Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Wastewater Operator
A Wastewater Operator is a professional who oversees the treatment and disposal of wastewater to protect public health and the environment. They play a crucial role in ensuring that wastewater treatment facilities operate efficiently and in compliance with regulatory standards. In this blog post, we delve into the primary responsibilities and the most sought-after hard and soft skills for Wastewater Operators.
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Main Responsibilities of a Wastewater Operator
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Wastewater Operator:
Adjust
Adjust treatment processes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Assist in
Assist in other areas of plant as needed.
Assist in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) system development and upgrades.
Assist in the development of operational procedures and manuals for wastewater treatment facilities.
Assist in the supervision and training of less experienced operators.
Assist the maintenance department mechanics, when needed.
Assist with cleanup and housekeeping tasks for work area and equipment.
Assist with duties of Laboratory Technicians as needed, and assists with computer input.
Assist with duties of Operators as needed.
Attend
Attend all facility safety and job trainings.
Calibrate
Calibrate and maintain instrumentation and control devices.
Check
Check and maintain proper oil levels in equipment.
Check and maintain proper status of chlorination / de-chlorination equipment.
Check flow patterns of water and sludge.
Check gas traps and drains accumulated liquids.
Check sludge temperature before and after circulation through heat exchangers.
Clean
Clean and maintain equipment on a regular basis.
Clean and maintain process equipment.
Clean and monitor the operations of automatic samplers.
Clean sewer mains, laterals and manholes of debris and sediment.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with engineers and other professionals to optimize wastewater treatment processes.
Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams for plant upgrades and modifications.
Collaborate with regulatory agencies and comply with reporting requirements.
Collect
Collect and analyze wastewater samples.
Collect and test water and sewage samples.
Collect samples and perform process related laboratory tests and analysis.
Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses.
Collect samples of wastewater for analysis and testing.
Collect wastewater samples for testing in the lab.
Communicate
Communicate data readings to ERM and client.
Communicate with regulatory agencies regarding compliance issues and reporting requirements.
Complete
Complete and submit paper work / reports (manually and electronically) accurately and timely.
Complete time sheets and operational reports and invoices, as required.
Conduct
Conduct inspections of lift stations and other wastewater infrastructure.
Conduct laboratory analytical testing for product quality assurance / control; and routine tests.
Conduct odor control measures to minimize nuisance odors from treatment facilities.
Conduct preventive maintenance tasks to ensure the reliability of treatment systems.
Conduct regular preventive maintenance on equipment.
Conduct research and stay informed about advancements in wastewater treatment technology.
Conduct routine inspections of treatment facilities to ensure proper functioning.
Conduct routine water quality sampling, testing and analysis.
Conduct safety inspections and adhere to safety protocols.
Conduct safety meetings and training sessions for wastewater treatment personnel.
Coordinate with
Coordinate laboratory analysis with appropriate lab.
Coordinate with laboratory staff to ensure timely analysis of wastewater samples.
Coordinate with maintenance staff to schedule equipment inspections and repairs.
Coordinate with other team members to optimize plant performance.
Develop
Develop and update standard operating procedures.
Diagnose
Diagnose basic operational problems and take corrective action per procedures.
Enforce
Enforce and maintain standard safety procedures and maintain clean work area.
Ensure
Ensure all work is performed in compliance with relevant standards, legislation and regulations.
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Ensure conformance to process specifications.
Ensure permit conditions are met.
Ensure proper handling and storage of chemicals.
Ensure proper operation of stand-by-generators.
Ensure safety standards are met.
Ensure that labor reporting is accurate and balances with labor tracking system.
Ensure that the facility operates within permit compliance, at / above design.
Ensure work practices, processes and systems are in compliance.
Evaluate
Evaluate and implement process improvements.
Fill
Fill oil reservoirs to proper levels.
Follow
Follow process control procedures for assigned areas.
Follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
Implement
Implement energy-saving measures to reduce the environmental impact of wastewater treatment.
Implement safety protocols and procedures to protect personnel and equipment.
Implement water conservation and energy-saving initiatives.
Inspect
Inspect and clean lift stations facilities and grounds.
Inspect and clean wastewater collection systems, including pipes and pumps.
Inspect pumps, sump pumps, ventilators, and air supplies.
Install
Install, troubleshoot and read water meters, as applicable.
Interpret
Interpret meter and gauge readings; and test results to determine processing requirements.
Interpret test results and make adjustments to treatment processes as necessary.
Keep
Keep abreast of changes in environmental regulations.
Keep abreast of changes in wastewater treatment regulations and standards.
Keep accurate records of plant operations, maintenance activities, and data analysis.
Learn
Learn to perform calculations for process control and process optimization.
Learn to use the facility System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor processes.
Maintain
Maintain accurate records of wastewater treatment operations and test results.
Maintain and inventories tools.
Maintain and repair equipment and machinery.
Maintain a variety of records and reports related to wastewater system operations.
Maintain equipment maintenance records and reports.
Maintain, installs, repairs, and troubleshoots mechanical equipment.
Maintain inventory levels of chemicals and supplies used in wastewater treatment.
Maintain, operates and inspects wastewater distribution and wastewater collection system assets.
Maintain, operates and inspects water distribution and wastewater collection system assets.
Maintain records of plant operations including, but not limited to, hourly.
Maintain shift log and record meter and gauge readings.
Manage
Manage and track inventory of chemicals and supplies.
Measure
Measure sludge depths and trouble shoots the sludge pumping system.
Model
Model and teach finding cost effective solutions to tasks.
Model safe work practices and provides leadership in achieving safety goals.
Monitor
Monitor and control chemical dosing systems for wastewater treatment.
Monitor and control odor levels within the treatment plant.
Monitor and control the flow of wastewater through treatment processes.
Monitor and control the flow of wastewater within the treatment plant.
Monitor and document operating conditions / observations and data in shift log daily.
Monitor and maintain the quality of treated wastewater.
Monitor and operate wastewater treatment equipment and processes.
Monitor and operate wastewater treatment processes.
Monitor and record operating conditions observations and data in respective shift / area logs.
Monitor control panels, adjusts valves and gates.
Monitor control panels and adjusts valves and gates manually or by remote control to regulate flow.
Monitor gauges, meters, and control panels.
Monitor operating conditions, meters and gauges.
Monitor process chemical supplies and recommend reorder.
Observe
Observe variation in operating conditions.
Operate
Operate and maintain boilers and incinerators.
Operate and maintain sludge treatment and disposal systems.
Operate and maintain vehicle in accordance with company procedures and policies.
Operate a variety of equipment and hand power tools.
Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste.
Operate, maintains, installs, repairs, and troubleshoots process equipment.
Operate personal computers to input data and statistics for operational and regulatory reports.
Operate sludge handling and disposal equipment.
Operate vehicles for plant operational purposes.
Operate vehicles such as forklift, loader, skid steer and dump truck for plant operational purposes.
Operate vehicles such as trucks, forklifts, loaders, carts, etc. for plant operational purposes.
Oversee
Oversee and ensure the efficient operation of the anerobic digester.
Oversee the disposal of hazardous materials.
Oversee work assignments to ensure that schedules are met.
Participate in
Participate and complete training programs within the time frame allotted.
Participate in training programs and stay updated with industry standards.
Participate in training programs to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
Perform
Perform basic laboratory tests, as needed.
Perform daily operation rounds, preventative maintenance task and grounds keeping.
Perform duties of Operator III as required.
Perform fire guard duty and confined space watch.
Perform grab and go field tests in order to adjust chemical dosages for processes.
Perform grab and go field tests in order to adjust pro cess chemical dosages for systems.
Perform hand excavation, backfilling, restoration works, concrete work and pipe laying.
Perform job duties in a safe manner compliant with policies, procedures and practices.
Perform laboratory tests to assess the quality of treated wastewater.
Perform lab tests applicable to permit testing and related reports per procedure.
Perform minor electrical maintenance functions.
Perform monthly (minimum) air stripper cleaning and effluent sampling (drager tubes).
Perform preventive maintenance and cleaning.
