Wastewater Operator Trainee

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

Routine mechanical and manual work responsibilities in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. Provide inspection and maintenance of pumps and electrical components used in sewage system lift stations. Utilizes preventative maintenance check list to document findings and repairs made. Fills out work requests for repairs to be done by plant mechanics and electricians. Operates a truck mounted hoist for the pulling, cleaning and minor repair of pumps.

Essential Duties: The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are logical assignment to the position.

• Operates and maintains pumping equipment with mechanical and automatic controls.

• Reads meters and charts.

• Makes daily visits to plants to perform plant and equipment maintenance and operational controls as required for water pollution control plants.

• Takes wastewater samples, conducts routine tests and collects samples.

• Performs daily operational functions and controls for wastewater treatment plants.

• Performs custodial and maintenance work in the care of plant and grounds.

• Performs related duties as required.

• Maintains reports and files on lift station equipment and other data.

• Fills out work orders, time sheets and maintenance logs.

• Performs preventative and corrective maintenance to collection system Lift Stations, grounds and associated equipment.

• Pulls, inspects and cleans lift station pumps.

• Cleans and inspects check valves at the stations.

• Washes down pumping station, assists in vacuum cleaning of station, removes rags and debris from floats and electrical power cords.

• Inspects pull chains on pumps and replace as needed.

• Inspects wear-rings and impellers on pumps.

• Exercises plug valves at the station.

• Maintains lift station grounds. Inspects all mechanical and electrical items on lift station preventative maintenance check off list.

• Documents repairs made and fills out requests for work requiring electrician or mechanic.

• Verifies the existence of all station equipment and piping.

• Answers alarm calls and corrects pumping station problems.

• Checks operation of float switches in the station.

• Inspects wire ties on float and power cords and replace as needed.

• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

This is an entry level position that will require the candidate to obtain a class C wastewater operator license within 18 months of employment. Following the completion of a mandatory 140-hour course the trainee will be required to successfully complete the state mandated test and perform 2080 hours of on site training which will provide a knowledge of the principles of wastewater treatment including extended aeration, contact stabilization, oxidation ditch, advanced wastewater treatment, both chemical and biological. Knowledge of operations, maintenance and repair procedures relating to wastewater treatment facilities. Knowledge of occupational hazards involved in wastewater treatment and collection. Knowledge of the methods, practices and procedures in the repair and maintenance of pumps and related equipment. Ability to read meters and charts accurately and maintain records of operations. Knowledge of all Federal, State and Local rules and regulations governing the operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to write legibly to fill out reports, inventory requests, and logs. Must be able to recognize colors used to identify pump and float leads in the station. Ability to use hand tools and powered hoists as related to this job. Mechanical ability to do minor pump repair. Ability and agility to perform various job duties in all weather conditions including lifting and/or interacting with job related appurtenances and equipment which might weigh in excess of seventy-five (75) pounds. Ability to see, ambulate independently, drive, climb, bend, stoop, sit and stand.

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.

• This is an entry level position that will require the candidate to obtain a class C wastewater operator license within 18 months of employment.

• Following the completion of a mandatory 140-hour course the trainee will be required to successfully complete the state mandated test and perform 2080 hours of onsite training.

• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

• Must be willing to learn and demonstrate a positive attitude.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid State of Florida drivers' license.
• Must possess an honorable military discharge, if applicant has been service connected.
• Must be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen.
• Must pass a physical examination and drug urinalysis test.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Must endure a personal, professional and moral background investigation to determine honesty, maturity and dependability.
• Must be fluent in the English language; ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.

Must have home telephone at the time of employment as employee is subject to standby and/or call out for emergencies. Employee will assist with supervision and participation in any necessary emergency work.

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.