General Description
This trainee-level position is designed to provide hands-on training and skill development in water plant operations under the direct supervision of a licensed Water Plant Operator. This role supports plant functions while gaining experience to prepare for future certification and independent operation responsibilities. It serves as an entry point within the Water Plant Operator career series.
Duties and Responsibilities
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
- Assist in the operation and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, and laboratory instruments.
- Observe and learn to make necessary adjustments to chemical dosages based on process needs.
- Support the detection and reporting of improper equipment operation for corrective maintenance.
- Aid in the collection of water samples and record relevant test data.
- Perform and log daily meter readings for monthly operational reports.
- Help replace chlorine cylinders and regulate chemical flow under supervision.
- Assist in filling chemical containers in the lab and at wells.
- Enter data into the plant computer system under guidance.
- Participate in routine plant and grounds maintenance.
- Provide assistance to other departments as directed.
- Perform other related duties and training assignments as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Basic understanding or willingness to learn federal, state, and local water safety and operational standards.
- Willingness to develop knowledge of water treatment processes, chemical application, and laboratory testing procedures.
- Ability to learn routine maintenance and repair procedures for mechanical equipment.
- Proficiency or willingness to develop skills in computer and job-related software use.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions clearly and accurately.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to learn data analysis skills.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
- Physical ability to perform tasks involving climbing, lifting, and navigating uneven terrain.
- Ability to tolerate exposure to environmental factors such as noise, odors, dust, and weather.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent; ability to obtain Class III Water license within six (6) months; equivalent combination of education and experience.
ADA Compliance
Physical Ability: The work requires intermittent periods of sitting, standing and walking. When collecting samples, operating/repairing equipment and changing chemical systems, the incumbent is required to climb stairs and ladders, reach over equipment to make adjustments, turn large valves, climb into confined areas, lift objects weighing over 50 pounds and use tools requiring a high degree of dexterity. The incumbent must be able to distinguish between shades of color when performing laboratory analysis.
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to distinguish different colors, depth perceptions, and field visions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Some tasks require perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make discrimination sound. Some tasks require having close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines; using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.
Environmental Factors: Water plant environment; some exposure to dust and noise; some heavy lifting, standing, walking and climbing; may work at heights; work in inclement weather conditions; may work in confined spaces.
