Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-training

**Description**:
**JOB SUMMARY**:This is a banded series in the Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator family, performing apprentice-journey level operations and testing activities in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.**

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Under Direct Supervision**:
Operator-in-Training
- Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent.
- Monitor gauges, meters, and control panels.
- Observe variations in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings, and test results to determine necessary process adjustments.
- Operate valves and gates, start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
- Operate and maintain blowers, perform routine maintenance work on valves, tanks, related equipment and facilities.
- Operate and maintain headwork screening, aeration basins, blowers, pumps, screw presses, sludge drying beds, cloth filters, and ultraviolet disinfection.
- Monitor the disposal of dried sludge, collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses for process control purposes.
- Take dissolved oxygen readings, and oversee effluent flow to percolation ponds.
- Determine system changes to maintain quality control standards.
- Maintain and repair air blowers to the aeration system, floats, diffuser assemblies, air hoses, pumps, valves, and bar rake.
- Operate and maintain clarifiers, scum box, and related equipment.
- Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests for process control purposes.
- Troubleshoot operational problems with plant process equipment, and perform all plant operations under direct supervision.
- Operate a tractor, skip loader and various hand and power tools; operate a computer and assigned software.
- Maintain various records and log books related to wastewater quality and facility operation.
- Enters plant operation data in a computer database.
- Performs related duties as required

Operator I
- Performs basic routine duties in the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
- Checks and monitors plant control systems.
- Cleans filters and air blowers to the aeration system.
- Cleans bar rake and other equipment.
- Measures and records oxygen levels in aeration ponds.
- Collects samples, runs laboratory tests.
- Monitors effluent flow to different percolation ponds.
- Maintains records and files on plant operation and equipment maintenance.
- Enters plant operation data in a computer database.
- Performs maintenance of outside grounds areas around the plant.
- Performs building custodial care in the plant.
- Trains, assigns work and evaluates staff performance.
- Performs related duties as required.

Operator II
- Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operation conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
- Operate valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers; perform routine maintenance work on valves, tanks and related equipment and facilities.
- Input plant operation data in computer; plot operational trends.
- Perform routine plant grounds maintenance work, including painting and landscape work.
- Operate treatment plant vehicles and stationary machinery as required in a safe and efficient manner.
- Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses.
- Assist in the supervision and training of less experienced operators as assigned.
- Perform related duties as required.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
**ABILITY TO**

Operator-in-Training
- Learn the practices, procedures, techniques, regulations and laws pertaining to a wastewater treatment plant. Learn to operate, clean, and perform minor maintenance, on wastewater treatment plant equipment and facilities.
- Accurately read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges and recording charts.
- Learn to interpret mechanical systems and piping diagrams.
- Learn to observe and accurately record operating conditions and make verbal and written reports, make mathematical calculations.
- Read, understand, implement and practice safety procedures in plant operations.
- Learn to recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions and exercise independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Learn to operate a variety of equipment including tractors, skip loaders, dump trucks, lab instruments, computers and assigned software.
- Collect s