WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ASSISTANT

Wastewater Treatment Plant Assistant/Shift Operator DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves responsibility on an assigned shift for operating and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant. The incumbent performs technical work of a complex nature involving the responsibility for assisting in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Grade 4 wastewater treatment plant facility. The work is performed under the general direction of the Chief Operator, or Public Works Superintendent in accordance with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regulations, with leeway allowed for the exercise of independently judgment in planning and carrying out the duties of the position. Performs related work as required. EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only) Assists in the operation, maintenance and repair of a Grade 4 wastewater treatment plant and collection system, including pumping stations, to assure the most efficient and economical use of equipment, supplies and manpower in compliance with the NYS DEC regulations; Performs daily inspection of plant and collection system; Conducts wastewater and other plant testing in accordance with NYS DEC regulations; Performs the maintenance and repair of equipment, sewers, etc.; Assists in processing, disposal, and dewatering of sludge; Assists in studies for improvement of water quality and plant operations; Maintains inventory of supplies, chemicals and equipment, and requisitions materials; Assists in maintaining records and preparing periodic reports with respect to plant operations and as required by the NYS DEC and the United States Environmental Protection Agency; FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Good knowledge of the practices used and the equipment required in the operation and maintenance of a Grade 4 wastewater treatment plant; good knowledge of the operation of a wastewater treatment plant; good knowledge of the principles and applications of physics, chemistry and bacteriology as applied to wastewater treatment and disposal; good knowledge of rules and regulations with respect to the operation of a Grade 4 wastewater treatment plant; ability to supervise the operation and repair of pumps, valves, and related mechanical and electrical equipment; ability to read, understand and record data from gauges, scales and meters; ability to perform laboratory and field tests for control of plant operations; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; perform mechanical procedures; alertness; and dependability. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college with an Approved Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree with specialization in NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) approved curriculum noted below; OR 2. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two-year college with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and eighteen (18) months of operating experience at a wastewater treatment plant; OR 3. Associate or Bachelor of Science (A.S. or B.S.) degree or an Associate or Bachelor of Arts (A.A. or B.A.) degree with thirty (30) credit hours of math and/or science and eighteen (18) months of operating experience at a wastewater treatment plant; OR 4. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and three (3) years of operating experience at a wastewater treatment plant. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the above minimum qualifications, at the time of appointment candidates must meet the appropriate minimum Assistant/Shift Operator license/certificate as set forth in 6 NYCRR 650 Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant as follows: Possession of a Grade 3 or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license/certificate issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.