Previous Page TOC

WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

Essential Competencies

ENTRY LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills required to perform basic plant operation, and preventive maintenance on a selected array of equipment; following scheduling requirements and manufacturer's guidelines; and by using trouble-shooting techniques and proper tool care.

I. Closely supervised, limited plant operation

A. Assist Operator
1. Follow Scheduling
2. Learn facility layout

B. Learn Basic Plant Operation
1. Basic interpretation of state and federal regulations and reporting requirements
2. Learn basic use of equipment
3. Study processes
4. Closely supervised system monitoring

C. Helper Responsibilities
1. Gather materials
2. Cleanup & Equipment Care
3. Safety Considerations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

3 R's
Care of tools and equipment
Safe working practices

Skill in:

Demonstrated learning skill
Demonstrated mechanical skill

Ability to:

Follow instructions
Learn plant layout and operation
Learn and apply regulations

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills required to perform full basic plant operation, and intermediate level routine and cyclic preventive maintenance on a selected array of equipment; following and interpreting scheduling requirements and manufacturer's guidelines in a wide variety of situations; and by using trouble-shooting techniques and proper tool care.

All Competencies at the Entry Level, plus:

I.Full operation of plant where treatment is confined to pretreatment and primary treatment

A.Monitor and adjust any part of the system
1. Follow specific instructions
2. Adjust plant equipment to regulate treatment process
3. Collect and process samples
4. Add predetermined chemical reagents and conduct pH and settleable solids tests
5. Record data into reports

B. Maintain facility
1. Perform routine maintenance, checking equipment often
2. Clean and paint equipment and pipes
3. Assist higher level operator with minor repairs

C. Developmental level responsibilities
1. Compliance with regulations
2. Proper plant operation
3. Safety Considerations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

State and Federal regulations
Pretreatment and primary processes and equipment
Standard testing

Skill in:

Reading meters gauges and charts
Adding chemicals to cultivate anaerobic bacteria Performing more advanced tests

Ability to:

Gather data
Finalize reports

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills required for full plant operation, and performance of routine, cyclic, and specialized maintenance and repair on all equipment used in a trade or craft.

All Competencies at the Entry and Developmental Levels, plus:

I.Secondary waste water treatment - remove nitrogen, phosphorous, soluble chemicals, oils, and heavy metals

A. Monitor and adjust any part of the system

1. Develop and implement schedule
2. Varied and complex testing
3. Add proper amount of chemicals to precipitate heavy metals

B. Maintain facility
1. Check and adjust equipment
2. Perform maintenance and minor repair to equipment

C. Lead Responsibilities
1. Make independent judgements and decisions
2. Meet State and Federal regulations
3. Final reports to State and Federal agencies
4. Lead lower graded employees

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of:

Tertiary waste water treatment process
Chemical procedures to treat wastes
State and Federal regulations

Skill in:

Use of instruments and meters
Monitoring equipment operation
Advanced treatment equipment
Ability to:
Make critical adjustments
Operate independently
Prepare and review final reports

National Park Service
Training and Development Division
Essential Competencies
wwtopr.htm

Previous Page TOC