Water Plant Operator Trainee

WATER PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

City of Kalamazoo

This position performs skilled technical and manual work in the daily operation of an assigned City water treatment plant; prepares and maintains required records and reports; and performs related work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. The work is considered medium‑to‑heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, toxic/caustic chemicals, disease/pathogens, confined spaces;

and can be safe and secure, but may occasionally require unpredicted requirements or demands.

• Monitors and performs all daily plant operations;
• Inspects equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness;
• Assists in troubleshooting technical and mechanical problems;
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment; performs and/or assists with equipment repairs as needed;
• Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments;
• Starts up, shuts down, regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions;
• Performs various other operations, including filling hoppers with chemicals, backwashing filters, changing pumps, cleaning and repairing basins, etc.;
• Loads chemicals and adjusts chemical rates as indicated;
• Maintains plant waste discharge at proper levels;
• Collects and prepares water samples for laboratory analysis; performs lab tests and prepares laboratory reports;
• Orders chemicals and supplies as needed; unloads delivery trucks;
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment, including safety equipment;
• Alerts supervisors to unusual operating problems;
• Assists in ensuring plant security at all times;
• Assists in ensuring plant compliance with City/department policies and procedures, S.C. DHEC regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete work records;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing records and reports, completing forms, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, greeting and assisting plant visitors, etc.;
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Serves on call 24 hours per day to ensure uninterrupted service for customers; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements to perform work:

• High school diploma or GED;
• No prior experience required for entry level trainee positions;
• Preference may be given for prior work experience in a water plant;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Will be required to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays;
• Will be required to demonstrate competency and complete the necessary requirements in the Apprenticeship Program for Water Plant Operators;
• Pay grade will be dependent upon certification, education, and work experience for applicants who possess Class “A, B, C or D” level of certification.

• Operator Trainee (E) Pay Grade and Starting Salary: 107 - $39,024.
• Operator Level “D” Pay Grade 108 and Salary Range: $40,975 - $52,243.
• Operator Level “C” Pay Grade 109 and Salary Range: $43,024 - $54,855.
• Operat…