Senior Treatment Plant Operator

WHO WE ARE: Resource Renew, the brand of Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), is committed to preventing pollution and protecting the environment, including the region's most precious resource - Lake Superior. Founded as a special purpose unit of government created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1971 to address serious environmental pollution problems in the lower St. Louis River Basin, Resource Renew provides wastewater and solid waste services and oversight for a 530 square mile region around Duluth, Minnesota. Our facilities include a main wastewater treatment plant, multiple pump stations, and solid waste collection sites of varied types. WHAT DOES A SENIOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR DO?Performs the role of Operator on Duty, which involves operating the wastewater treatment and collection system and monitoring related computer control and facility systems including heating, power generation and distribution Provides overall process and facility oversight through monitoring and control of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure operational issues are quickly identified and addressed through coordination of operations, maintenance and other necessary staff and resources Maintains site security through monitoring of closed circuit television (CCTV), access control and other security systems; coordinates with necessary staff and resources to address any security issues, both within and outside normal business hours Takes independent action to deal with emergency situations; coordinates the efforts of District employees in emergency response according to District procedures; secures and coordinates outside responders until relieved by the responsible District representative; alerts management of emergency conditions and documents as necessary Receives, records and forwards communications from industrial users and the public; responds to public inquiries in a timely, helpful and professional manner and informs management of pertinent issues and/or process deficiencies Monitors, controls and adjusts operating parameters based on established permit and limits and/or other facility considerations Develops graphics and control charts needed to appropriately monitor the process; troubleshoots and provides the first level of correction for process computer problems Maintains a high quality operational record of the wastewater treatment facility including daily operational data, key observations and process exceptions Conducts routine inspections of plant operations and buildings and grounds Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the wastewater treatment plant and processes Monitors and adjusts boiler operation according to special license requirements and following standard operating procedures determined by the Chief Boiler Engineer Keeps up-to-date on the WLSSD National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, air permit requirements and process performance Maintains a constant awareness of safe work practices; ensures compliance with the District Safety Program to complete work without accidents or injuriesA TYPICAL SKILLSET FOR THE ROLE IS:Knowledge of the NPDES wastewater discharge permit and air emissions permit requirements and the ability to recognize and respond to operating conditions which may lead to operating outside normal range or non-compliance Knowledge of statistical process control methods and tools to analyze operating data and identify process issues and opportunities Knowledge of theories and practices of wastewater treatment and advanced secondary treatment Knowledge of the type and significance of laboratory tests performed in wastewater treatment operations including proper sampling techniques and wastewater testing protocols Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance activities Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the operation of wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes Ability to act independently to coordinate district resources as needed to ensure consistent compliance with permit conditions Ability to locate, troubleshoot and repair minor operational equipment deficienciesMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience A combination of education and/or experience that meets the qualification requirements of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Class "B" Wastewater Operator Certificate An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered