APPRENTICE - UTILITY OPERATOR

City of St. Peters•Saint Peters, MO

About The Position

The City of St. Peters is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee. This opportunity is part of a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program, combining paid, hands-on experience with structured learning aligned to industry standards. In this role, the trainee performs complex manual labor in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities while receiving on-the-job training toward a "D" Level operator certification. The position requires both physical and mental effort, as well as the ability to identify issues, contribute to effective solutions, and support operational performance under the guidance of certified operators. Apprenticeship candidates will be evaluated based on both minimum qualifications and readiness indicators that reflect commitment, academic performance, and interest in developing a career in the water and wastewater treatment field. Normal Shift: This position may require availability Monday through Sunday, with hours per week and daily shift start and end times varying based on operational needs.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker.
Must currently be enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor Nationally Recognized Apprenticeship Program.
Motor Vehicle Operator's license, valid in the state of Missouri.
Cannot be colorblind.
Basic computer skills.
Be at least 16 years of age
Complete two (2) Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses related to the field
Submit an application through zumwaltapprenticeships.com
Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in apprenticeship-related coursework
Maintain at least a 90% overall attendance rate for grades 9-12
Maintain at least a 95% on-time attendance record
Be passing all current coursework
Be on track to graduate
Be legally authorized to work in the United States
Obtain two instructor recommendations
Participate in an apprenticeship visit with an industry partner

Responsibilities

Assist certified operators in operating and maintaining water and wastewater treatment plant systems, including telemetry controls, motors, pumps, and related equipment
Monitor and help control water treatment, distribution, and wastewater treatment processes
Operate, monitor, and maintain belt filter presses and dewatering equipment for biosolids treatment
Perform minor repairs, routine maintenance, housekeeping, and general plant upkeep to maintain safe and clean facilities
Support compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations by monitoring plant operations
Collect and analyze water, wastewater, and bacteria samples
Accurately enter operational data into computerized systems on a daily basis
Respond to emergency situations in accordance with established procedures under supervision
Address customer and resident inquiries, concerns, and complaints professionally
Assist with maintaining inventory of treatment chemicals
Follow all established City safety standards and protocols
Perform additional duties as assigned