Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area (PA), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. In this position, you will serve as the wastewater treatment operator responsible for the operation of the plant including pretreatment, and primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. Responsibilities Operates a Wastewater Treatment Plant which provides the full range of treatment, including that required for meeting National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) permit conditions. Operates a variety of pumps, valves, gates, feeders, flocculates, clarifies, filters, and other controls and equipment to move waterborne domestic and industrial waste through the various stages of treatment. Collects samples, runs tests on influent, intermediate stages, and effluent, and adjusts chemical additions according to specified requirements. Performs operator maintenance, maintains records and logs as required by permits and NBAF standard operating procedures (SOP), and observes all safety rules and procedures. Works either as a team member and/or works alone with shift responsibility on rotating shifts and on weekends and holidays, on a regular and recurring basis as required to man the plant continuously. Operates comminutor or barmintor, grit removal system, splitter boxes, valves, pumps, collector systems, and primary settling tanks to move sewage and sludge through the pretreatment and primary treatment stages. Operates secondary clarifiers, trickling filters, rapid mix chambers, lime feed systems, pumps, valves, collector systems, and electronic monitoring equipment. Performs tertiary operation functions. Responds to warning signals of the variety of alarm systems in the plant, investigates the reason, and takes appropriate action to correct the problem. Regulates and controls chemical treatment processes, tests and analyzes sewage and sludge at prescribed points: and calibrates/maintains electronic analyzers to assure wastewater effluent follows all parameters as governed by KDHE and NPDES permits. Operates a vacuum coil filter or a belt filter press for final sludge disposal. Performs operator maintenance on all equipment utilized by oiling, greasing, replacing parts, and adjusting in accordance with Technical Manuals, SOPs, manufacturers manuals, and written and oral instructions of supervisor. Maintains required records, operator logs, flow charts, and calibration charts. Operates a computer and software programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Internet Explorer, and Excel. Operates government-owned vehicles for official purposes. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 07/10/2026Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example You must have the ability to perform the duties of a, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operatorwithout more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Working Conditions: Work is accomplished both inside and outside in all kinds of weather. Work sometimes requires exposure to running motors, pumps and machinery, loud noises, and poor ventilation. The incumbent is exposed to chlorine, sulfuric acid, methane gas, sulfur dioxide, bacteria, and occasionally unpleasant odors and fumes. Complete protective clothing including acid resistant gloves and aprons, gas mask or full-face shield, and respirator are required when working with dangerous chemicals. There is frequent exposure to dirty and greasy machinery. The incumbent may be required to frequently wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls when working in any of the laboratories. PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards, but may increase the risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, limited mobility and dexterity. Physical well-being may be compromised by the prolonged usage of the PPE may lead to labored respiration, heat stress and dehydration. The health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations. Restrictions against contact with birds and livestock outside the laboratory may apply after entering high security animal facilities that are working with disease agents foreign to the United States. Physical Effort: The incumbent frequently works in strained positions while cleaning equipment or lifting heavy equipment or tools. Work activities require considerable walking, standing on concrete and climbing stairways and ladders and catwalks. The incumbent regularly lifts objects weighing 45-50 pounds and occasionally heavier weights with proper support. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
