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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTreatment Plant Operator - Wastewater TreatmentUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Treatment Plant Operator – Wastewater Treatment Department: Public Works Division: Wastewater Supervisor: Assistant Superintendent – Wastewater / Wastewater Superintendent FLSA: Non-Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 10 Job Number: 1006 Job Summary Under general direction, operates and monitors City wastewater treatment plant machines and equipment to control wastewater treatment processes in compliance with State permit requirements. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Monitors and inspects process control equipment via computer and visual inspection to ensure proper operation, troubleshoots issues and reports operational problems to supervisors. • Reads gauges and dial instrumentation and makes adjustments if needed. • Collects wastewater and industrial samples and conducts laboratory analysis of wastewater influent and effluent to monitor and adjust the treatment process to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. • Prepares and maintains sampling equipment for specific locations and parameters. • Computes and records process control data and lab data on appropriate daily and monthly forms, enters data into the computer. • Inspects equipment daily including drip traps, water seals, samplers, chemical feeding devices, oilers, and filters. • Performs routine maintenance on process control equipment to ensure proper operation, makes minor repairs to hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical equipment. • Compiles daily log of maintenance work performed at the plant, the personnel available, any unusual plant conditions and any process control changes. • Operates heavy equipment such as tractors, boom truck, end loaders, lifts, and dump trucks. • Operates and maintains belt filter presses, polymer equipment, sludge pumps and related sludge handling equipment. • Implements preventative maintenance programs. • Dispatches sewer and plant maintenance personnel in the plant and community. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Works ten-hours per day shifts on a monthly cycle, including weekends. • Participates on the safety committee. • Monitors security cameras, ensures all doors are locked and unlocked. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or two years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in wastewater treatment. • State of Iowa DNR Grade II Wastewater Operator certificate. Forklift certification required within two years of appointment. Satisfactory driving record. Valid State of Iowa commercial driver’s license instruction permit upon first day in position. Valid State of Iowa Class B commercial driver’s license with air brake and tank endorsements within 6 months of hire. Meet federal drug testing requirements. Requires a pre-employment drug screen. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. • Ability to operate heavy equipment such as tractors, boom truck, end loaders, lifts, and dump trucks. • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and calculate process control formulas and perform lab data computations. • Ability to prepare written logs and records. • Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals, gauges, charts, graphs, flow schematics and blueprints, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. • Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions and regulations. • Knowledge of wastewater treatment process and related controls for operating activated sludge and trickling filter process. • Skill in computer operations for monitoring and operating process control equipment. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Supervision No supervision of direct reports. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee regularly lifts and/or moves 25 pounds and will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, and traffic hazards. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, insect stings, animals, and communicable diseases. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves more than moderate exposure to dangerous situations. Involves more than moderate exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Ron Knoche, Public Works Director (4/2024) Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) I have read and understand the duties of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________