Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Treatment Plant Operator II (#20006622)

General Statement

Under general supervision, has responsibility for the control of the routine wastewater treatment process and coordination of sewage pumping and treatment operations associated with this process at a wastewater treatment plant.

Essential Job Functions

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.

  • Supervises or assists in the supervision of operators controlling the routine wastewater treatment processes, including training, and the coordination of wastewater pumping and treatment plus solids processing operations associated with the overall treatment process, including inspection of operating equipment and operation of plant computer control systems.
  • Directs or coordinates the wastewater process seeing that proper adjustments are made to maintain quality of effluent and to ensure continuous operation of the plant.  Includes the remote and manual operation of valves and gates.  Must understand safety procedures and policies.
  • Directs the collection of process samples and may coordinate their transport.  Determines or recommends process changes based upon current conditions and/or trends to ensure an efficient and effective treatment process.  Must understand applicable effluent regulations and standards as well as treatment processes utilized at the District.
  • Gives direction to, or oversees, the work of laboring crews in the preparation of process units for operation and/or maintenance on treatment processes.  May supervise shift laborers.
  • Assists in the coordination of plant maintenance and construction project schedules to minimize process outages and to ensure the safety of all employees.
  • Completes written assignments including record keeping, description of malfunctioning equipment, performance appraisals, and daily operational and administrative records in a timely and proper manner.
  • Reacts in timely and efficient manner to treatment plant upsets and/or emergency conditions.
  • Operates Distributed Control System (DCS). 

Other Job Functions

  • Conducts special sampling and treatment evaluation programs as needed.
  • Cleans probes and other equipment.
  • Orders laboratory and other supplies.
  • Conducts tours.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental 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.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Considerable knowledge of the operating equipment used in the wastewater treatment process, including those used in a computerized environment. 
  • Considerable knowledge of the operation and adjustment of mechanical pumps.
  • Considerable knowledge of wastewater treatment standards according to EPA and NPDES guidelines.
  • Considerable knowledge of safety principles and practices.
  • Thorough knowledge of laboratory measuring devices, instruments and sampling equipment.
  • Skill in making decisions using DCS trends, operational parameters, sample results, and flow and weather conditions. 
  • Ability to read and understand a variety of dials, meters and gauges.
  • Ability to prepare and keep detailed logs of activities.
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
  • Ability to use gas meters and other safety equipment to identify noxious gases and oxygen deficiency. 

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and four years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations at a facility with a Group 1 designation by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Substitution

The following may be substituted for the required experience to a combined maximum of two years:
  • Full time study at an accredited college or university majoring in engineering or science may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.         
  • Completion of the one-year full-time certificate program for wastewater treatment system operators such as that offered by the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) may be substituted for one year of the required experience.     
  • Completion of comprehensive wastewater treatment plant operations courses as defined in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency wastewater operator certification guide may be substituted for three months of the required experience for each course taken to a maximum of one year.         
  • Possession of a Class 4 certificate of competency in wastewater treatment works operations issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency may be substituted for one year of the required experience. 
  • Possession of a Class 3 or higher certificate of competency in wastewater treatment works operations issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency may be substituted for two years of the required experience. 

Promotional Requirement

  • One year of service with the District as a Treatment Plant Operator I.
  • Civil service status as a Treatment Plant Operator I.
CLASS: 20006622; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 6/30/2023;