Wastewater treatment plant operators perform a wide variety of tasks to ensure wastewater is safely converted into a form that can either be reintroduced into the water cycle or disposed of. These professionals typically use a complex system of machinery and control boards to operate, maintain, troubleshoot and monitor wastewater treatment plants and their associated processes.
The skills section of your wastewater treatment plant operator job description should list several crucial requirements for your ideal candidate. They should possess excellent analytical, math and mechanical skills. Additionally, your candidate must also have a detail-oriented focus.
These qualities are necessary to operate, maintain and repair the complicated, sophisticated equipment that treats incoming wastewater. In addition, they must fine-tune machines and processes so that the water meets Environmental Protection Agency standards. Our sample wastewater treatment plant operator job description should provide a better idea of what to include when you craft your own.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Job Summary
As a wastewater treatment plant operator, you’ll make a difference as part of our wastewater systems management team for a suburban treatment facility in a large metropolitan area. You’ll enjoy applying your analytical, math and technical skills when you directly oversee the operation, maintenance and repairs of water treatment equipment and processes. Our facility has been recognized by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for the sixth consecutive year for its environmental stewardship, and 160,000 area residents will be counting on you to ensure treated wastewater adheres to EPA standards while aiding in the safeguarding of local ecological systems. If you want to work for an award-winning, innovative water treatment plant with competitive pay rates and the potential for advancement, this could be the right opportunity for you.
Job Responsibilities
- Disinfect and deodorize water with minimal environmental impact by introducing cleaning and treatment substances into the plant’s systems
- Collect and test samples of water and sewage, employing analysis standards and testing equipment, to ensure treated water meets or exceeds EPA standards
- Adjust equipment controls to purify and clarify water as well as process and dispose of wastes
- Inspect machinery and maintain surveillance on operating conditions, gauges and meters to ensure continued efficient operations as well as detect malfunctions
- Record and track plant and equipment operational data, including meter and gauge readings, and observe a regular schedule for maintenance and upgrades to prevent system breakdowns
- Maintain and repair plant equipment to excellent condition using a variety of both hand tools and power tools
- Communicate with supervisors, coworkers, other employees and upper management regarding operations, plant conditions and other essential information
- Collaborate with upper management to determine the best practices, equipment, upgrades and other operational aspects to contribute to ecologically friendly, cost effective impacts of the facility’s water treatment
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Valid state CDL Class B driver’s license
- Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds
- Must possess a current Wastewater Operator Certification
- High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred:
- Previous experience in wastewater treatment
- Evening and weekend availability
- Willingness to work in a wet, dirty environment
- Ability to perform long periods of standing, reaching and bending
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Job Responsibilities
When deciding whether to apply for a position, jobseekers will rely on an accurate and detailed description of duties in your wastewater treatment plant operator job description. The responsibilities section will likely be one of the lengthiest and most informative parts of the advertisement. Clearly listing the primary duties of a plant operator can make it easier for prospective applicants to determine their level of interest in the opening.
Present the complex requirements of this position in a list of no more than eight bulleted items. Start each line with a specific verb to emphasize the actions an employee filling this role will need to take. As jobseekers read this list and the rest of the wastewater treatment plant operator job description, they should be able to decide whether applying for the position is worth their time.
Consider including the following wastewater treatment plant operator job responsibilities:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Job Specifications
You can start narrowing down the pool of applicants by clearly communicating the specifications for an open position. The qualifications and skills section of a wastewater treatment plant operator job description is likely to be shorter than the listing of responsibilities, but it should be just as exact. Communicate the essential qualifications for the advertised position in addition to any preferences expressed by management.
Many states regulate the licensing of wastewater treatment plant operators. If this is the case in your state, you must include this requirement. If you are willing to accept applications from operators-in-training, you should also mention this allowance.
Organize the specifications in a wastewater treatment plant operator job description in another list formatted with bullet points. Jobseekers should be able to skim this section and determine whether they have the qualifications for the position. You may also want to divide these items into required and preferred specifications.
There are a number of wastewater treatment plant operator job specifications that you may want to list in your description including those listed below:
- Associate degree or vocational training in wastewater treatment plant operations
- Valid wastewater treatment plant operator certificate
- Specialized background in chemical water treatment
- Expert user of industrial control and database software