Wastewater Plant Operator

Requires successful completion of a background investigation, physical examination, and drug screening (including marijuana/THC) as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin. Primary Purpose Performs skilled and semi-skilled work associated with the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment equipment and facilities. Essential Job Functions Collects samples of raw and treated sewage and tests to monitor amounts of solids and pH of effluent at various stages of treatment, including final discharge. Logs test results, readings, and flow volumes to facilitate preparing various State and Federal compliance reports. Inspects, maintains, and operates a variety of equipment operated at the wastewater treatment plant. Monitors plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) system. Monitors plant system gauges and meters to ensure efficient plant operation not under SCADA system. Maintains wastewater treatment facilities and equipment including lubrication; performs preventive maintenance; makes minor repairs on a variety of pumps and control devices; performs general building maintenance and repair work including painting and performing general groundskeeping tasks. Cleans treatment plant operating areas, including bar screens, filter arms, digesters, and drying beds. Contributes effectively to the Public Works Department, communicates effectively with co-workers, both within the department as well as outside the department. Maintains satisfactory attendance to ensure duties are performed without negatively impacting co-workers or delivery of service to the public.

Minimum Qualifications Education:

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Experience:

Two years full-time work experience at a wastewater treatment facility is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possess and maintain a valid state issued driver's license. Missouri Class D Wastewater Operator's Certificate is required within six months of appointment. Physical Demands, Requirements, and Working Conditions This position works in both indoor and outdoor environments. Must possess the ability to operate a motor vehicle; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to heavy physical work in confined spaces; operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed manuals, materials, and work instructions; hearing and speech to communicate in-person and over the telephone or radio. Finger and hand dexterity is needed to safely operate equipment and tools. Employees regularly stand and walk. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, and reach when completing tasks at ground level and overhead. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, crawl, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, with the use of proper equipment. Employees work predominantly in an outdoor environment and are exposed to a variety of extreme weather conditions, exposed to loud noise levels, fumes, toxic chemicals, odors, and airborne particles; may work in cramped spaces and conditions with poor lighting and ventilation; susceptible to mechanical hazards associated with equipment and moving mechanical parts, and other hazards due to risk of electrical shock and vibration.