Apprentice Operator-Water Treatment Plant

Position: APPRENTICE OPERATOR-WATER TREATMENT PLANT

DESCRIPTION

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties and manual labor in the operation and maintenance of the city’s water treatment plant.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from Director of Public Works, Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of Water Utilities.

Exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Essential Functions:

Perform inspections of water treatment plant; monitor and document plant operations; read equipment gauges, dials, graphs and other instrumentation.

Operate and adjust treatment plant plumps, motors, feeders and other equipment; maintain appropriate tower levels.

Assist in monitoring and taking pump readings; record water tank levels and all other vital information on production totals; adjust gauges as appropriate; regulate and maintain proper water levels.

Perform a variety of repairs and maintenance on chlorination equipment; connect chlorine cylinders; assist in ordering chemicals and equipment when needed; unpack and store chemicals.

Perform regular testing of equipment and machinery to maintain quality assurance and high performance.

Monitor and document plant operations, read plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs and other instruments as assigned.

Maintain a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, water supply, and consumption.

Maintain grounds including mowing and weed eating.

Marginal Functions:

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

REQUIREMENTS Knowledge of:

Basic operational characteristics of a water pump and a sewer lift station used in water & wastewater.

Basic operations, services and activities of treatment plants.

State and Federal regulations related to water and wastewater plant operations.

Materials, methods, practices and equipment used in the maintenance, operations and repair of municipal water and wastewater systems.

Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.

Basic mathematical calculations.

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Operate a variety of water and wastewater pumping equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Recognize improper pump operations through inspections.
• Repair water and wastewater control and pumping equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the week.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations of the Department.
• Calculate areas, volumes and weight.

Ability to:

Maintain effective audio‑visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• making observations
• communicating with others
• reading and writing
• monitoring utility operations equipment
• operating assigned equipment

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

• making sound decisions and using good judgement
• responding to questions
• analyzing and interpreting data.

Ability to:

Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve:

• working with hazardous chemicals and materials
• exposure to dirt and dust
• potentially dangerous equipment and machinery.

Ability to:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• lifting and carrying heavy objects
• climbing stairs or ladders
• operating assigned equipment.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience:

No experience is required.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Class III Water/Wastewater Treatment Certificate issued by the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Kansas commercial driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Water and Wastewater treatment plant environment; small or cramped work areas; loud machine noise; exposure to hazardous chemicals; work in inclement weather conditions; operate potentially dangerous equipment and machinery.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods of time; moderate to heavy lifting and carrying; general manual dexterity.

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