Plant Operator 1

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Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College, our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future, including a state-of-the-art Waste Water plant.

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What are the 5 C’s that make Chattanooga the preferred pick: 
• Competitive, structured compensation
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 • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Clear pathways for professional growth and advancement
• Community centered culture built on service, collaboration, and integrity.

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• Explore Natural Wonders – Waterfalls, overlooks, and breathtaking outdoor escapes are less than an hour away.

• Getaway Made Easy – Just a short drive from four major cities for quick weekend adventures.

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Salary: WWFG.04N($21.21 - $25.45)/HR

Work Hours: 12 Hour Rotating Schedule: 7AM-7PM, 7PM-7AM
*Hours may vary due to work assignments or projects.*

Work Location: 455 Moccasin Bend Rd.

FLSA Status: This is a Non-Exempt position.

Department: Wastewater

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:  

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing activities related to monitoring, operating and maintaining primary and secondary systems and pump stations at wastewater treatment plants. Duties include collecting water samples for analysis; collecting and monitoring readings; operating and maintaining pump stations, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and storm stations; implementing wastewater collection and treatment processes, and cleaning and maintaining facilities. Positions are either assigned to the liquids or solids group. Work requires moderate supervision.

SERIES LEVEL: 

Plant Operator 1 is the first level of a five-level wastewater plant operations series.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

Assists in operating, maintaining and monitoring wastewater processes which includes adjusting valves; transferring sludge; cleaning bar screens; cleaning scum from channels; draining gas traps; placing clarifiers in and out of service; reading meters and gauges; cleaning out telescope valves; untangling floats; opening and closing gates and valves and performing related activities. 

Collects a variety of water samples for analysis and notates readings; delivers samples to the lab, ensuring the integrity of the chain of custody. 

Collects electric, water, pump hour and flow readings at pump stations and applicable sites; verifies meters are working correctly and monitors the location. 

Monitors chemical feeds and makes appropriate adjustments. 

Cleans, maintains and inspects applicable equipment and facilities which includes testing floats, milltronics, pumps, valves, gates, and telemetry; setting up stations for pumping or gravity flow; testing screen and float operations; checking onsite generators for operation, fuel, coolant, and oil levels and/or performing other related activities. 

Prepares a variety of readings and information related to plant operations in applicable logbooks. 

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations, and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES (if any):

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

High School Diploma or GED supplemented by vocational/technical training in wastewater treatment plant operations, chemical processing, monitoring production machinery/equipment, maintaining mechanical equipment, or in a related field or any equivalent combination of education, experience or training sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS: 

A valid Driver's License

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

Knowledge of basic wastewater treatment systems; pump stations; applicable tools and equipment utilized in the trade; basic mathematical concepts; records maintenance principles and mechanical and electrical principles.

Skill in performing mathematical calculations; performing routine maintenance activities; troubleshooting routine wastewater system problems; reading and recording data; operating applicable tools and equipment of the trade; and communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and seeing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Medium Work: Exerting up-to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up-to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up-to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gasses, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, inadequate lighting, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and infectious diseases.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Safety Sensitive: Y
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: N

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This position requires pre-employment screening(s) that include: background check / drug screening / lift test / TB screening questionnaire / TB skin test / complete physical screening / DOT Clearinghouse / HepB Titer / fingerprinting / CJIS check.

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

JES 3.26.25

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