Treatment Plant Operator I

Recruitment #22-20006621-002

Date Opened: 12/2/2022 12:00:00 AM

Close Date: 12/16/2022 11:59:00 PM

Qualification Date: January 15, 2023

Job Type: Original Entrance

Salary: Starting Annual Salary $64,469.38

How to Apply: Go to http://districtjobs.org by December 16th to submit an application.

Under supervision, controls and coordinates the routine sewage treatment process operation on an assigned shift in a sewage treatment plant.

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

·        Coordinates the wastewater treatment process and/or individual sections of the wastewater facility on shift, seeing that proper adjustments are made in order to maintain quality of effluent and to insure continuous operation of the plant. Includes the manual operation of valves, gates, etc. Must understand safety procedures and policies.

·        Maintains proper intake and collection system elevating including storm pumping station intakes as required for safe operation, including the successful operation of plant computer control systems.

·        Tours the wastewater facility and conducts first-hand inspection of all operating equipment during tour of duty to check operating performance.

·        Conducts, gives direction to, or oversees the collection of process samples, including transportation, and laboratory tests in order to insure an efficient and effective treatment process.

·        Maintains operating logs, completes daily treatment information sheets and prepares process data reports.

·        Gives direction to or oversees the work of laboring crews in the preparation of process units for operation and/or maintenance including treatment units, the collection system, and sludge modifying units.

·        Reacts in timely and efficient manner to treatment plant upsets and/or emergency conditions.

May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors. May include working in all types of weather conditions throughout the plant facility and collection system.

 

·        Some knowledge of the operating equipment used in the sewage treatment process.

·        Some knowledge of wastewater treatment standards according to EPA and NPDES guidelines.

·        Some knowledge of the operation and adjustment of mechanical pumps.

·        Some knowledge of the principles, procedures and processes of scum removal.

·        Some knowledge of laboratory measuring devices, instruments and sampling equipment.

·        Ability to read and understand a variety of dials, meters and gauges.

·        Ability to prepare and submit routine activity reports and to keep detailed logs of activities.

·        Ability to do moderately heavy manual labor.

·        Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Duties: Under supervision, controls and coordinates the routine sewage treatment process operation on an assigned shift in a sewage treatment plant.

Minimum Requirements: Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and two years of sub-professional experience in engineering, scientific or treatment plant operations activities or two years of laborer experience in sewage treatment plant operations at a facility with a Group 1 designation by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. SUBSTITUTION: Full time study at an accredited college or university majoring in engineering or allied science may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Completion of a comprehensive wastewater treatment plant operations course may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Possession of a Class 4 certificate of competency in wastewater treatment works operations issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency may be substituted for the required education and experience.

Examination: The examination will consist of a written test weighted 100%. The minimum passing score on the written test will be 70% unless determined otherwise by the Director of Human Resources. Candidates must achieve a passing score to have their names placed on the eligible list.

The written test will assess candidates' knowledge, skill and ability in areas such as basic wastewater collection systems and treatment processes; basic mechanical, physics, hydraulic principles, and computational concepts; wastewater sampling and testing including basic chemistry principles and laboratory tests, procedures and equipment; operating and troubleshooting equipment used in sewage treatment processes including safety principles and practices; and reading and following written instructions.

Examination Process: All applicants will be advised by email if they have been admitted to the examination process. Applicants who do not receive a response to their application by Friday, January 13, 2023 should contact the Employee Selection Office at (312) 751-5100.

WRITTEN TEST: The written test will be administered on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 West 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60655. Candidates should report at 9:00 a.m. with the approved (printed) admission letter and driver's license or other form of photo identification. Calculators will be provided. The use of books, study guides, cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops or other aids during the test is prohibited.

Appointments will be made from an eligible list with three categories: A (Exceptionally Well Qualified), B (Well Qualified) and C (Qualified). Candidates in the highest category will be given first consideration for appointment. The eligible list has a duration of three years. Appointment is subject to successfully passing a physical examination, a drug test, an evaluation of the candidate's ability to meet the specific physical demands of the job and a criminal history background investigation.