Job content 
Assist to ensure that the wastewater treatment plants are operational 24-hours and that the discharge of effluent and disposal of sludge is treated according to ERWAT procedures.

Description of Job

1. Operational Management Effectiveness

• Keep inlet works clean by effectively removing rags and grit in the wastewater stream according to Standard Operating Procedures and schedules including monitoring and reporting of malfunctioning equipment.
• Removal of scum and scrubbing of the tank walls, launders and weirs on the PST’s, Humus Tanks, CCT and Clarifiers to ensure continuous operation within set performance standards, hygienic and aesthetically acceptable conditions.
• Assist in transferring sludge from various pumping stations to digesters, sludge lands, drying beds or other designated areas according to Standard Operating Procedures and schedule.
• Keep the bio-filter operating effectively by unblocking filter arm nozzles and prevent ponding by flushing and turning of the filter media to ensure even/equal flow distribution on the filter according to Standard Operating Procedures and schedules.
• Cleaning and removal of spillages.
• Removal of dry sludge from the drying beds and surrounding areas including removal of vegetation and raking of the drying beds to ensure optimum performance.
• Assist with the changing of chlorine cylinders according to safe working procedures.
• Cleaning of all process units, pump stations and surrounding areas.
• Assist in operating sludge dewatering equipment according to Standard Operating Procedures and schedules.
• Assist in make-up polymer as per Standard Operations Procedures.
• Assist in taking meter and instrument readings as per arranged schedules and record on prescribe forms.
• Reporting any faulty equipment and any incident (abnormal plant conditions) to the Shift leader.
• Assist in taking samples as per schedule and when needed.
• Assist in operating sludge thickeners and DAF units according to operating manuals and SOP’s.
• Assist in operating/performing daily routine checks on all process units.
• Assist with the controlling of sludge irrigation and run-off from sludge lands.
• Assist with the logging of entries into the logbook and check sheets.

2. Safety/ Health and Environmental requirements

• Observe all safety rules (wearing of PPE at all times), Standard Operating Procedures, signs and instructions to prevent incidents related to health and safety.
• Report all incidents including near misses to the Shift leader.

Minimum Requirements

Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) and 15 years’ experience working for ERWAT Operations Department as a General Worker.
OR
Grade 8 / Operators Certificate or Wastewater Treatment Practice NQF L2 and 3-years relevant experience

Special requirements 

1. Registration with DWS as a minimum class 1 process controller

2. Basic operations, services, and activities of a wastewater treatment plant.