DWM Wastewater Collection System Operator (Wastewater Pumping Station)

Posting expires : November 18, 2025

General Description and Classification Standards

The employee in this classification, under the supervision of the Operations Manager or assigned supervisor, operates, monitors, repairs and maintains pump stations, Air Release Valves, and other appurtenant sanitary sewer facilities and equipment at multiple locations throughout the City of Atlanta; performs maintenance at wastewater facilities and equipment, participates in the operation of Combined Sewer Control Facilities; performs related duties as assigned.

Performs semi-skilled construction and / or maintenance work in support of the wastewater collection system for the Department of Watershed Management in the division of Treatment and Collections. Operates hand and power tools, light to medium construction equipment, etc. Generally, works as a part of a work crew under the direct supervision of a crew leader or lead person. Work is performed frequently in cooperation with skilled trade employees, experienced equipment operators, technicians, or crew supervisors. Perform tasks involving physical labor at pump station, water, sewer and wastewater treatment heavy construction projects. May operate a variety of hand and power tools. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, load and unload materials, clean up rubble and debris and remove waste materials. May assist other craft workers.

Supervision Received

Works under direct supervision and follows standardized procedures and written / verbal instructions to accomplish assigned tasks usually as part of a work crew.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities    These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned.

• Performs daily lift station checks of equipment, including pumps, related controls, overhead crane blowers, generators, building and grounds.
• Determines need for repair or replacement of pumps, check valves, digital or analog meters, temperature / pressure gauges, electrical relays and switches
• Performs preventative maintenance on cables, bolts, filters, gaskets, seals, bearings, belts, and other mechanical parts; participates in replacing piping, pumps, valve parts, grease and oil.
• Performs general cleaning of lift stations; washes walls; paints; waters and prunes shrubs and trees.
• Conducts necessary weekend checks of treatment plant and lift stations on a rotating basis.
• May operate and maintain power generating equipment to provide steam and electricity for plant and lift stations.
• Completes assigned work orders in an efficient and effective manner; works with supervisor to prioritize work orders; works in a safe and organized manner to ensure safety for self, crew and the public and to complete assignments correctly and on time.
• Works as part of a crew to inspect and repair water / wastewater pump station equipment; places flags or cones to control traffic.
• Checks utility truck to assure that proper equipment and tools are present and in working order; requests approval for necessary materials to complete assigned work orders.
• Maintains a safe and organized work area; stores tools; collects scrap and leftover materials; blows debris from sidewalks.
• Prepares reports and maintains logs on meter readings, tests, chemical and equipment usage, and all other recordkeeping requirements; maintains various COA records and other reports as required by the state.
• Constant, independent travel daily between worksites on Company time.
• Completes facility and vehicle inspections, along with related follow-up.
• Forward’s customer inquiries on to Operations Manager and / or the Public Information Officer.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless utility service.
• Ensures that facilities and grounds are kept clean and orderly and comply with City of Atlanta and EPD standards.
• Perform general maintenance and repair of wastewater / stormwater operating equipment. This includes cleaning lift station wet wells and performing minor electrical, mechanical repairs, etc.
• Perform inspections of operating equipment and make appropriate adjustments. This includes inspections of pumps, motors, fans, blowers, etc. and making appropriate adjustments.
• Perform building and ground maintenance and general custodial responsibilities of lift station facilities.
• Operates pumping equipment to transfer raw water to treatment facility, or distribute processed water to residential, commercial, and industrial establishments : Turns valves, pulls levers, and toggle switches to operate and control turbine and / or motor driven pumps (devices) that transfer water from reservoir to treatment facility, or to transfer processed water to consumer establishments.
• Repairs and lubricates equipment using hand tools
• May test water / wastewater for chlorine content, alkalinity, acidity, or turbidity to determine potability of water, following color analysis standards. Must be able and willing to perform work of a physical nature in all types of plants, field environments and inclement conditions.
• Must be willing to be on call, perform overtime, work shifts and / or irregular hours. Respond to call outs and emergencies as required within ninety (90”) minutes
• Must be willing to work in confined spaces including wet wells and manholes.
• Must be comfortable working at heights and in awkward spaces.
• Oversees daily operation and maintenance of all components of water and wastewater pump stations including valves, controls, air compressors and standby generator equipment and performs major and minor repairs of same.
• Performs regular visual inspections and / or tests of all water and wastewater pump station machinery, controls, alarms and equipment.
• Performs a variety of manual tasks requiring the handling of equipment exposed to raw sewage, cleans sewer pump station wet wells and maintains the structure and grounds of facilities.
• Operates and monitors storm water pumps, sanitary pumps, gates, valves and associated equipment that control the flow of storm water, combined sewage and sanitary sewage.
• Responds to emergency conditions at pumping stations during storm events.
• Performs drain maintenance, removes obstructions in drains and cleans drainage grates.
• Operates vehicles and equipment while performing assigned duties

Computer Skills

Decision Making

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities   This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully.  It is not an exhaustive list.

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

Preferred Qualifications - Education & Experience

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; high and low traffic zones, and outdoor weather conditions 2 / 3 of the time. The employee is exposed to working near moving mechanical parts, work in high, precarious places, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration less than 1 / 3 of the time. The employee will be working in confined spaces 1 / 3-2 / 3 of the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Required physical, lifting up to 100lbs, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully.   Duties include operating raw water pump stations, electrical systems and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Duties also include inspecting, maintaining and repairing pumps, motors, tanks, vaults, pipelines, valves, control valves and phone lines; maintaining grounds, easements and vehicles; preparing reports; and keeping related files. Must be available for callback in emergency situations and be able to adhere to a maximum 90-minute emergency response time.  Typical environmental conditions associated with job. Ability to stand, crawl, function in a confined or restricted space.