Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I​/II​/III - Water Treatment

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor – Water Treatment, performs activities pertaining to the operation of a Surface Water Treatment plant. Entry‑level trainee position focused on learning how to operate multiple treatment plants, perform chemical dosing calculations, conduct laboratory analyses, manage the distribution system, maintain electronic and manual records, and control plant processes to produce potable water in compliance with Texas state and federal regulations.

The role includes three operator levels:
Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, I, II, and III.

• Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
  :
  Operate city vehicles to visit water treatment sites; calculate and adjust chemical dosages; control and monitor chemical feed pumps; perform and interpret laboratory tests (pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, hardness, temperature, conductivity); conduct filter backwashing (manual and automatic); maintain plant records and reports; monitor SCADA systems and plant equipment; record water usage; assist with minor repairs and equipment adjustments; report leaks and communicate with repair crews;
  
  perform grounds maintenance and housekeeping.
• Treatment Plant Operator I and II
  :
  All trainee duties plus higher accountability; controls chemicals and equipment; performs laboratory testing; removes solids and backs filters; calibrates equipment; records and compiles reports; monitors SCADA and distribution system flows; trains trainees; mixes chemicals; changes reagents; performs minor repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Treatment Plant Operator III
  :
  All requirements of I and II with deeper understanding of regulatory rules; oversees plant operation and efficiency; prepares detailed reports; troubleshoots and recommends corrective actions; conducts chemical and bacteriological analyses; adjusts processes based on meter readings and controls; maintains communication with employees, officials, and the public; performs laboratory process control testing; enters data into computer systems.

Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• State and federal water treatment regulations; safe chemical handling; basic algebra and math; laboratory operations; safety precautions; driving principles.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment; use tools for treatment and repair; identify pump and motor anomalies; make logical decisions from SCADA and computer data; basic computer operation; safe vehicle operation.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; read, write, and understand English; perform grounds maintenance tasks; maintain cooperative relationships; adhere to City of Abilene Core Values.

• Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
  :
  No prior experience required; obtain a “D” Water License within 90 days; high school diploma or GED; valid Texas driver’s license or waiver; take the “C” Surface Water Exam after one year and hold a “C” license within 18 months; maintain the “C” license for continued employment.
• Treatment Plant Operator I:
  Minimum one year experience at a Surface Water Treatment plant; must hold a “C” Surface Water License.
• Treatment Plant Operator II
  :
  Minimum three years experience; must hold a “B” Surface Water License.
• Treatment Plant Operator III
  :
  Minimum five years experience and a qualifying Bachelor of Science degree with TCEQ “A” training, or six years experience with an “A” license.

Positions require 24‑hour facilities operation, on‑call after‑hours availability, and reliable transportation. Candidates must pass a Texas criminal background check. Work may involve variable shifts and short notice changes, exposure to cold, heat, vibration, chemicals, and other hazards. Operators are classified as Shift or Relief Operators, with specified strength and physical demands.

Required physical actions include standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, overhead work, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision tasks, hearing tasks, and speaking. Frequency is coded as Y (Yes), N (No), E (Extensive 100‑70%), M (Moderate 60‑30%), I (Infrequent 20‑10%), and A (Almost Never