Plant Operator I Wastewater

Full-time - Entry Level

New Braunfels, TX

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Plant Operator I position at New Braunfels Utilities is an entry-level role designed for individuals looking to develop their skills in the operation of wastewater treatment systems. This position involves working under the supervision of more experienced Plant Operators (II, III, or Sr.) and focuses on achieving competency in various technical tasks essential for the effective functioning of the wastewater treatment facilities, including the North and South Kuehler, Gruene Road, and Sam C. McKenzie treatment plants. The operator will be responsible for operating and adjusting controls on wastewater treatment equipment and machinery, which includes valves, pumps, chlorinators, chemical feeders, and motors. In addition to operating equipment, the Plant Operator I will perform process control laboratory tests to monitor critical parameters such as chlorine residuals, pH, temperature, ammonia, phosphorus, total suspended solids (TSS), and dissolved oxygen. Regular inspections and minor maintenance of treatment plant equipment are also part of the job, along with assisting maintenance technicians with major repairs when necessary. The operator will be expected to maintain cleanliness at the treatment sites, including cleaning algae from clarifier troughs and skimming floatable solids from processes. Monitoring the wastewater system through the SCADA system and responding to alarms is a critical responsibility. The operator will log meter readings, chemical usage, and maintenance activities daily, ensuring accurate records are kept. Daily rounds at the treatment plants will involve inspecting treatment equipment and machinery, calibrating analyzers, and verifying the accuracy of laboratory equipment. The role also includes dewatering biosolids using a belt filter press and operating a skid steer to manage screened solids. The Plant Operator I will be expected to assist in changing out chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders and perform other duties as assigned, all while adhering to safety guidelines and maintaining effective communication with co-workers and the public.

Responsibilities

• Operate and adjust controls on wastewater treatment equipment and machinery such as valves, pumps, chlorinators, and chemical feeders.
• Perform process control laboratory tests for chlorine residuals, pH, temperature, ammonia, phosphorus, TSS, and dissolved oxygen as necessary.
• Inspect and perform minor maintenance of treatment plant equipment.
• Assist PdM Techs with major repair work when required.
• Perform general housekeeping duties at wastewater treatment sites.
• Clean and remove algae from clarifier troughs and skim floatable solids from processes.
• Monitor wastewater system through SCADA system and react to alarms within the system.
• Record and log meter readings, hour readings, chemical usage, maintenance activities, operating conditions, and other pertinent information daily.
• Perform daily rounds at treatment plants to monitor and inspect treatment equipment and machinery.
• Calibrate and verify accuracy of treatment plant analyzers and laboratory equipment at required intervals.
• Record data and operating conditions in appropriate spreadsheets or logbooks.
• Dewater biosolids using belt filter press.
• Move 30-yd trailers to level biosolids in belt filter press process.
• Use skid steer to remove screened solids from barscreen and fine screen areas.
• Assist in the change out of one-ton chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders.
• Maintain regular attendance and manage leave schedules to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• No prior work experience required.
• Must obtain a Class 'D' Wastewater Operator License within one year of employment.
• Class 'C' Wastewater Operator License must be obtained prior to expiration of the 'D' Water Operator License.
• Must have a Class 'C' Driver's License.
• Flexibility in available hours, including holidays, weekends, and/or after hours is required.
• Must reside within a thirty-minute response time of the NBU Service Center.