PRETREATMENT COORDINATOR/LABORATORY TECHNICIAN Full Time

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs difficult skilled tasks maintaining the Industrial Pretreatment Program and the Fats, Oils, and Grease Program. Must also perform field compliance laboratory analysis and process control sampling and analysis.  This includes the maintaining of equipment, inspection of industries and food service establishments, collecting and transporting samples, maintaining the City’s NC Laboratory Certification for field analysis, and performing chemical and biological tests. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent and requires considerable initiative and independent judgement.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THIS CLASS

An employee in this class performs various duties to maintain the Industrial Pretreatment Program and the Fats, Oils and Grease Program including inspections of industrial users and restaurants and sampling industries. Work also includes compiling data necessary for preparation and submittal of pretreatment reports and performing a variety of chemical and biological tests to satisfy plant compliance monitoring as outlined on the Wastewater Treatment Plants’ NPDES permit.  This employee is responsible for the maintenance of the wastewater laboratory as well as the collection and transportation of samples, the implementation of a grease trap and grease prevention program, the compiling of data necessary for the wastewater treatment plant monthly monitoring reports and assists in the monitoring of trends and the notification of operators to maximize plant operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS 

Planning and coordinating industrial pretreatment program; preparing and maintaining files and records; preparing reports.

• Develops schedules for industrial compliance and long-term monitoring and coordinates with contract laboratories.
• Determines industrial compliance with Sewer Use Ordinance and/or permit(s); issues notices of noncompliance when required; initiates notice of violations and other enforcement actions in accordance with the City’s Enforcement Response Plan.
• Schedules and conducts inspections of industrial sites or facilities.
• Maintains headworks database; prepares Headworks Analysis for State approval.
• Conducts Industrial Waste Survey as required by State.
• Prepares industrial user permits after reviewing plans and specifications for facilities.
• Answers questions or complaints from industries, restaurants, and citizens.
• Research regulations concerning impacts on industrial discharges or impacts upon the wastewater treatment facilities.
• Gathers data and prepares State of NC Pretreatment Annual Report.
• Calculates and administers sewer high strength surcharges.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements grease trap program, which includes the approval and inspection of grease traps as well as monitoring and enforcement actions for noncompliance.
• Inspects new businesses and food establishments to ensure proper connection practices and treatment processes are followed.
• Implements educational programs related to wastewater issues.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for updates to the City’s Sewer Use Ordinance and Enforcement Response Plan.
• Investigates abnormal flows or pollutants entering treatment system.
• Responds to calls of sewer spills to assist in determining the severity or environmental impacts.
• Performs routine field lab analysis and maintains NC Laboratory Certification.
• Ensures compliance with all Laboratory Certification Requirements.
•    Performs a variety of pretreatment duties and laboratory tests in the analysis of raw and treated wastewater samples to determine efficiency of treatment
•    Collects and delivers plant and industrial samples.
•    Prepares solutions and reagents.
•    Performs tests to determine pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Chlorine Residual, and other tests.
•    Interprets laboratory tests and prepares required reports.
•    Enters laboratory results into logs and records to produce reports for the City and State.
•    Researches, calibrates equipment, and runs test to maintain state laboratory certification requirements.
•    Maintains an inventory of chemicals, solutions, culture media, required forms, and other laboratory supplies.
•    Performs quality control program on equipment and supplies to assure reliable test results; maintains laboratory equipment in proper working order.
•    Consults with, informs, and advises wastewater superintendent and operators about changes in trends to detect operational problems.
•    Performs related tasks as assigned.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience with Microsoft Suites – Word, Excel, etc.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs other related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

         Thorough knowledge of the principles and requirements of State and Federal pretreatment program directives;  thorough knowledge of local laws and ordinances; thorough knowledge of laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment including those used in standard chemical and biochemical analysis of wastewater; thorough knowledge of chemical principles (organic and inorganic), terminology, techniques, equipment, and laboratory tests pertaining to the analysis of wastewater samples; thorough knowledge of the processes and treatment stages involved in wastewater treatment; thorough knowledge of safe handling of hazardous chemicals; thorough knowledge of the safety precautions necessary in a laboratory and wastewater treatment plant; ability to operate wastewater process as required; ability to use laboratory and related equipment and to compute and record test results; ability to plan workload to meet time requirements; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, industry and food service representatives, and the general public. Ability to understand and interpret sometimes detailed and procedural oral and written instruction. Ability to prepare and keep accurate and detailed records and prepare reports. Ability to perform mathematical calculations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with peers and superiors.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, typing, sitting and hearing.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity necessary to inspect schematic drawings, prepare and analyze figures and data, and use measurement devices.

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited community college or technical school with major coursework in biology and chemistry, and 3-5 years of laboratory, pretreatment, and grease trap inspection experience will be considered.

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field.  Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid North Carolina driver’s license is required.  Some weekend work may be required. 

Grade 1 or greater Pretreatment Program Specialist certification within 1 year of hire date

Grade 1 or greater Wastewater certification is preferred.