Waste/Water Treatment Operator

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.

Under the supervision and direction of the Foreman, the WWTO starts, stops, and adjusts the operation, of all equipment as necessary for proper operation of the four water treatment facilities; sanitary waste treatment plant, industrial waste treatment plant, domestic water treatment plant, and the canal water treatment plant.  Equipment includes all pumps, filters, chemical feeders, chlorinators, air compressors, agitators, valves, scrapers, deionizers, sludge scraper and blow off, digesters, trickling filters, clarifiers, tanks, and automatic controls and related equipment.

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.  This position is on a rotating shift that may cover weekends, afternoons, evenings, and dayshift rotations.

• 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

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

All activities, as they apply to work performed by self and working with others will be executed in compliance with Environment, Safety & Health (ES&H) and security responsibilities established by Argonne National Laboratory's ES&H policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices.

All activities, as they apply to work performed by self and working with others will be executed in compliance with the core values of Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork.

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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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.