Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

CHIEF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:This is an important supervisory and technical position involving responsibility for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant with facilities for chemical precipitation, sludge vacuum filtration, sludge incineration, separate sludge digestion, or any other biological oxidation process other than the activated sludge and the stabilization or oxidation pond process.  General direction is received from the appointing authority but wide leeway is allowed for planning work methods and dealing with emergency conditions.  Supervision is exercised over operators, trainees, laboratory personnel, and mechanical and maintenance assistants.  Does related work, as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Supervises the operation of the plant to assure the most efficient and economical use of equipment, supplies, and manpower;
Makes daily inspection of plant and plant machinery;
Makes or supervises necessary tests for control of plant operation;
Supervises the operation of trickling filters;
Supervises the treatment and disposal of sludge;
Supervises the maintenance and repair of machinery;
Assigns plant personnel to shifts;
Instructs and supervises operators, trainees, and other subordinate employees;
Maintains inventory of supplies, chemicals, and equipment;
Requisitions materials;
Maintains records and prepares periodic reports on the operation of the plant.

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:Thorough knowledge of the practices used and equipment required in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant with facilities for chemical precipitation, sludge vacuum filtration, sludge incineration, sludge oxidation, separate sludge digestion, or any other biological oxidation process other than the activated sludge and the stabilization or oxidation pond process; good knowledge of the operations of a modern Wastewater Treatment Plant; good knowledge of the principles and application of physics, chemistry, and bacteriology as applied to wastewater treatment and disposal; ability to supervise the operation and repair of pumps, valves, and related mechanical and electrical equipment; ability to make routine laboratory and field tests for control of plant operation; ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates; mechanical aptitude; alertness and dependability.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Wastewater Treatment Plant whose designated Plant Score is 56-75 points

    EITHER:

      1. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in a NYSDEC approved curriculum;
        OR:
        2. 2.  Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State  registered College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science and eighteen months operating experience at a Wastewater Treatment Plant;

    OR:
        3.  Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered College with an Associate Degree with thirty credit hours of math and/or science and eighteen months operating experience at a Wastewater Treatment Plant;

    OR:
        4. Graduation from a Senior High School or possession of an equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of  Education and three years operating experience at a Wastewater Treatment Plant.

    AND:
      Satisfactory completion of an appropriate course of instruction approved by the Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation.
  2. Wastewater Treatment Plant whose designated Plant Score is 31-55 points.

    Graduation from High School or possession of an equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education; completion of an appropriate course of instruction approved by the Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation; and twelve months operating experience at a Wastewater Treatment Plant with a point score of 31 or greater and the ability to perform necessary tests.

  3. Wastewater Treatment Plant whose designated Plant Score is 30 points or less.

    Graduation from High School or possession of an equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education; completion of an  appropriate course of instruction approved by the Commissioner, Department of Conservation; and six months operating experience at a Wastewater Treatment Plant and the ability to perform necessary tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS:

  1. Wastewater Treatment Plant whose designated Plant Point Score is 56-75 points. Eligibility for a Grade 3 certificate issued under the provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code.  Possession of the certificate at the time of appointment.

  2. Wastewater Treatment Plant whose designated Plant Point Score is 31-55 points.
    E eligibility for a Grade 2 certificate issued under the provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code.  Possession of the certificate at the time of appointment.

  3. Wastewater Treatment Plant whose designated Plant Point Score is 30 points or less. Eligibility for a Grade 1 certificate issued under the provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code.  Possession of the certificate at the time of appointment.

Competitive Class