Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee (ECWA) (NY HELPS) Buffalo, NY

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee (ECWA) (NY HELPS)

Buffalo, NY – Posted August 14, 2025 – Non-Competitive Title Base Pay: $56,659.20 per CBA. This position is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program.

The work involves undergoing on‑the‑job training to become qualified as a water treatment plant operator. The trainee assists in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant under the immediate supervision of a qualified operator or a higher‑rank administrative employee.

• Performs study and reading assignments, observes demonstrations, and learns the techniques of operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant.
• Assists in the operation and adjustment of pumps, valves, and related mechanical equipment.
• Assists in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of pumps, valves, and related mechanical equipment.
• Assists in the making of physical tests of water for color, odor, and taste.
• Assists in the making of chemical tests of water for alkalinity and residual chlorine, etc., as assigned.
• Assists in regulating and adjusting chlorinators and other chemical feeders, washing filters and settling basins.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of activity records and reports.
• Performs custodial duties related to the maintenance of buildings and grounds.
• Performs increasingly responsible duties as assigned in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant.

Familiarity with elementary principles of chemistry and general science; good general intelligence; good observation; mechanical aptitude; ability to learn principles and procedures relating to operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant; ability to develop skill in the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves and related mechanical equipment; ability to get along well with others; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;

industry and dependability; tact and courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Graduation from high school or vocational school, or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.

Possession of a valid Class D driver’s license issued by the State of New York at the time of appointment.

* Term of appointment is limited to one (1) year, during which time the employee should satisfactorily complete the training and experience requirements of the New York State Sanitary Code for a Class IIA Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate. Verifiable part‑time and/or volunteer experience will be pro‑rated toward meeting full‑time experience requirements.