Plant Operator Trainee

Description

The mission of the Water Production Department Operations group at Orange County Water District is to operate the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF), which consists of three major treatment processes: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation using ultraviolet light with hydrogen peroxide.

Examples of Duties

• Collect water quality and equipment performance data (logging of essential data).
• Document daily plant activities in a logbook.
• Housekeeping (cleaning and washing down treatment plant equipment and structures).
• Record measurements from water treatment equipment such as pumps, blowers, valves, online water quality analyzers, etc.
• Collecting water quality samples including related activities such as label making, chain of custody form completion, and collecting sample bottles.
• Depending upon qualifications (Operator in Training Certificate, Operator License) additional possible duties include:
  • Making adjustments to plant equipment or processes manually or via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
  • Lockout Tagout LOTO (upon proper training on OCWD LOTO policy and with direct oversight by an OCWD licensed operator)
  • Chemical-related activities (upon proper training on OCWD chemical handling policies and with direct oversight by an OCWD licensed operator)
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level, as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

**Education/**Experience/Training:

• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• Current enrollment in technical, vocational, educational, or other training programs in water science, water treatment, wastewater treatment, or similar field.

  • Applicants already having an Operator in Training (OIT) certificate, Water Treatment Operator Certification, or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate are welcome to apply
  • Ability to read, interpret, and follow written instructions such as technical operating manuals.
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions and communicate effectively with other employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical: Positions in this class typically require balancing, reaching, standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, climbing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions, in the performance of daily duties. Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises. Required to wear personal protective clothing/equipment appropriate for job assignments including SCBA. Must comply with District’s Respiratory Protection Program and CAL OSHA Safety Regulations. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Supplemental Information

Schedule: 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Proof of Enrollment: Internships are to provide meaningful training and work experience for students pursuing studies related to the District’s mission and goals. Interns must submit proof of enrollment, class schedules, and grades (if applicable). Interns are not eligible for employee benefits. Interns are at will and can be terminated at the discretion of the Department Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notice.

You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit www.ocwd.com to complete an application. Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EEO.