Operator (Wastewater Transport - Chelsea)

BASIC PURPOSE: Operates, monitors, and inspects assigned wastewater facilities and operational equipment, processes, and systems on an assigned shift in a designated area. Performs assigned maintenance functions as part of a team under the direction of the assigned Area or Operations Supervisor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Area and/or Operations Supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise or direct assigned employees at a lower grade. May provide guidance or instruction to Operator-in-Training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operates equipment manually and through instrument panel and programmable logic control units, system flows and levels in assigned process area.
• Monitors and inspects operating conditions; records observations and data in area shift log.
• Provides oversight for all barge and truck loading/unloading operation.
• Provides oversight for chemical and fuel oil unloading to facility fuel storage.
• Takes initial action to correct malfunctions of equipment and reports malfunctions and variances to the Area/Operations Supervisor.
• Samples various process fluids and odor control systems and analyzes, records, and labels according to schedule.
• Operates equipment through programmable logic control units.
• Calibrates critical process control equipment.
• Follows established safety, operating, and emergency response procedures and policies established by MWRA.
• Communicates with other operators regarding operational and process control conditions.
• Performs work in compliance with Authority established Integrated Contingency Plan.
• Inspects and troubleshoots mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic equipment using tools and gauges of the trade.
• Performs preventive maintenance on operations equipment as directed by MAXIMO.
• Operates motor vehicles such as vans and pick-up trucks to transport materials to work sites, and pickup and deliver supplies and equipment.
• Generates inspection lists and maintenance reporting through the Computerized Maintenance Management System.
• Installs and retrofits/new equipment related to facility systems.
• Modifies and/or aligns existing equipment to specifications.
• Conducts routine testing, lockout/tagout, operation (startup/shutdown) and adjustment of process equipment.
• Performs necessary cleanup and housekeeping for work area and other light maintenance tasks.

SECONDARY DUTIES: Promotes and participates in the productivity improvement plan. Trains other operational staff, peers and subordinates as requested. Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high school diploma or GED or basic reading, writing, mathematical and oral communication skills as normally attained through a high school education or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of wastewater collection and treatment system operation and treatment plant equipment operation and at least one (1) year of experience preferably at a wastewater plant; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Basic reading, writing, mathematical, scientific and oral communication skills.
• A working knowledge of treatment plant processes, systems and operation of related equipment.
• Knowledge in safety practices in operation of wastewater equipment and the wastewater treatment plant facility.
• Ability to interpret data from meters, gauges and other equipment to operate manually and through instrument panels.
• Ability to work as a team to support the goals of Operations.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and maintain accurate logs and records.
• Experience in operating distributive control systems preferred.
• Computer skills necessary to access and use the MAXIMO and Lawson database.
• Trained in Confined Space Entry, CPR and First Aid.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid Massachusetts Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license (Full or Operator-in Training (OIT)).
• A valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• Satisfactory completion of competency-based training program in accordance with the productivity improvement plan training program established at MWRA.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.