Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

City of Big Rapids
Big Rapids, Michigan

The City of Big Rapids is seeking a qualified and interested full-time wastewater treatment plant operator. 

Pay: $21.61/hour 

Supervised By: Work performed under the supervision of the Superintendent or lead person.


Position Summary: Perform a variety of technical, semi-skilled, and labor work in the business, operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant; and to perform related work as required. 


Responsibilities and Essential Duties and Functions:  An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties: (These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.)

  1. Operate mechanical equipment and physical, chemical, or biological processes.
  2. Start up, monitor, adjust, and/or shut down equipment or systems to control the various treatment processes, including preliminary screening, grit and grease removal, flow equalization, activated sludge secondary treatment (aeration, return sludge, waste sludge, secondary clarification), chemical flocculation, ultraviolet disinfection, aerobic digestion, and sludge thickening and storage.
  3. Collect and analyze samples of raw, partially treated, treated and non-domestic waste streams.
  4. Analyze wastewater, sludge, and quality assurance samples to determine process adjustments and compliance with NPDES permit requirements, such as performing physical measurements (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen), perform gravimetric analyses (total solids, suspended solids, sludge solids and volatile solids), perform biological analyses (biochemical oxygen demand, fecal coliform), perform chemical analyses (phosphorus, nitrogen), and other testing as required. 
  5. Perform routine equipment condition checks, lubrication, or adjustment to ensure proper operation of pumps, blowers and various mechanical devices. 
  6. Dismantle, repair, replace and reassemble equipment components as needed to ensure proper performance. 
  7. Perform inspections, corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance and repair of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems and equipment. 
  8. Requisition, receive, store, inventory, and control use of equipment, materials, and supplies.
  9. Plan, schedule, coordinate, and document work activities and accomplishments. 
  10. Keep facilities neat, clean, orderly, and follow safe work practices, rules, standards, and policies. 
  11.  Perform other activities as may be assigned by the Superintendent or lead person.
  12. Prepare neat and accurate records of observed data, analyses conducted, and work performed. 
  13. Work with computer records, entry of data, Excel programs, software programs, word documents, and SCADA process controls. 
  14. Represent the City by working with the public and other governmental agencies providing services that require knowledge of EPA, Michigan, and Big Rapids code enforcement policies for the City public utilities. 
  15. Perform related work as required. 
Essential Functions, Qualifications and KSA's (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) for Employment: All of the following functions, qualifications, KSA's and duties are essential. An employee in this class, upon appointment, should have the equivalent of the following:

  • Knowledge of the equipment, materials, methods, and procedures used in municipal wastewater treatment. 
  • Knowledge of operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems. 
  • Knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological processes used in wastewater treatment. 
  • Knowledge of computer program operation, including Excel, work and software programs. 
  • Knowledge of algebra. 
  • Knowledge of EPA, Michigan, and Big Rapids code enforcement policies for City public utilities. 
  • Ability to plan, organize and complete work assignments.
  • Ability to read and understand English.
  • Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally. 
  • Ability to work effectively with employees, government officials, the community and the Utility users. 
  • Ability to use a personal computer and software applications.
  • Ability to walk, crawl, climb and maneuver where physical mobility is required. 
  • Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
  • Ability to see well. 
  • Ability to hear well.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Michigan driver's license. 
  • Possession of a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain, at a minimum, a valid Michigan Class "D" Wastewater Operator License with ability to advance to Class "C".
  • Possession of additional college or professional credits.
  • Graduation from an accredited high school or the equivalent. 
  • Must possess a valid drivers' license.