Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Description:

Position Summary

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator operates and maintains the water treatment plant in compliance with the discharge permit, including lab analysis of samples, general and preventive maintenance of equipment, and complete other tasks as assigned by the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent.

Line of Authority

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator reports directly to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent.

Functional Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

WWTP Operation

• Operates valves, pumps, motors, filters and a variety of other related equipment to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
• Releases specified amounts of chemicals into water.

Instrumentation and Equipment Monitoring and Inspections

• Reviews and analyzes charts and other documentation to ensure the plant is operating within safety standards established by federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations.
• Adjusts process controls to ensure operational problems are identified and corrected.
• Inspects and repairs plant components, including water intakes, pipes and water storage vessels.
• Reads and interprets plant equipment gauges, dials, computer screens, graphs, flow meters and other instrumentation to determine operating efficiency of plant.
• Makes visual inspections of pumps, motors, compressors and peripheral equipment to ensure proper operation and makes adjustments as necessary.

Water Testing and Analysis

• Collects water samples and conducts routine tests and analyses at various points in the plant process.
• Arranges equipment or plant repairs and assists contractors as needed.
• Cleans, repairs and replaces filters, pumps, motors and related equipment.
• Performs preventative maintenance on a regular basis, including cleaning tanks and filter beds.
• Calibrates chemical dispensing equipment and lubricates pumps and valves.
• Required at times to assist with maintenance of mobile equipment and surface transportation vehicles used at the site.
• Coordinates detailed testing with outside laboratories and adheres to quality assurance requirements.
• Prepares the chemicals required for testing water before it is released externally.
• Orders and stores chemicals and other materials used at the facility. Maintenance and Repair

Documentation

• Records data and maintains records and logs in compliance with state and federal reporting mandates.
• Prepares written reports as needed.

Accountabilities

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator has the following accountabilities:

• To the WWTP Superintendent for ensuring all WWTP standards are met and conveying information regularly to the WWTP Superintendent concerning progress on the WWTP Operator responsibilities.

Authorities

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator has the following authorities:

• To stop work upon recognition of a condition that presents imminent danger to the safety and health of staff, the public or the environment.

Requirements:

Qualifications

Education

• Three years of operating and maintaining water or wastewater treatment facilities, including equipment, reading and interpreting gauges, diagnosing problems, dispensing chemicals and maintaining documentation.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required. Experience

Certifications

• South Dakota licensing in water treatment preferred or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.

Competencies

• Reliability—Ability to meet or exceed the minimum standard approaching 100% of the time.
• Decision Making—Ability to assess situations, evaluate options and choose most appropriate course of action.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand and comply with the SDSTA’s safety programs and properly use required personal protection equipment.
• Attention to Detail–Ability to maintain constant awareness of surroundings and ensure tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Teamwork—Ability to get along with others and work as a team member.
• Organization—Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, keep order and coordinate numerous activities.
• Initiative—Ability to persist despite difficult conditions and to make suggestions for improvements.

Working Requirements

• Work in all types of environmental conditions (heat, humidity, wet, cold).
• Perform work in a field office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Work shifts, weekends, holidays and callouts as scheduled.
• Frequently walking up and down flights of stairs.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.
• Work from ladders, scaffolding and in confined places.
• Minimum Standard-physical ability required to perform duties in an effective manner that is safe for the employee and/or for co-workers while posing no serious safety threat to self or others.
• Proof of a valid driver’s license is required.
• Operate light-medium sized equipment and hand/power tools.
• Perform strenuous physical labor and lift heavy items up to 50 lbs.
• Comply with SDSTA’s safety program.

Summary of Benefits: https://sanfordlab.org/summary-benefits

The South Dakota Science & Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. Applicants are invited to self-identify as an individual with a disability or as a protected veteran. Forms are available on the website www.sanfordlab.org/careers or upon request from Human Resources.