WWTP Operator Trainee

Borough of Chambersburg

Position Opening

Classification: WWTP Operator Trainee

Grade: 8

Rates of Pay: $25.59 per hour

Place of Work: WWTP, 725 Hollywell Ave

Hours of Work:
General hours 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM; 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Rotating weekend and evening coverage

Operates Wastewater Treatment Plant on assigned shifts. Receives direction from the Chief of Operation and receives general supervision from the Plant Supervisor or higher grade operator who is available for assistance as needed. Performs a variety of duties as directed, including operating valves and controls to regulate flows and processes; monitors gauges and dials; processing and disposal of sludge; collecting samples for laboratory tests;

control of digestion, aeration, and other processes such as ultraviolet light disinfection; maintaining necessary logs and registers; perform basic laboratory tests; receive, unload and store chemicals; greases and oils motors and pumps; operates pickup truck, utility cart, dump truck, and sludge truck.

Maintains plant and grounds in clean and sanitary condition by sweeping, mopping, washing, mowing, seeding, painting, shoveling snow and other general maintenance tasks. Informs supervisor of plant malfunctions. Performs other duties as assigned.

Works inside and outside in all types of weather; exposed to infections and diseases, gas and fumes, falls into open tanks, chambers, etc., causing cuts, bruises or broken bones. Work requires heavy physical demand when opening and closing valves, works with hazardous chemicals, etc. Subject to emergency calls. Operates diesel powered emergency generators and transfers electric power supplies.

Obtains within four (4) years from the date of hire, certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to operate the Chambersburg Wastewater Treatment Plant which is a Class A, Type 1 at the current time.

This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position.

Preference shall be given to individuals with work experience at an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant and pumping facility operations.
• Maintenance and operational adjustment procedures for wastewater treatment equipment.
• Electrical and pneumatic control systems.
• Safe work practices and safety regulations.
• Basic computer skills.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of the operations and repair work on treatment plant and pumping facilities.
• Read and interpret gauges, recording devices and other monitoring equipment reflecting plant and facility operations.
• Identify when unusual operating problems occur.
• Perform basic sampling and wastewater testing.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Read and write at the level required for successful job performance.
• Work unusual shifts, weekends, evenings and holidays when required.
• Must be eligible for assigned on-call and standby duty.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania motor vehicle operator's license, 3 years clean driving history, and be insurable in the independent opinion of the Borough's motor vehicle insurance underwriter, in order to be eligible for this position.
• Complete at least one wastewater treatment course annually which is acceptable to the State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators. This will show continued progression toward the experience required for certification to operate the Chambersburg Wastewater Treatment Plant which is a Class A, Type 1 at the current time.
• Obtain within four (4) years from the date of hire certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to operate the Chambersburg Wastewater Treatment Plant which is a Class A, Type 1 at the current time.
• Complete within one (1) year from the date of hire, Arc Flash electrical safety training.

It is the policy of the Borough of Chambersburg to provide fair and equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants are recruited, selected and hired on the basis of individual merit and ability and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, age, handicap, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other trait protected by Pennsylvania or federal law.