CITY OF ATHENS
JOB POSTING—INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
WATER OR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR
UTILITIES—WATER SERVICES

Posting Date:  1/4/2023                                                        
Closing Date: 1/31/2023 @ 4:30 pm
 Classification: Non-exempt                                                                     
Grade:  12,13,14, or 17 depending on experience and certifications

Applications received from last posting will still be considered and applicants will not need to re-apply at this time          

JOB SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for the operation of the city’s water or wastewater treatment plant facilities. An employee in this position may be designated “Treatment Plant Operator I,” “Treatment Plant Operator II,” or “Treatment Plant Operator III.”  Will become dual certified to operate both plants.  

MAJOR DUTIES:   

WASTEWATER:   Collects samples and performs laboratory tests of wastewater to ensure compliance with ADEM guidelines. Makes operational adjustments as needed to ensure treatment standards are maintained.  Operates pumps to accomplish needed recirculation, sludge wasting and transfers, and flow routing.  Maintains a detailed log of all conditions and activities pertaining to plant operations.   Monitors and operates the SCADA system.   Checks UV system for adequate lighting; reports problems to supervisor.  Checks valves, gates, pumps, switches, and other plant equipment and preforms routine and scheduled preventive maintenance.  Assists in the maintenance of pumping equipment, UV systems, chemical feed system, blowers, aeration equipment and equipment at the headworks. Maintains plant grounds.  Maintains plant facilities, including cleaning, sweeping, and mopping floors.  Maintains and completes records and logs.  Performs the duties of a Water Treatment Plant Operator as assigned.  Performs related duties. 

WATER:   Collects samples and performs laboratory tests of water, to include pH, alkalinity, iron, manganese, chlorine residuals, fluoride, color, turbidity, carbon dioxide, etc.  Adjusts chemicals as necessary to maintain optimum system performance.  Monitors water tank levels and makes flow rate changes to meet system demands.  Monitors, operates, adjusts, and repairs plant equipment, including pumps, motors, valves, flocculators, and chemical feeders. Performs facilities maintenance; washes out basins, clear wells, and intake structure wet well.  Monitors and evaluates a variety of variables to determine the best course of action to produce clean and safe potable water.  Maintains plant grounds.  Maintains plant facilities, including cleaning sweeping and mopping floors.  Unloads chemical deliveries; fills chemical storage tanks.  Maintains and completes records and logs.  Performs the duties of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  18 year or older.  High School Diploma, GED and/or equivalent work experience.  Valid Alabama Driver’s license. Sufficient experience usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.  Possession of or ability to readily obtain Grade IV water and Grade IV wastewater certifications.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:  Knowledge of treatment plant equipment, processes, and procedures.  Knowledge of federal and state regulations relevant to the treatment of water or wastewater.  Knowledge of treatment plant operations and maintenance.  Knowledge of sampling and laboratory analysis principles.  Knowledge of chemistry and biology.  Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.   Skill in the operation and maintenance of a treatment facility. Skill in ensuring compliance with complex regulations.   Skill in the collection and analysis of samples.  Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.  Skill in oral and written communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.   The work is typically performed in a water treatment plant, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc. Physical strength, ability, and mobility to perform all essential job functions with or without accommodation.  Must be willing to work overtime, non-standard work hours, holidays, shifts, and weekends as necessary.  Must be willing to be on-call. 

City Application Required.  Apply at City of Athens Human Resources Dept., City Hall Municipal Offices, located 200 W. Hobbs St, Athens.  Inquiries: 256-233-8737.  The City of Athens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all facets of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  All reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified applicants.  The City is a drug-free workplace.  Pre-employment drug screen and physical required. The City of Athens does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services, programs, or activities.