Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The City of Marquette is accepting applications for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.  This position is responsible for monitoring the Wastewater treatment processes to insure conformance to acceptable standards.  Performs routine operational maintenance and custodial tasks on equipment, buildings, and grounds.  Qualified applicants must have a high school education or equivalent.  College-level coursework or technical training in biology/environmental science or chemistry preferred.  Must obtain a MDEQ Wastewater “D” certification within a two-year period from date of hire.  The entry wage is $21.72/hr. with an excellent benefit package.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.                                         

POSITION TITLE:                           Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

REPORTS TO:                                 Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor

EFFECTIVE DATE:                         January 14th, 2025 

JOB CLASS CODE:                         Non-Exempt / Public Works Bargaining Unit

POSITION SUMMARY

Continuously monitors the water and wastewater treatment processes including raw and treated effluents to insure conformance to acceptable standards.  In addition, performs routine operational maintenance and custodial tasks on equipment, buildings and grounds. May act as Water Plant Operator as needed.

Functions under the direct supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor and/or Director of Municipal Utilities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all the following:

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  Assures that plant operates within required standards.


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  Collect samples of wastewater at different stages of the treatment.


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  Record daily entries in log book and/or computer.


• May be required to work weekends and/or holidays as needed. 


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  When assigned lab duties, uses a series of defined testing procedures and performs all lab tests required by the Wastewater Treatment Plants N.P.D.E.S. permit.


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  Operate all plant equipment and participate in routine and preventive maintenance.


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  May be required to perform corrective maintenance of equipment. Monitors performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment.  Notifies supervisor of any problems.


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  Participate in routine custodial duties as needed for building and grounds maintenance.


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  Work with hazardous chemicals using proper safety practices.


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  Routinely inspect and takes readings from Wastewater lift stations.


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  May be required to assist Maintenance Mechanic with corrective maintenance of equipment.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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  Performs other related functions as assigned.


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  May be asked to fill in as a Water Plant Operator if qualified.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED

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  Hand tools, power tools, instrumentation calibration equipment, bearing press, bench grinder, hoist, portable samplers, riding lawn mower, tractor, push mower, trash pump, volt/amp meter and 02 meter.


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  Ion Meter with probes for chlorine, ammonia, ph.


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  Spectrophotometer, Autoclave, drying oven, muffle furnace, fume hoods, vacuum filter, distiller, hot plate/stirrer, incubator, water bath, DO meter and portable samplers.


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  Word processor, computer, monitor, printers.


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  Telephone, standard duplicating equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

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  A high school education or equivalent is required. College-level coursework or technical training in biology/environmental science or chemistry preferred.


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  Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.


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  Knowledge in computer operations/data entry.


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  Knowledge of wastewater treatment techniques, processes and equipment maintenance.


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  Must obtain a MDEQ Wastewater “D” certification within a two-year period from date of hire.


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  Michigan CDL Class B license preferred


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  Michigan MDEQ F4 Certification preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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  Lifting 50 pounds’ maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds


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  Frequent standing and walking.


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  Occasional sitting and driving.


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  Must can use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls.


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  Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching, and grappling.


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  Ability to communicate orally in a clear manner.


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  Ability to distinguish sounds at various frequencies and volumes.


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  Ability to distinguish people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions.


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  Ability to withstand high noise levels and temperature changes in the work environment.


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  Ability to tolerate occasional strong odors, vapors and gases in the workplace.


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  Knowledge that hazardous chemicals are maintained on site.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this job description.