Process Operator at ERWAT - Ekurhuleni Water Care Company

Job Content 

• Responsible for the 24-hour operation of wastewater treatment plants/ modules or sections to ensure the discharge of effluent and disposal of sludge according to License conditions and ERWAT procedures 

Description of Job

Operational Management Effectiveness

• Operate equipment to draw off sludge from primary sludge tanks clarifiers and humus tanks according to operating manual and SOP’s.
• Operate equipment at inlet works to remove grit and rags effectively from waste water stream according to operating manuals and SOP’s.
• Transfer sludge from various pumping stations to digesters, sludge lands, drying beds or other designated areas according to operating manuals and SOP’s.
• Operate sand filters according to operating manuals and SOP’s.
• Operate sludge thickeners and DAF units according to operating manuals and SOP’s.
• Operate sludge dewatering equipment according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Operate disinfection system including the change of chlorine cylinders according to safe work procedures and SOP’s.
• Ensure that solutions of chemicals such as (ferric chloride, chlorine and DBF) are handled safely according to standard operating procedures and that the dosing are performed efficiently in accordance with compliance and performance of all modules/plants.
• Operate ferric chloride dosing equipment according to standard operating procedures.
• Decant supernatant from digesters and drying beds to reduce the volume of sludge for disposal to acceptable levels
• Ensure efficient and safe removal of dried/dewatered sludge from belt-presses, drying beds, sludge lagoons, or paddies and stockpile in dedicated areas.
• Take meter readings such as flows, DO levels, and operating hours of equipment
• Complete daily plant log sheets
• Participate in shift handover.
• Evaluate all processes and equipment of all modules or plants and take corrective action where needed
• Report any equipment breakdowns or abnormal plant conditions

Quality Effectiveness

• Follow the Incident Management Protocol during any incidents to prevent pollution or damage to equipment.
• Take process samples according to laboratory program and SOP’s.
• Assist in adjustment of processes or operational procedures to ensure compliance with all legislation and optimization of process.
• Interpret lab results and assist in adjusting processes pro-actively
• Monitor the activities of all Service Providers including sampling contract and delivery of chemicals and report any deviations.
• Assist with overseeing installation of new equipment and repair of sewage facilities by maintenance department or contractors and immediately report any irregularities.

Administrative Effectiveness

• Assist in compiling daily, weekly and monthly reports on plant performance and efficiencies.
• Assist with compiling of documentation for all Green Drop related activities.
• Record and report quantities of generated waste, including grit, rags and sludge removed.
• Record and report levels and/or mass of bulk chemicals such as ferric chloride, DBF, Polyelectrolyte and chlorine.
• Record and report any deviations from normal operation according to ERWAT communications protocol

Safety/ Health, Environmental and Risk requirements

• Observe all safety rules, procedures, signs and instructions to prevent incidents related to health and safety.
• Assist in identifying operational and safety hazards on the plant and participate in risks assessments and the implementation of the mitigation plans.
• Ensure good housekeeping by maintaining a clean, safe working environment.
• Report any accidents/incidents or near misses as per IMP.

Minimum Requirements

• Operators Certificate/Wastewater Treatment Practice NQF 3 and 7 years’ experience of which 2 years is at Grade B2

OR

• Wastewater Treatment practice NQF 4 and 3 years’ experience of which 2 years is at Grade B2

OR

• BSc Degree, National Diploma, National Technical Diploma, NTC VI (All in appropriate field) and 1-year experience (excluding in-service training).

OR

• Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) and 15 years relevant experience

Special Requirements

• Registration with DWS as a minimum class III process controller
• Driver’s license
• Basic operations, services, and activities of a wastewater treatment plant.

 Closing Date 14 March 2026