Wastewater Operator

6 month Probationary Rate:  $25.98 - full rate with licensing $27.34

Purpose/Customer Impact: Perform a broad range of tasks to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the wastewater collection, interception, and treatment systems and to provide support for the Operations Department. Assist others with the completion of skilled tasks to develop knowledge and experience with the activities, equipment and regulations required in all areas of the wastewater system.

Reporting Relationships:  Reports to: Chief Operators; Forepersons; depending on assignment       Direct Reports: None

Interrelationships: Daily contact with other wastewater personnel and/or other PWD employees in various functions.

Independent Action: Limited direct supervision

Essential Accountabilities:

• Learn and operate the basic components of the wastewater system, including; collection systems, interceptors, pumping stations, combined sewer overflows, and treatment plants for all the communities served by the Portland Water District
• Perform activities relevant to the day-to-day operation and maintenance of wastewater infrastructure
• Assist with operations and maintenance tasks in wastewater collection systems, pumping stations, and treatment plants
• Recognize the importance of and appropriately demonstrate safe work practices,good customer relations, interdepartmental functions, effluent permit compliance, and proper sampling and lab testing methods
• Learn to use District computer systems including: SCADA, email, MS Word and Excel, WIMMS operational database, Hansen, GIS, SharePoint, and other software
• Learn and apply the basics of the District’s asset information systems
• This position may be assigned to Wastewater Systems, Wastewater Treatment, Water Services (to perform operations, maintenance, and capital work- for a minimum of 1 month per year), and AMaP
• Successfully meet cross-training learning objectives
• May be placed in the emergency standby on-call rotation requiring working “non-standard” hours including weekend work
• May be assigned to a rotating shift schedule

Essential Job Functions: Standing, sitting, bending, reaching, climbing, crawling, squatting, kneeling, twisting, driving, walking, lifting(max 75lbs), visual accuracy, clear verbal and written communication, repetitive arm/shoulder use, keyboard usage

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Possess a valid State of Maine Driver’s License, with a clean driving record.
• Complete an apprenticeship program which includes 6 months of training in each operational sub-department of Wastewater Services, an annual assignment to Water Services, and a possible assignment to AMaP, within 2 years, as schedule allows.
• Obtain Class I Biological Wastewater Treatment and Class I NEWEA Voluntary Collections Systems Licenses within 2 years
• Ability to read and comprehend installation, operations, and maintenance manuals for vehicles, tools and equipment.
• Ability to function successfully in a team environment, with associated positive communication and problem solving skills and proactive sharing of skills and ideas with colleagues.
• Basic computer skills but intermediate skills preferred including knowledge of Windows, Word for Windows and E-mail applications and the ability to regularly use other District software
• Perform Essential Accountabilities in accordance with all Federal, State and District safety regulations.
• Ability to meet approved physical and medical standards.
• Demonstrate tendency to engage in continuous learning.
• Obtain a State of Maine Class A or B (CDL) Driver’s license, preferred.
• Perform other related duties, as required.