HEAD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR
(LARGE PLANT)
61557
(Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for directing the operation and coordinating maintenance of larger wastewater treatment plants with design flows in excess of 10 million gallons/day as well as major on site pumping stations. Under administrative supervision, an employee in this classification is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance coordination of either; a large advanced wastewater treatment facility of multi-million dollar value and requiring 24 hour staffing or, the centralized bio-solids treatment/management including the transportation of bio- solids from outlying plants. During periods of leave, an employee in this classification will assume responsibility for both of these functions. Assignments are received with general guidance and support from a Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, but employees use their own judgement in planning methods and procedures and in dealing with emergency conditions. Supervision is exercised over a substantial number of subordinates included CDL drivers assigned to bio-solids hauling operations. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Maintains plant effluent concentrations within State and Federal discharge permit limits to safeguard public health, works to minimize odor generation.
Notifies regulatory agencies when major equipment out of service creates loss of treatment plant capacity and/ or facility is experiencing compliance or odor issues.
Prepares, maintains and present reports on plant operation, maintenance; including monthly NetDMR and facility reports.
Interprets lab results, takes corrective action to control aerobic and anaerobic plant processes, determines chemical dosing rates, recycle rates, wasting rates, feeding rates to anaerobic digesters, monitors and adjusts temperature of anaerobic digesters, oversees sludge dewatering and drying.
Works with suppliers and venders to coordinate chemical deliveries, bio-solids removal, grease removal, chemical tank cleanings, etc.
Supervises on site generation and utilization of methane gas, pure oxygen; and dosing of Sodium Hypochlorite, Sodium Bisulfite, Poly-Aluminum Chloride, Ferrous Chloride, Ferric Chloride, Cationic polymers and Anionic polymers.
Assists with capital improvement planning by justifying equipment replacement through likelihood of failure and consequence of failure metrics.
Oversees the preparation of Maximo work orders for coordination with Maintenance and Instrumentation and Electrical divisions for scheduling of preventative/ corrective maintenance, as well as non-routine inspections and repairs. As required supervises the maintenance and repair of plant equipment.
Supervises and coordinates staff engaged in the transportation of solids from outlying treatment facilities.
Maintains inventory of plant process chemicals and laboratory supplies.
Requisitions materials, writes specifications for equipment required.
Reviews chemical, bio-solids, and grease invoices for accuracy.
Prepares justification for additional staffing when new processes are brought on line or plants needs change.
Oversees the department’s staffing and oversight for the central call station/dispatch for SCADA alarms and notifications for all WEP facilities/ assets including the collection system.
Prepares and manages annual operating budget.
Prepares and administers operating schedule to provide personnel coverage as mandated or required for emergencies.
Supervises, mentors, trains, counsels and evaluates personnel.
Participates in the mentoring, training and evaluation of Head Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators assigned to smaller locations.
Writes and teaches plant operating and maintenance procedures.
Prepares and implements emergency procedures.
Reviews and interprets plans and specifications for plant and pumping station construction or modification, makes recommendations, conducts inspections and generates discrepancy reports.
Cooperates and accommodates construction projects and their day to day interference with routine activities and treatment capacity while maintaining permit compliance.
Conducts plant tours for regulatory agencies, legislators, students, consultants and other groups.
Enforcement of County work rules, etc.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices used and equipment required in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
Comprehensive knowledge of chemicals used in wastewater treatment and safety precautions pertaining to their usage.
Comprehensive knowledge of sludge handling, treatment and disposal.
Comprehensive knowledge of treatment plant safety.
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of physics, chemistry, hydraulics and bacteriology as applied to wastewater treatment and disposal.
Thorough knowledge of operation of digital control systems, such as Cimplicity HMI/Scada operation.
Good knowledge of principles of sanitary engineering as they relate to the operation of a Grade 4A treatment plant.
Good knowledge of state and federal regulations as related to wastewater treatment and disposal.
Good knowledge of NYS Public Employees Safety and Health Act.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and control the productivity of a large work force of diversified talents engaged in the operation and repair or mechanical equipment.
Ability to effectively use charts, graphs, and trends in order to analyze historical data for use in developing proposals for process and operational efficiencies.
Ability to develop and troubleshoot issues with data spread sheets and databases used to generate required reports.
Ability to think critically in time of duress and react calmly to negative situations.
Ability to train subordinates to develop job skills.
Ability to teach subordinates in plant operation and maintenance.
Ability to motivate employees to full productivity.
Ability to start up and shut down complete treatment plants and or processes there in.
Ability to make emotionally mature, rational decisions in emergencies and in personnel matters.
Available 24 hours a day.
Ability to participate in rotational on-call program to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotion:
One (1) year of permanent competitive class status as a Head Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator; or,
Three (3) years of permanent competitive class status as a Principal Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Open Competitive:
Three (3) years of full-time supervisory work experience in the management and operation of a wastewater treatment plant of at least 3.0 million gallons/ day design capacity.
SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT
Appointees to this position must possess a 4A certificate issued under the provisions of part 650 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Regulation at time of appointment.
Possession of a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Operator's License at the time of appointment.
08/2022 Written