State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Water Pollution Control Technician (40 Hour) (9256FM)

$37.67-$49.22 Hourly / $3,012.88-$3,937.40 BiWeekly /
$78,636.00-$102,766.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

At the University of Connecticut, Storrs this class is accountable for performing highly skilled water analyses, collection and recording of process control data for the Water Resource Recovery Facility.

GUIDELINES FOR JOB CLASS USE

Within the Water Pollution Control and Water Reclamation Facilities, the Water Pollution Control Technician will perform advanced working level duties, to include but not limited to, laboratory operations and process control analysis, process operations, and related duties as required and/or assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under and receives general direction from the Water Resource Recovery Facility Superintendent, Water Resource Recovery Facility Assistant Superintendent, Water Pollution Control Operator III, or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead Water Pollution Control Operators and other employees of a lower grade as assigned by the Water Resource Recovery Facility Superintendent, or Water Resource Recovery Facility Assistant Superintendent or Water Pollution Control Operator III.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Performs highly skilled biological and chemical analyses of the  water pollution control and water reclamation process in accordance with regulations, procedures and standards set forth by Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater” compiled and updated by the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation; 
  • Collects samples from various treatment processes throughout the treatment plant and performs biological and chemical tests and analyses for the following, to include, but not limited to: yearly performance of the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) study for the laboratory’s Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification settleable solids, chlorine residuals, temperatures, hydrogen low concentrations (pH), suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, dissolved oxygen (D.O.), bio-chemical oxygen demand (B.O.D.), total alkalinity, turbidity, mixed liquor evaluation, titration, sludge volume index, total coliform and e-coli test, etc.; 
  • Evaluates, reports and may make decisions regarding pre-treatment and process control changes based on laboratory test results and protocols; 
  • Reports and documents the biomass based on analysis and may as directed make adjustments to biology retention time based on condition of incoming flow and biomass; 
  • Maintains and records data on facility operations and laboratory tests and analyses; 
  • Prepares operations, performance reports, and laboratory standard operating procedures (SOP’s) as required; 
  • Assists with the fats, oils and grease (FOG) inspection and removal program; 
  • Prepares records and reports as required; records meters and gauge values, interprets information according to visual and operating characteristics; 
  • Performs duties of a Class II Operator to include, but not limited to, complex facility operation and repairs, monitoring and maintenance of lift stations; 
  • Performs duties in the operation, monitoring and maintenance of water pollution control and water reclamation facilities equipment for the processing and disposal of biosolids and reclaimed water processing; 
  • Operates and maintains such equipment as grit chambers, step screens, bar racks, grinders, pumps, chemical dosing systems, dewatering systems, clarifier tanks, chlorination chambers and others; 
  • Performs repairs to and/or replaces equipment including valves, motors, pipes, pumps and other machinery; 
  • Responds to and resolves Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA) alarms; 
  • Ability to use a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), input data as needed or required; 
  • Adheres to safety and cleanliness standards; 
  • Maintains buildings and grounds of the facilities and lift stations; 
  • May prepare reagents used to test and analyze wastewater and reclaimed water; calibrates laboratory testing equipment; 
  • May as directed bring additional equipment on-line or take equipment off-line; 
  • Performs other related tasks as required and/or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • procedures, techniques and terminology used in laboratory analyses of water pollution control facility including water reclamation; 
    • nitrification and denitrification processes; 
    • Hach WIMS water data management program; 
    • chemicals and equipment used in a water pollution control facility laboratory and ability to perform required process control and laboratory tests as they relate to the operation of a water pollution control facility;
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
    • mathematical skills; 
  • Ability to
    • follow standard operating procedures (SOPs); 
    • keep accurate records of test results; 
    • utilize Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; 
    • utilize computer software; 
  • Supervisory ability;
  • Some experience interpreting laboratory test results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a Class II, or higher,  biological wastewater treatment facility

AND

A current State of Connecticut Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Class II certificate and a New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) Laboratory Analysis Certification.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have included performing skilled biological and chemical analyses of wastewater.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

A current State of Connecticut Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Class III certificate may be substituted for the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents appointed to this class who possess a Class III Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certification will be required by the appointing authority, to possess, and retain the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) Laboratory Analysis Certification no later than 24 months from the date appointment to the Water Pollution Control Technician position.
  • Incumbents appointed to this class who possess a Class II Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certification will be required by the appointing authority to obtain the State of Connecticut Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Class III certificate no later than 24 months from the date of appointment to the Water Pollution Control Technician position.
  • Incumbents in this class are required by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to possess and retain appropriate current certificates, licenses, and permits.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain specific education and/or experience to meet various certification requirements.
NOTE: DEEP Regulations: An Applicant for Class II or Class III Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certification shall:
  • Class II Operator: An applicant for Class II operator certification shall (A) submit satisfactory evidence of (i) at least three years of experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility of Class I or higher; (ii) a high school diploma or G.E.D.; and (iii) successful completion of higher education equivalent to at least 30 CEUs in a field determined by the commissioner to be related to the operation of a wastewater treatment facility, of which at least 18 CEUs are directly related to the operation of a wastewater treatment facility; and (B) pass the Class II examination.
  • Class III Operator: An applicant for Class III operator certification shall (A) submit satisfactory evidence of (i) at least four years of experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility of Class II or higher; (ii) a high school diploma or G.E.D.; and (iii) successful completion of higher education equivalent to at least 90 CEUs in a field determined by the commissioner to be related to the operation of a wastewater treatment facility; and (B) pass the Class III examination. Substitution of additional documented higher education training and coursework for minimum operating experience allowed as approved by DEEP per DEEP Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
  • A physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to extreme weather conditions in all seasons, highly disagreeable effects of waste, loud and potentially dangerous machinery and working with chemicals; may be required to lift moderately heavy weights and work in uncomfortable positions.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Examined

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(16)-Labor-Trades, Laundry

BARGAINING UNIT

(06)-SERVICE/MAINT (NP-2)

EEO

(8)-Service Maintenance

SALARY INFORMATION

FM 23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Water Pollution Control Technician (40 Hour) in Salary Group FM 21 approved effective July 15, 2022. (Revised to modify content, adjust salary group as a result of the NP-2 OJE Study Stipulated Agreement, modernize format, and add Acknowledgement section) Item No. 23-190R Item No. 23-207

EFFECTIVE DATE

05/19/2023

CLASS: 9256FM; EST: 11/13/2015; REV: 9/14/2023;