HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaintenance Operator - WastewaterCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #10-05 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Maintenance Operator - Wastewater
Department: Public Works
Division: Wastewater
Supervisor: Assistant Superintendent – Wastewater / Wastewater Superintendent
Job Summary
Under general direction, inspects, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs all hydraulic, pneumatic,
electrical and mechanical equipment at wastewater treatment facilities. Performs specialized
construction, modifications and installation of equipment and structures.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Inspects, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs and replaces all hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and
mechanical equipment at wastewater treatment plants and lift stations; cleans equipment.
Reads and interprets technical manuals and journals; monitors and adjusts computerized
controllers.
Operates heavy equipment including tractors, boom trucks, end loaders, back hoes and dump trucks;
operates belt filter presses, polymer mixing equipment, sludge pumps and related sludge handling
equipment.
Calibrates equipment such as flow meters, gas detectors, samplers and backflow preventers.
Performs on-call duties, responds to emergencies of equipment failure at the treatment plant, lift
stations and collection system.
Leads work teams working on various aspects of maintenance and repairs; trains, delegates, and
monitors other personnel in repair and maintenance projects; establishes technical procedures and
standards.
Implements a preventive maintenance program.
Performs maintenance and repairs of heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems including boilers,
heat exchangers, air handling units and piping systems.
Performs scheduled and emergency relief operations for Treatment Plant Operators on ten-hour per
day and weekend shifts; monitors and inspects process control equipment via computer and visual
inspection to ensure proper operation; reads gauges and dial instrumentation; makes adjustments if
needed.
Compiles daily log of maintenance work performed at the plant, the personnel available, any unusual
plant conditions and any process control changes; enters data into computer.
JD No. 10-05 Wastewater
Page 2 Updated 08/11/2022
While performing relief operations for Treatment Plant Operators, collects wastewater samples and
conducts laboratory analysis of wastewater influent and effluent to monitor and adjust the treatment
process to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Helps ensure a safe environment through participation in safety committee activities.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. 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 stand, use hands to
finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee frequently is required
to walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more
than 50 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or hum id
conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and
risk of electrical shock. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places, toxic or
caustic chemicals, extreme heat, explosives and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to
extreme cold. May be exposed to communicable diseases.
The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
High school diploma or equivalent required. Iowa DNR Grade I Wastewater Operator certificate
required. Iowa DNR Grade II Wastewater Operator certificate required within 2 years of appointment.
One year of wastewater plant experience required. Or equivalent combination of education and
experience. Must live within 17 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City, Iowa within one year of
appointment to the position. Valid Iowa commercial driver’s license instruction permit required within 90
days of hire. Valid Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license with air brake and tank endorsements
required within 6 months of hire. This position is subject to federal drug testing requirements including
screening through the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Must be 18 years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must
pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Associate degree or equivalent from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized
accreditation body preferred. Three years of related experience and/or training in wastewater treatment
field preferred. Backflow prevention certification preferred. Confined space entry training preferred.
Forklift certification preferred.
JD No. 10-05 Wastewater
Page 3 Updated 08/11/2022
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of wastewater treatment process. Knowledge of basic electrical and plumbing methods.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions and regulations. Skills in the operation of
various hand and power tools. Skills in the operation of heavy equipment. Ability to make repairs to
wastewater treatment fixtures and equipment. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, flow schematics,
manuals, electrical drawings and detailed instructions. Ability to calculate hydraulic and organic
loadings, volumes, surface areas, pump rates and lab data. Ability to maintain daily logs of operation
and maintenance.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.