Wastewater Treatment Operator Trainee

Description Performs intermediate technical work learning to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment, performing routine tests, performing general plant and grounds maintenance tasks, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under moderate supervision.

Examples of Duties

• Makes tours of plant and checks engines, generators, pumps, aerators, tanks, filters, clarifiers and other equipment for proper functioning.
• Operates and maintains wastewater equipment used in treatment and solids handling including operating multiple hearth furnaces and ash handling processes.
• Performs assigned tasks related to permits and regulatory compliance including documentation, sampling, analysis, recordkeeping, and reports; maintains and checks logs and records for accuracy and completeness.
• Checks and records readings from meters, gauges, and instruments; operates handheld meters; reads and records data on plant operations.
• Pumps sludge, rakes bar screen; cleans and clears basins, troughs, etc.
• Checks machinery and pumps for proper operation.
• Starts, stops, and/or adjusts motors, pumps, and other plant equipment according to changes in operating conditions.
• Adds chemicals per prescribed standards.
• Observes and collects samples of wastewater effluent; performs simple biological, chemical, and physical laboratory tests; enters test results.
• Skims grease from settling tanks.
• Performs minor equipment adjustments and repairs.

Typical Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED and minimal experience in the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses And/or Certifications

• Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Obtain a Class IV Wastewater Works Operator license within eighteen months of hire.
• Obtain 20 hours of operations specific (ex. Sacramento courses, DEQ, Rural Water, etc.), City, and Safety training.
• Obtain Forklift Operator training within one year of hire.

Knowledge

• Some knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Some knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Some knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of the necessary safety precautions.

Skills

• Skill in the use and care of hand tools.

Abilities

• Ability to pass a red and green color blindness test and to work with hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.

Supplemental Information

Work Environment

• Worker is exposed to outdoor weather conditions, extreme noise, odors, heights, dust and/or fumes and hazardous materials such as oil, chlorine gas, ammonia, fluoride caustic soda, and sulfuric acid.

Essential Physical Activities:

• Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, depth perception.
• Typical weight handled: up to 50lbs

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