temperature in sludge digestion tanks. Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and tests results to determine load requirements. Receives direction from Shift Operator II prior to making operational process changes. Perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in division. Ability to understand and communicate written instructions. Related and other duties as required. Responsible to self-initiate activities consistent with the City of Sandusky's and department's goals and objectives. Must report for work at required time and date and maintain a responsible attendance record. The ability to follow a supervisor's instructions, tolerate certain levels of stress, and attend work on a punctual, regular basis. The avoidance of violent behavior that threatens the safety of other employees.

Physical Demands Light Work:

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally (

Occasionally:

activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time), and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently (

Frequently:

activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (

Constantly:

activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree, or requires some sitting but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls, or requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.

Environmental Conditions Both:

Inside and outside. A job is considered "both" if the activities occur inside or outside in approximately equal amounts.

Wet and Humid:

Wet:

Contact with water or other liquids.

Humid:

Atmospheric condition with moisture content sufficiently high to cause marked bodily discomfort.

Noise and Vibration:

Sufficient noise, either constant or intermittent, to cause marked distraction or possible injury to the sense of hearing, and/or sufficient vibration (production of an oscillating movement or strain on the body or its extremities from repeated motion or shock) to cause bodily harm if endured day after day.

Hazards:

Situations in which the individual is exposed to the definite risk of bodily injury.

Exposure to:

Odors, toxic conditions, dust, or poor ventilation.