JOB SUMMARY 
The Lead Wastewater Treatment Operator coordinates and performs plant operational tasks, laboratory analyses, solids handling, and maintenance activities related to the operation of the wastewater treatment plant. Incumbent may serve as the responsible charge wastewater operator in the absence of the Wastewater Chief Operator. 

Duties depend on day to day priorities and may involve: laboratory analysis for process control and required testing, plant checks, adjustment of chemical feeds, cleaning of plant equipment and facilities, sludge de-watering for off-site disposal, and building and equipment maintenance. 

Employees in this position may be required to perform portions or all of the duties normally falling under positions within or below this classification depending on current workload and staffing requirements. Other duties may be assigned as required. 

This position is classified as Essential Personnel and may be called upon to work during weather closures and emergencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 
1. Assists the Wastewater Chief Operator to construct, rebuild, and maintain treatment plant and related equipment. 
2. Performs, tests, and troubleshoots repairs to wastewater treatment related equipment. Inspects and determines repairs and parts needed to bring equipment back to good, safe working order; makes routine repairs or performs major system overhauls as needed. 
3. Directs day-to-day laboratory and process control functions to assure that work meets appropriate guidelines, procedures, and regulations. 
4. Oversees and performs chemical, physical, and biological testing and analysis of various samples at the wastewater treatment plant, as required by the NPDES permit. 
5. Maintains laboratory accreditation. Keeps all aspects of the laboratory prepared to pass systems on-site audits and inspections performed by regulatory agencies. 
6. Remain current on testing required by regulatory agencies and update procedures, training operators to maintain conformity throughout all laboratory analysis. 
7. Analyze overall plant processes and implement control changes when necessary. 
8. Maintains inventory for the wastewater treatment plant and laboratory by ordering supplies. 
9. Assist in maintenance of Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. 
10. Assist with reports required by State and/or Federal regulatory agencies. 
11. Trains and monitors assigned staff to assure that work is performed efficiently and accurately to meet appropriate guidelines, procedures, and regulations. 
12. Rebuilds and diagnoses problems on grinder pumps. 
13. Operates a variety of heavy equipment; ensures proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use; performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment. 
14. Generates reports, standard operating procedures, manuals and other documents. 
15. Attends training needed to maintain licenses and to be informed of new regulations and technologies. 
16. Provides status updates and reports problems to the Chief Operator and provides recommendations. 
17. Serves in a rotating “on call” capacity; follow emergency call-out and customer contact procedures; respond to emergencies such as broken pipes, equipment failures or other malfunctions requiring immediate attention. 
18. Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Wastewater Chief Operator.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: 
This classification differs from the lower-level classifications in this series by the requirement for providing supervision and leadership; to analyze program effectiveness and recommend changes; assist with the development of short- and long-range goals and measurements. This position is responsible for the supervision of technical staff assigned to projects under their scope of responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 
1. Knowledge of and the ability to use manual and power hand tools. 
2. Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations applicable to wastewater and water quality standards. 
3. Knowledge of County policies and procedures. 
4. Ability to train and direct the work activities of other employees in the skill area as assigned. 
5. Ability to operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities and equipment. 
6. Ability to rebuild and perform maintenance on grinder pumps. 
7. Ability to perform standard process controls and testing methods commonly used in wastewater treatment. 
8. Ability to comprehend and interpret complex technical data and calculate algebraic equations for process control and related performance measures. Able to analyze data and diagnose equipment malfunctions, arrive to conclusions, take correction action, or make recommendations of plans of action. 
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with coworkers, and supervisors. 
10. Ability to work effectively and courteously with other governmental agencies and the public. 
11. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 
12. Ability to work independently and organize workload. 
13. Ability to maintain accurate records. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 
Minimum Qualifications: 
• High school diploma or GED equivalent. 
• Experience, education or equivalent combination of education and experience which satisfies the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the positions. 
• Ability to pass a medical evaluation to declare fitness to use a respirator. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, Defensive Driving certifications, and the certifications required in the positions listed below. 

Licenses & Certifications Required: 
• Washington State Wastewater Certification – Group II 
• Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tanker endorsement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
This position typically requires: Climbing Balancing Stooping, kneeling Crouching Reaching Standing Mobility Pushing Pulling Lifting Fingering Grasping Feeling Talking Hearing Seeing Repetitive motion Digging 

WORKING CONDITIONS 
1. Work is performed both in the office and in the field for extended periods under dirty and uncomfortable situations and in all types of weather and temperature conditions. 
2. Requires residency within a 60-minute response time of the Pacific Beach duty station. 
3. May lift and carry up to 50 pounds; work in confined spaces; have exposure to hazardous gases, laboratory chemicals, raw sewage, dust, smoke, fumes, etc. 
4. May be required to be on call for emergencies 24-hours a day and may be required to work evening and weekend hours. May be required to work alone. 
5. Require extensive travel to facilities throughout the working day. May be required to travel for training purposes and commute to other departments or government agencies. 
6. May perform duties while wearing required protective equipment

The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. 

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER