Lead Wastewater Operator

Summary

Under the direction of Operations Supervisor and/or the Plant Manager, performs, plans, organizes, manages, and supervises the operation, housekeeping, renewal, and monitoring of wastewater facilities and associated systems, including, but not limited to, headworks, liquid streams, solids handling, odor control, structures, SCADA, and lift stations; performs and/or manages a variety of work assignments to ensure acceptable asset condition, water quality, and health and safety standards are met or exceeded and performs and manages related work as required to ensure efficient and effective facility operations.

Pay Range: $34.00/hr - $43.00/hr (Depending on qualifications and experience)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned .

- Work collaboratively with the Operation Supervisor and the Plant Manager to manage treatment operators, assuring optimal process efficiency, proper monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
- Monitor facility operations by observation, collecting and testing samples, and reading instrumentation (SCADA) to ensure compliant and efficient operations.
- Perform and manage a range of treatment facility activities, including, but not limited to, operation of equipment, maintenance, monitoring systems, managing equipment performance and process data, process improvement, record keeping, and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) as necessary.
- Provide adequate, timely, and essential information for the preparation of the budgets, reports, and studies.
- Assist in preparing work schedules and monthly, annual, and special reports on treatment facility management, renewal, operation, and maintenance.
- Respond to stakeholder inquiries regarding facilities and odor complaints in a timely and effective manner.
- Train, lead, and mentor staff, including assisting in evaluating the performance of staff; provide leadership by example and be a positive role model for City of Garland employees.
- Create work order requests for needed repairs and renewal; coordinate with Maintenance Supervisor and plan, perform. and implement housekeeping procedures for treatment assets and lift stations (Includes inventory control and management).
- Vigilantly monitor the facility for any breaches of security and alert appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or supervisors, as appropriate for the situation.
- Maintain thorough logs and records in both written and electronic form as required; use these records to improve the function and efficiency of various operations.
- Maintain facility grounds and general housekeeping, as well as the appearance of the facility, in collaboration with other staff and outside contractors.
- Assess, plan, and monitor systems and assist during emergencies and scheduled shutdowns; troubleshoot, diagnose, and report problems; respond to emergencies; and schedule and coordinate responses, repairs, clean-up, remediation, etc.
- Observe safety guidelines as required by State statutes and as prescribed by the City of Garland. This includes identifying and mitigating safety hazards and assisting with the implementation of safety programs.
- Coordinate with personnel to receive shipments, monitor unloading processes, record into inventory, and check shipment documents for compliance with the standard.
- Learn and comply with applicable City of Garland policies and procedures.
- Assume the responsibilities of Operation Supervisor and subordinates as required.

Minimum Qualifications

- Possess eight (8) years of experience in wastewater treatment or a suitable combination of directly relevant education and experience, as determined by the City of Garland.
- Maintain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class A Wastewater Treatment Operator's License.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED.
- Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Must maintain an In-depth knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, compliance requirements, operations and maintenance requirements, and reporting/record keeping requirements, including the ability to troubleshoot wastewater equipment and processes and be knowledgeable in performing wastewater tests and interpreting results.
- Must communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with supervisors, peers, and subordinates to convey information.
- Maintain basic computer skills and electrical and mechanical knowledge.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.  Frequent work performed outside or with exposure to risk including exposure to hazardous chemicals, raw sewage, communicable diseases, loud or constant noise, electricity, humidity, wetness, extreme temperatures, heights, odors, gases, mists, confined spaces, climbing ladders, cramped spaces, and inherent construction related hazards.  Position is subject to 24-hour call out, 365 days per year.