Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Job Summary & Essential Job Functions

Under general direction and within guidelines set by policies, rules, and regulations, this position is responsible for performing complex operational and general maintenance work functions at the City’s water treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant, as assigned, under the direct supervision of a licensed Grade IV Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. Upon receiving Grade IV Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license, employee will transfer into Utility Plant Operator Grade IV job and pay grade.

• All essential functions are performed under the supervision of a Grade IV Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.
• Ensures proper dosages of chemicals and mixing operations; tank elevations; filter processes; laboratory work; safety; lagoon maintenance, operational data logs, and compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
• Follows preventive maintenance schedules for all equipment, performs repairs and replacement of defective parts and equipment, inspects equipment and machinery according to procedures and requests necessary supplies, equipment and repair parts.
• Performs required analytical testing for the water/wastewater treatment facility. Records and reports all data.
• Collects required bacteriological, primary and secondary testing samples.
• Follows and updates Standard Operating Procedures.
• Greets the general public, receives and attends to customer complaints, prepares for required certification examination by studying appropriate materials.
• Performs other reasonably duties in a safe manner as assigned by immediate supervisor or other supervisors as required.

High school diploma or equivalent with related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. College level coursework is desirable.

• Must pass the certification exams listed by the required deadline or be subject to termination:
  Alabama Grade II Water exam as required by ADEM within a nine (9) month period from the date of hire;
  Alabama Grade IV Water certification exam as required by ADEM within a eighteen (18) month period from the date of hire.
• Possession of a valid, State of Alabama driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Must be physically capable of performing strenuous manual labor in adverse weather conditions.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in water treatment.
• Knowledge of mathematics and science.
• Knowledge of City ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs).
• Skill in following written instructions and interpreting gauges, charts, and troubleshooting guides.
• Skill in using diagnostic equipment on pumps, controls, motors, and electrical systems.
• Skill in repairing pumps, motors, controls, and electrical systems.
• Skill in planning and organizing work.
• Skill in utilizing such office equipment as a calculator, typewriter, facsimile machine, and copier.
• Skill in interpersonal relations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in the use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
• Skill in using computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to obtain certification within required time period.
• Ability to organize and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing:
  Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling…