Water Station Operator Trainee

This position assists in the operation and maintenance of water pumping stations, storage facilities, and water treatment facilities under the direction of a certified operator.

• Assists in inspecting all water pumping and treatment systems for proper operations to include water production wells and elevated storage tanks; monitors and maintains required water pressure, storage levels, and treatment programs as required by ADEM.
• Assists certified operator in the collection of bacteriological water samples and special monitoring samples as required.
• Assists certified operator in recording readings of charts, gauges, flow meters, level indicators, and water well drawdown data; prepares related reports.
• Assists certified operator in repairing and maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment pertaining to water pumping stations and storage tanks.
• Assists certified operator in making chemical rate adjustments based on system pressure and water system demands.
• Assists certified operator in the delivery and maintenance of adequate supply of chemicals at pumping stations used for disinfection and corrosion control.
• Assists certified operator in investigating water quality complaints and flushes as needed to clear water of discoloration and by-products in the water system.
• Assists certified operator in the operation of variety of equipment.
• Performs related duties.

• Knowledge of water treatment and storage principles, operations, and equipment.
• Knowledge of computers and job‑related software programs.
• Knowledge of the mechanical and electrical repair of pumps, motors, valve controls, electrical control circuits, and other water systems.
• Knowledge of plumbing principals related to water treatment facilities and storage tanks.
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Skill in the interpretation of plans, maps, and specifications.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electronic equipment.
• Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

• The Water Production Chief Operator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot‑checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

Guidelines include ADEM and EPA regulations, the Risk Management Plan, MSDS guidelines, AWWA standards, ADEM regulations governing the hauling of hazardous materials, and city policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

• The work consists of related water system operations and maintenance duties. Working at elevations and in confined spaces contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to assist in the operations and maintenance of water wells, treatment facilities, storage facilities and pumping stations as a trainee under the direction of a certified operator.

• Contacts are typically with co‑workers, other city personnel, vendors, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

• The work is typically performed while standing or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs elevated water storage tanks by ladder, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed at water system facilities and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, climbing safety equipment, etc.

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council on Higher Education…