Senior Wastewater Plant Operator

 Interested applicants, please submit resume and cover letter via our website www.pwd.org -   6 month probationary rate $30.95-  regular rate $32.57

MUST obtain a Grade V WW License within 2 years of hire

Purpose/Customer Impact: Perform monitoring, maintenance and operational tasks necessary for the safe and efficient operation of processes associated with each of the Portland Water Districts wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.  Provide Control Center function and provide off-hours support as first level of emergency contact for PWD customers, PWD employees, municipalities, fire & police departments, government agencies, and public utilities.

Reporting Relationships:

 Reports to:  Chief Plant/Systems Operator or Plant/Systems Foreperson                                                  

 Direct Reports:  None                                                               

Interrelationships:  Daily contacts with contractors, suppliers, internal employees, customers and the public.

Independent Action: Operate each of the Portland Water District’s wastewater treatment facilities. Provide leadership and management to maintenance personnel in emergency equipment repair and preventive maintenance projects. Required to make wastewater treatment and pumping process modifications to address changing conditions which impact pumping and treatment system performance, safety, and regulatory compliance issues. Operator is required to make independent decisions, as appropriate, during non-business hours for emergency response pertaining to all District assets.  Position functions largely without direct supervision in eight-hours and/or twelve-hour shift rotations, sometimes in combination within the same work week.  Position may serve 24/7 on-call duty, which may require independent emergency response action to issues that may impact treatment and pumping system performance.

Essential Accountabilities:

• Perform operational tasks at each of the District’s wastewater treatment facilities and pumping stations that are required to maintain the quality of WW Treatment Services provided to District customers. Tasks include:
  • Monitor system and treatment process performance and implement required process modifications.
  • Maintain the quality of treated effluent to conform to the water quality parameters and regulations established by State and Federal agencies.
  • Monitor, interpret, record and archive data from treatment plant and pump station process control computers and instrumentation.
  • Perform testing, calibrations, maintenance and emergency repairs on operational equipment.
  • Monitor, operate and respond to treatment plant and pumping station security system alarms.
  • Provide periodic notification to the District’s industrial customers concerning changes in treatment processes, which impact industrial production processes.
  • Coordinate activities of Operators on shift and at each of the District’s treatment plants, as required.
• Transport, maintain, dispose, modify, and monitor chemical (some hazardous) dosages and inventories in accordance with the most recent O.S.H.A. and EPA regulations.
• Collect wastewater process samples and perform laboratory procedures to measure required wastewater permit quality criteria and operational parameters.
• Perform periodic operational maintenance checks (PM’s) at wastewater treatment facilities and pump stations.
• Manage assigned projects to bring about timely and cost effective completion.
• Take initiative to meet or exceed quality standards; take initiative to complete special projects and developmental goals as committed to in the performance management process; including training goals.
• Research and assist in the creation of procedures and guidelines for optimizing operational and emergency response activities and tasks.
• Maintain accurate records of daily tasks, treatment data, equipment operation and maintenance.
• Perform structural maintenance and custodial duties at each of the District’s treatment facilities and other systems’ sites, including snow removal as required.
• Ability to perform in a rotating shift schedule and perform 24-hour standby coverage, as required to maintain uninterrupted wastewater treatment process oversight.
• Provide security surveillance and emergency response support for all wastewater facilities.
• Conduct public tours of the District's facilities.
• Provide non-business hours Control Center support for emergencies including but not limited to: a) notify Fire Departments, governmental agencies, and the District's customers regarding water and wastewater system activities which could result in service changes or disruptions, b) communicate and coordinate the District's evacuation activities and underground location activities in conformance with the District's procedures, including the State's Dig-Safe Law.

Essential Job Functions: Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, climbing, squatting, kneeling, twisting, bending, crawling, visual accuracy, clear verbal and written communication, driving, lifting (max 50lbs), keyboard usage.

Minimum Requirements: An individual must be able to perform Essential Job Functions and Accountabilities satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent and recommended vocational level training in electrical, mechanical or environmental fields.
• Possess a valid State of Maine Driver’s License, with a clean driving record.
• Possess a valid State of Maine Grade V Wastewater Treatment Operator’s license. If not held, must acquire license w/in 2 years from date of hire.
• Possess one year working experience in the operation and maintenance of similar wastewater pumping systems.
• Working knowledge including lab experience of basic wastewater laboratory tests and procedures including, but not limited to chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, BOD, TSS and others required by permit or the efficient operation of the treatment facility.
• Working knowledge of hydraulics and the interrelationships between treatment, pumping and collection systems.
• Ability to function independently, utilizing effective problem solving skills. Apply knowledge, judgment and tact to work towards a prompt resolution. Lead and participate in successfully completing projects with proven organization skills, integrity and a logical approach.
• Ability to function in a team environment to resolve problems and obtain positive results.
• Well-developed written and oral communication skill. Ability to collaborate with customers in a manner that reflects a positive image of the District.
• Ability to effectively use computer software, including SCADA; MS Excel, MS Word, MS Access; Hansen CMMS and GIS software.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Ability to meet approved physical and medical standards required to perform the District’s safety procedures including, but not limited to, the use and handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Training in Confined Space Entry procedures; Lock-out/Tag-Out; proper usage of related PPE, including air purifying respirator, and the associated OSHA regulations.