Waste/Water Treatment Operator

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Foreman, starts, stops, and adjusts the operation of all equipment as necessary for proper operation of the waste treatment plant and the domestic and cooling water treatment plants.

At the water treatment plant, collects samples, runs prescribed chemical tests such as hardness, pH, turbidity, sludge percent chlorine residual, etc. and adjusts equipment as indicated by test results to maintain prescribed quality of water.

Calculated daily consumption of water, chemicals, dosages, etc. Equipment includes all pumps, filters, chemical feeders, chlorinators, air compressors, agitators, valves, scrapers, deionizers, sludge scraper and blowoff, automatic controls and related equipment. At the waste treatment plant, pumps sludge at prescribed intervals, collects and composites waste water samples from influent and effluent flows as directed.

Runs prescribed operational tests on samples including residual chlorine, pH, slide %, suspended solids, B.O.D. samples, etc. Calculates daily flow of lab water, and cleans sand filters and sludge beds periodically.

Equipmenet includes comminuter, digester, trickling filter, clarijester, lab holding tanks, scrapers, and chemical feeders, etc. At both plants, makes inspections, takes readings, checks operating equipment periodically for proper control of the process, and cleans filters as necessary. Records analyzed results, hourly equipment readings, operational and test data, etc., on daily and weekly log sheet.

Fills chemical hoppers, day tanks, etc., changes chlorine cylind and moves chemical skiploads as necessary. Does facility housekeeping of assigned areas and cleans laboratory equipment. Performs miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Specific Duties

At the treatment plants

• Performs routine inspections and readings for proper operation
• Collects daily samples
• Performs prescribed chemical tests such as hardness, pH, turbidity, sludge percent chlorine residual, etc. and records analyzed results
• Adjusts equipment as indicated by test results to maintain prescribed quality of water
• Calculates and records daily consumption and flow of water, chemicals, dosages, etc.
• Pumps and processes sludge at prescribed intervals
• Collects wastewater samples from influent and effluent flows as directed
• Perform prescribed operational tests on samples including residual chlorine, pH, slide %, suspended solids, and B.O.D. samples and records analyzed results
• Cleans sand filters and sludge beds periodically

• This position is on a rotating shift that may cover weekends, afternoons, evenings, and dayshift rotations.
• This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems including pumping equipment operation is required
• 1-3 years related experience in operating water treatment equipment and certification as an IEPA water systems operator or wastewater treatment operator is desired
• Good knowledge and use of a PC are required
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Good skills in oral and written communications
• Ability to work weekend and shift work
• Complies with all Laboratory and Division Environmental Safety and Health (ES&H) policies, work rules, and safe work practices
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Job Family
• Union
• Job Profile
• Waste/Water Treatment Opr
• Worker Type
• Regular
• Time Type
• Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $40.97-$41.17.

Pay and benefits

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.