Water Plant Apprentice

Water Plant Apprentice

Position Title: Water Plant Apprentice

Department: Utility

Reports To: Plant Superintendent - Water

Salary Range: 3

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime pay)

Last Update: October 8, 2024

Under the direction of the Plant Superintendent or Chief Operator the Water Plant Apprentice performs entry level work in the operation and maintenance of the City of Gardner's Water Treatment Plant.

The Water Plant Apprentice – Shall be enrolled in the KRWA Apprenticeship Program while working at the Water Plant. This is a 2-year program which consists of on the job training, on-line course work, in-person and hands‑on course work. Upon completion of the KRWA program the Apprentice shall complete testing to obtain a Class I Water Operator license and move into a full time Operator position.

• Perform assigned treatment plant rounds to inspect, monitor and document plant operations by reading and interpreting information provided by the SCADA system, meters, gauges and other instrumentation;
• Inspect, monitor and document remote and storage facility stations; address and report abnormal conditions;
• Operate, adjust, and maintain all pumps, valves, motors and other equipment required to maintain appropriate operations; backwash filters and perform chemical cleanings as needed;
• Monitor and report chemical inventories; safely receive and unload chemical deliveries; transfer day tank chemicals; change one‑ton chlorine cylinders;
• Maintain, compile and update plant and remote facilities operations logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities. Must be able to communicate effectively as well as follow written and oral instructions;
• Collect samples; perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests for process control and regulatory compliance; complete associated documentation for sample collection and analyses; work closely with the laboratory on testing requirements;
• Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning and repairing plant facilities as required;
• Ability to work weekend, overtime, regular days off or holidays as assigned or needed;
• Respond to emergency alarms and calls as required;
• Operate assigned equipment and vehicles;
• Assist with snow removal as required, including operating snow plow and shoveling walk areas;
• Accept a responsible role in implementing the safety culture. Adhere to safe work practices and procedures;
• Utilize a variety of software applications such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word); and learn new software programs as they are introduced;
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations;
• Must possess good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co‑workers, supervisors, and customers, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work directions;
• Perform other related duties as deemed necessary or as required.

High school diploma or GED. Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Pick‑up truck, lawn mowers, UTV, safety equipment, hand tools, multimeters, lab equipment, and personal computer.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be capable to negotiate rough terrain as needed to access, maintain, and operate and maintain all Water Treatment facilities. Must be capable of lifting 20‑50 pounds occasionally during execution of duties.

Requires mobility to complete errands, flexibility of body, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination adequate to use equipment as assigned. Must be able to work at heights well above ground level.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals…