Treatment Plant Operator-Wastewater

Description:
Under general supervision is responsible for the performance of manual, semiskilled and semi-technical work as an entry level operator, in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a wastewater treatment plant, and other related assigned duties.

Public Works, Water Pollution Control - Position Code: 7485SN (several positions available)
TPO I- Pay Code: LT-15 / Beginning Salary: $11.16/Hr.
TPO II- Pay Code: LT-16 / Beginning Salary: $12.78/Hr.
Sr TPO- Pay Code: LT-17 / Beginning Salary: $14.08/Hr.

Note: Positions available at the Northside and Southside Wastewater Treatment Plants.

The Treatment Plant Operator positions are in a progression. The positions range from a TPO I (LT-15) to a Senior Treatment Plant Operator (LT-17). Please refer to the Treatment Plant Operator Progression documentation located on the City’s Intranet Site.

Essential Job Functions:
Operation of mechanical, electrical, electronic, chemical or other process equipment, including pumps, chemical feeders, valves, compressors, conveyors, clarifiers, control panels, and computers;

Operates a variety of automotive and industrial equipment;

Monitors and operates all plant equipment;

Collects water or wastewater samples from various plant processes for testing purposes;

Maintains the plant through cleaning, painting, sweeping/moping, mowing, trimming, and refuse removal;

Loads and unloads hazardous chemicals;

Logs plant data, readings, and operational records;

Performs some analytical tests on water or wastewater samples.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:
TPO I- Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development Certificate (GED), and one (1) year of experience operating electrical, mechanical, electronic, chemical or other process equipment supplemented with college or vocational courses in engineering, chemistry, math, computers, or electronics; or an equivalent combination of training and experience per Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section 128. Progression to a Treatment Plant Operator II is mandatory and required coursework to progress to the II level must be obtained within 24 months.

TPO II-Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development Certificate (GED) and completion of nine (9) credit hours from a recognized college with at least six (6) hours in computers, math, electronics, biology, engineering or chemistry and one (1) year of experience as a Treatment Plant Operator I for the City of Tulsa; or an equivalent combination of training and experience per Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section 128. Refer to the Treatment Plant Operator progression criterion document for additional requirements.

Sr TPO- Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development Certificate (GED) and completion of thirty (30) credit hours from a recognized college towards an associates degree in Water or Wastewater technology, Environmental Engineering or related field, one (1) year of experience as a Treatment Plant Operator II for the City of Tulsa; or an equivalent combination of training and experience per Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section 128. Refer to the Treatment Plant Operator progression criterion document for additional requirements.

Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements include frequent walking and standing; frequent lifting up to 20 pounds; occasional lifting up to 60 pounds; occasional carrying up to 50 pounds; occasional pushing and pulling up to 60 pounds; frequent balancing, bending, handling, feeling, climbing, talking, smelling, and twisting; occasional reaching, kneeling, and crawling; and vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.

Licenses and Certificates:
TPO I- Possession of a valid Class "A" Commercial Drivers License (CDL) within ninety (90) days of hire date; employees will be required to obtain a valid Class "D" Wastewater License as issued from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) within six (6) months of hire date; in addition, the City of Tulsa requires the employee to obtain a Class "C" Water/Wastewater License as issued from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) within eighteen (18) months of hire date.

TPO II- Possession of a valid Class "C" Wastewater License as issued from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); possession of a Class "A" CDL; and some positions require the possession of a valid "C" Laboratory License.

Sr TPO- Possession of a valid Class "B" Wastewater License as issued from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); possession of a Class "A" CDL; and some positions require the possession of a valid "C" Laboratory License.

Skills Test Required:
A written assessment will be administered.

Working Environment:
Hours: Shift work including nights and weekends. Working environment is primarily outdoors, occasionally indoors, and in inclement weather. May be exposed to the following: hazardous materials, high voltage electrical equipment, heights, flammable liquids, traffic, cramped work areas, excessive dust, weather/temperature extremes, rough terrains, cutting/chipping/grinding, hazardous/toxic atmosphere, sewage, damp/wet surfaces, snow/ice covered surfaces, snake and insect bites, poisonous plants, overhead power lines, toxic fumes/vapors/odors, confined spaces, compressed gases, high noises, oily surfaces, and refuse/garbage/litter.