Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Wastewater Treatment Facility Trainee

This position is responsible for assisting in the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities as a trainee under the direction of a Class IV Operator.

• Operates wastewater treatment machinery and equipment under the direction and supervision of a Grade IV Operator; assists in the maintenance and repair electrical, mechanical, and other systems; assists in installing plant equipment.
• Collects samples and performs laboratory tests.
• Monitors plant operations and records a variety of meter and gauge readings.
• Performs preventive and reactive maintenance under the direction of a Class IV Operator; services screens, aerators, clarifiers, ultraviolet bulbs, etc.; maintains and repairs blowers, pumps, valves, etc.
• Participates in sludge watering processes; adjusts polymer feed rate to optimize solid waste removal.
• Transports grit trailer to landfill for grit disposal.
• Performs plant security checks on gates, doors, fencing, etc.
• Maintains treatment plant grounds.
• Operates equipment such as loader, forklift, skid steer, tractor, dump truck, backhoe, etc.
• Completes required classes and training sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment system maintenance and repair principles.
• Knowledge of wastewater plant operations principles and processes.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment rules, regulations, standards, and principles.
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater sample collection and analysis.
• Skill in the mechanical maintenance and repair of treatment plant equipment.
• Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Wastewater Treatment Chief Plant Operator or the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV 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

Guidelines include NPDES permit requirements, OSHA regulations, EPA and ADEM regulations, other relevant state and federal regulations, industry standards, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related technical duties. Frequent condition changes contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to assist in the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities as a trainee under the direction of a Class IV Operator. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment operations and ensures compliance with rules and regulations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, vendors, contractors, representatives of state and federal agencies, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, 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 in wastewater treatment facilities and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

• Graduation from a standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education…