Perform preventive maintenance on all equipment.
Perform regular inspections of equipment and systems.
Perform routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned.
Perform routine lab tests.
Perform routine maintenance on pumps, valves, and mechanical equipment.
Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning tanks and screens.
Perform routine maintenance work.
Perform wastewater quality and system tests and takes corrective actions.
Perform water quality and system tests and takes corrective actions.
Prepare
Prepare chemical solutions and services automatic samplers.
Prepare / maintain necessary records of Wastewater operating activities.
Promote
Promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the community.
Provide
Provide day-to-day monitoring of equipment, routine lab test, and minor maintenance activities.
Provide feedback to Supervisor on labor, material and equipment demands needed to achieve schedule.
Provide guidance and support to junior operators.
Provide guidance and support to junior operators and trainees.
Provide plant operational support to the process coordinator.
Read
Read and adjust pressures and flows for seal water.
Record
Record daily events and conditions in the facility log book.
Record meter and gauge readings and operational data.
Record observations and data in area shift log.
Recovery
Recovery well O&M (manual operations checks, float switch checks, pump checks).
Report
Report potential problems to supervisor on a timely basis.
Report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to work.
Respond to
Respond to alarms and emergencies to prevent disruptions in wastewater treatment.
Respond to emergencies and implement contingency plans.
Respond to service calls relating to water quality, meter installations, sewage backup.
Restart
Restart equipment in the event of power outages.
Sample
Sample wastewater, sludge and gases (odor control, digester, etc.) according to schedule.
Test
Test proper operations of residual analyzers, and chlorination / de-chlorination.
Track
Track chemical usage on a monthly basis.
Train
Train team members to troubleshoot and resolve problems.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and diagnoses operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure.
Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues.
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform minor repairs.
Use
Use a variety of testing equipment and procedures.
Utilize
Utilize computer programs related to the maintenance, operation and communication functions.
Utilize SCADA system to monitor and operate facility.
Verify
Verify and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor.
Verify and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor and takes corrective actions.
Work
Work effectively in team environment and provide support and assistance to others.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Wastewater Operator:
Proficiency in operating wastewater treatment equipment, such as pumps, mixers, and aerators.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including activated sludge, biological filtration, and chemical precipitation.
Familiarity with wastewater laboratory procedures and testing methods.
Understanding of hydraulic principles and flow dynamics in wastewater systems.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
Experience with computerized control systems and SCADA software.
Knowledge of environmental regulations and permit requirements related to wastewater treatment.
Familiarity with occupational health and safety standards in wastewater operations.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues in wastewater treatment equipment.
Proficiency in using hand and power tools for maintenance and repair tasks.
Understanding of chemical handling procedures and safety precautions.
Knowledge of water chemistry and microbiology as it relates to wastewater treatment.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations for chemical dosing and flow rate adjustments.
Experience with preventive maintenance practices for mechanical equipment.
Familiarity with emergency response protocols for spills and releases.
Understanding of process control strategies for optimizing wastewater treatment efficiency.
Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions based on treatment performance.
Knowledge of sludge handling and disposal methods, including dewatering and landfilling.
Understanding of corrosion control techniques for wastewater infrastructure.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate technical information clearly.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Wastewater Operator:
Effective communication skills for interacting with coworkers, supervisors, and regulatory agencies.
Problem-solving abilities to address operational challenges and troubleshoot equipment issues.
Attention to detail and accuracy in recording data and maintaining documentation.
Time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability to changing conditions and unexpected events in wastewater treatment operations.
Teamwork and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams involved in wastewater management.
Leadership qualities to guide and mentor junior operators.
Critical thinking skills to evaluate treatment processes and propose improvements.
Stress management abilities to remain calm and focused during emergencies or high-pressure situations.
Commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance in wastewater operations.
Conclusion
Wastewater Operators play a vital role in safeguarding public health and the environment by managing wastewater treatment processes effectively. Their diverse skill set, including technical expertise and soft skills, ensures the efficient operation of wastewater treatment facilities and compliance with regulatory standards.
