About this role
Salary: WWFG.06 $24.31 - $29.17 per hour
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. (EST)
*Hours may vary due to work assignments or projects.*
Work Location: 455 Moccasin Bend Rd
FLSA Status: This is a Non-Exempt position.
Department: WW - Pump Stations
SERIES LEVEL:
The Plant Operator 3 is the third level of a four-level wastewater plant operations series.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)
Utilize graphic displays for equipment and pump stations, and compare with computerized graphic displays to verify the validity and assign proper personnel to resolve problems indicated by computerized results.
May monitor the telemetry system for the plant and the collection system pump station equipment; verify the validity of computer telemetry.
Assist in coordinating the operation and maintenance of the treatment plant, stormwater stations, pump stations, and combined sewer overflow stations.
May provide assistance and/or back-up coverage at the oxygen generation plant and at primary and secondary pump stations.
Coordinates the resolution of wastewater plant operational problems to ensure efficient and safe plant operations.
May prepare and disseminate a variety of routine and legally mandated reports related to wastewater plant operations.
Serve as a lead to lower-level plant operators by monitoring work and providing direction and training.
Ensure that all daily samples, Chains-of-Custody, and Daily Reports correctly follow the State and Federal regulations before preparing and disseminating a variety of routine and legally mandated reports related to wastewater plant operations.
Routine duties involve highly skilled work of operating, maintaining, and monitoring wastewater (sludge) flows and stabilization in the treatment plant.
Specifically in solids, it involves the operation of high-volume, high-speed centrifuges in order to recycle the sludge into usable organic fertilizer. In order to do this, I must utilize computerized graphic displays for Centrifuges, conveyors, pumps, plus controlled chemical mixing and injection; then verify and interpret the process and direct proper personnel to resolve any problems (troubleshooting), ensuring efficient and safe plant operations.
May receive, investigate, resolve, and respond to complaints and potentially hazardous situations.
Answers phone after-hours when City residents call with questions regarding their sewer or sewer billing.
Provides excellent customer service when answering incoming telephone calls from customers, contractors, and vendors, while maintaining professional etiquette as a representative of the City.
Collects and analyzes a variety of field samples to ensure chemical feed rates, plant processes, and equipment performance are within designated operational ranges and functionality.
Issues a variety of emails to communicate plant performance or problems to the necessary personnel. Maintains daily logbook entries for required recordkeeping and for reference for other shifts.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.
This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or GED supplemented by vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment plant operations' or a related field and 2 years of work experience in a wastewater treatment plant, operating chemical processing equipment, clarifiers, collecting and lab testing samples, sludge inventory, adjusting flows and/or reading meters, or any equivalent combination of education, training/experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
OR
Two (2) years of water or wastewater operations experience and a Grade II Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus Wastewater Certification.
This is a career ladder position. This position will receive an automatic progression to Plant Operator 4 when the incumbent has achieved the required minimum qualifications and licenses/certifications for the next position in the series.
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Valid Driver’s License
Depending on the assignment, a State of Tennessee Grade II Collection System Certification or the ability to obtain it within twenty-four (24) months of the hire date.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of operation, maintenance and repair of major wastewater plant equipment, operations and facilities; wastewater treatment principles, methods and practices; operation and maintenance of a wide variety of tools and equipment utilized in the trade; mathematical concepts; safety rules, codes and regulations and safe work methods and precautions related to the work; methods and precautions in storing and handling chlorine and other hazardous gasses and chemicals; process control tests; telemetry systems; and preventative maintenance practices and procedures as applied to wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems.
Skill in prioritizing and assigning work; coordinating the repair and/or resolution of potentially hazardous situations; identifying and responding to wastewater system problems; preparing legally-mandated reports; using a computer and related software applications; operating wastewater treatment plant equipment; performing routine maintenance and making operating adjustments to wastewater equipment; cleaning facilities and equipment; recognizing unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions and taking appropriate action; reading and recording data from gauges and meters; performing routine control tests and adjust plant equipment accordingly; preparing and maintaining a variety of records and logs of work performed; and, communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises, and travel.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Safety Sensitive: Y
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: N
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This position requires pre-employment screening(s) that include: background check / drug screening / lift test / HepB Titer
The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
KJS 11.12.2026