Operator In Training

City of Burlington•Burlington, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training (OIT) learns over 12 months to operate, monitor, inspect, and maintain equipment and systems used in the wastewater treatment plant, sewer collection system, and pump stations. Working under direct supervision, the OIT participates in plant operations and maintenance and learns the facility and the full range of related duties. A supervisor or higher-classified operator must approve all work. The City provides training, and Operator I certification is required within 12 months under WAC 173-230-061. The role involves operating and maintaining facilities, pumps, valves, and other equipment; performing equipment repairs and housekeeping; learning wastewater treatment and biosolids processes; conducting calculations and chemical analyses; and maintaining records. The OIT also learns to respond to power outages and wet-weather emergencies, follows safety procedures, and learns collection-system tasks. The position may involve emergency duties outside normal working hours and exposure to plant machinery, sewage, chemicals, gases, and varied outdoor conditions. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 40 hours per week. The position is based in a team-oriented plant and field setting, with routine and variable tasks and exposure to changing pace and pressure.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of post-secondary education, including technical training, or a Bachelor of Science in water/wastewater/process technology, chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, or a related field.
Obtain an OIT Certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology within 12 months, per WAC 173-230-061.
Valid Washington State driver's license.
Obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake and Tanker endorsements, or be able to obtain it within six months.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within six months.
Valid Washington State Traffic Control Flagger license, or ability to obtain it within six months.
Confined Space Certificate, or ability to obtain it within six months.
Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, human-machine interfaces, instrument readings, civil plans, and operation and maintenance manuals.
Ability to perform mechanical repairs and wastewater-treatment-related math calculations.
Ability to compile and record information and maintain accurate, detailed work logs and records.
Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal working hours.
Ability to operate assigned equipment and tools safely and effectively and perform manual labor.
Knowledge of construction, operation, and maintenance materials, tools, equipment, and methods; algebraic calculations; occupational hazards and safety precautions; chemical handling; basic mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic principles; customer service; office procedures and software; recordkeeping; and basic training principles.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions and complete work within an assigned time frame.
Ability to work in a team, communicate clearly in writing and orally, maintain effective working relationships, and demonstrate awareness and appreciation of community diversity.
Ability to meet the physical and sensory requirements of the role, including walking, standing, climbing, manipulating tools, operating equipment, and lifting objects.

Responsibilities

Learn and perform duties related to pump stations, collection systems, and wastewater plant operations.
Operate facilities, systems, equipment, pumps, and valves; learn to maintain new systems and equipment and participate in new operational strategies.
Inspect, clean, lubricate, repair, maintain, and reinstall plant and pump-station equipment, including tanks, motors, valves, and piping systems.
Clean and calibrate meters, probes, and level sensors; troubleshoot equipment control systems; and maintain facility housekeeping.
Perform calculations related to wastewater flows, volumes, weights, pressure, chemical dosage, and operational data; learn about secondary settling basin sludge blanket depths.
Learn biosolids handling and basic anaerobic digestion principles; monitor and adjust equipment for polymer mixing, thickening, pressing, and drying, and take action to prevent malfunctions.
Create and maintain logbooks, forms, records, schedules, Safety Data Sheet records, and other operational documentation.
Perform housekeeping, painting, and grounds duties.
Respond to power outages by operating and maintaining backup generators, restoring plant systems, and maintaining generator and storage-tank fuel levels.
Respond to wet-weather emergencies by operating, monitoring, and adjusting plant, collection-system, and pump-station processes.
Study equipment manuals and participate in initial, ongoing, refresher, and safety training; maintain familiarity with standard operating procedures.
Follow safety plans and procedures, use and maintain appropriate protective equipment, address hazards, inspect eyewash stations, update SDS materials, use lockout/tagout and confined-space procedures, and secure facilities, buildings, and vehicles.
Learn collection-system work, including sewer-line cleaning, repair and inspection, utility locates, and pump-station repairs.
Learn to safely operate utility trucks, forklifts, boom trucks, Vactor trucks, diesel-powered pumps and generators, front loaders, excavators, sewer-line video inspection equipment, and dump trucks.
Perform other duties requested by the Lead Operator or sewer department supervisor.