Performs work involved in the operation, maintenance and analysis of the Waste Water Treatment Plant in accordance with discharge requirements. A WWTP operator also performs other environmental duties as needed. This is a training position, where the Operator will also begin training to perform more advanced operational duties, maintenance activities and laboratory sampling and analysis in preparation to become a Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead-Operator.

• Must have completed WW1 or W1 certification as outlined in the section below
• Must diligently attend monthly safety meetings and quarterly quality meetings. Attends “Morning Meeting” in the absence of the Environmental Manager.
• Perform safety audits of WWTP.
• Take accurate readings from flow meters and other analytical equipment daily. Must also legibly log this data.
• Collect samples daily, reset samplers and perform all lab analysis of samples accurately when assigned to the lab.
• Accurately transpose all data from tests into the computer and e-mail the daily zones report in a timely manner.
• Aids Team Leader in troubleshooting most WWTP maintenance issues. Notify Environmental Manager of any major equipment issues which you are unable to rectify yourself.
• Must safely run the Belt Press when assigned to that piece of equipment.
• Must learn and safely run new equipment when necessary.
• Collect and send off Final Effluent samples for analysis weekly and Leak Detect samples quarterly.
• Assist other operators in performing a “sludge judge” quarterly.
• Perform biogas testing.
• Work to put all diffusers back in condition every spring/summer.
• Perform a lagoon berm check each month.
• Assist to winterize the WWTP each year.
• During adverse weather keep snow plowed off of paved area with loader tractor.
• Safely unload incoming chemicals used for the operation of the WWTP.
• Learn and assist with other environmental requirements including performing air emission visual assessments and waste oil area audits.
• Utilizes GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholds the culture of Southwest Cheese non-negotiables

Wastewater Treatment Systems Managed

• Small System – 25-500 people served consisting of: raw wastewater lagoons, aerated lagoons, primary treatment, primary treatment and oxidation ponds, secondary (trickling filter) including secondary (aeration), physical chemical processes, advanced process, Phosphorus and Nitrogen removal.
• WW1-2 System - serving 501 to 20,000 or more with raw wastewater lagoons with aerated lagoons, primary treatment, primary treatment and oxidation ponds, secondary (trickling filter), and 5,001 to 20,000 plus with raw wastewater lagoons, aerated lagoons, primary treatment, primary treatment and oxidation ponds.
• WW3 System - serving 501 to 5, 000 with secondary (aeration), physical-chemical processes, advanced process, Phosphorus and Nitrogen removal serving 5,001 to 10,000 with secondary (trickling filter), secondary (aeration), physical-chemical processes, Phosphorus and Nitrogen removal and serving 10,000 to 20, 000 with secondary (trickling filter) and physical-chemical processes.
• WW4 System - serving 5,001 to 10,000 with advanced process; and serving 10,000 to 20, 000 with advanced process and P and N removal; and serving 20,000 and more with secondary (trickling filter), secondary (aeration), physical-chemical processes, advanced process, and Phosphorus and Nitrogen removal.

Qualifications to Achieve Each Grade/Level

• All wastewater certification levels require graduation from high school or successful completion of a general equivalency diploma (GED). All individuals must successfully pass the written examination for the level of certification being sought. All individuals must successfully meet the minimum required years of experience and training credits as follows:
• Class 1 and Small Systems: 1 years’ experience and 10 training credits
• Class 2: 2 years’ experience plus 30 training credits
• Class 3: 4 years’ experience plus 50 training credits
• Class 4: 1 year experience as a Class 3 certificate holder plus 80 training credits

Training and experience requirements needed to maintain/renew certification

• Operators must be recertified every 3 years. Must show completion of 30 training credits during the 3 years that the operator has been certified.

Water Treatment Systems Managed

• Small System W1-2 - serving 25 to 500 with advanced treatment WS1 - serving 501 to 5,000 with groundwater production only WS2 – serving 501 to 5,000 with aeration, taste & odor control, chemical addition, chlorination, fluoridation, pressure filtration, ion exchange; serving 5,001 to 10,000 with chemical addition, chlorination, fluoridation, pressure filtration, groundwater production only.
• W3-4 System - serving 501 to 5,000 with filtration, coagulation, sedimentation, chemical precipitation; serving 5,001 to 10,000 with filtration (sand), coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, chemical precipitation, aeration, taste & odor control, ion exchange, arsenic removal, radionuclide removal; serving 10,000 to 20,000 with all processes except coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, chemical precipitation, and specialty treatment. WS4 – providing all treatment techniques to 20,000 or more people; and filtration, coagulation, sedimentation, and chemical precipitation to 10,000 to 20,000; and special treatment to 501 and above.

Qualifications to Achieve Each Grade/Level

• All operators must pass the exam for the type and class of certification for which they are applying, and must have an HSD or GED. Operators must have the following:
• Class 1 and Small Systems: 1 years’ experience and 10 training credits
• Class 2: 2 years’ experience plus 30 training credits
• Class 3: 4 years’ experience plus 50 training credits
• Class 4: 1 year of experience as a Class 3 certificate holder plus 80 training credits

Training and experience requirements needed to maintain/renew certification

• Operators must be recertified every 3 years. Must show completion of 30 training credits during the 3 years that the operator has been certified.

• May be exposed to loud noise levels (i.e. manufacturing equipment).
• May be exposed to humidity, intense heat, and areas with possible air contamination, fumes and toxic chemicals.
• May work in areas with mechanical moving parts, above ground with risk of fall, or areas with risk of electrical shock.

• Minimal travel limited within the local area.

Must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing significant safety threat to self or others.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.