Operator-In-Training

City of Kennewick•Waste Water Treatment Plant City of Kennewick, WA

About The Position

The City of Kennewick is recruiting for one vacancy, which may be filled at either the Operator-in-Training or Plant Operator level. Under general supervision, the Operator-In-Training performs varied work involving installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of wastewater system components. The role includes wastewater sampling, monitoring, reporting, and related work to ensure proper system performance and compliance with program guidelines, criteria, and City specifications. Operators work in the wastewater treatment plant or collections divisions of the Public Works Department and may be temporarily assigned to other City departments. The position requires independent work with minimal direct supervision, initiative in identifying and resolving problems, and compliance with City and department policies and safety requirements. Work may involve varied hours, holidays, evenings, weekends, and overtime. The posting specifies on-call work for Plant Operators only. The Operator-In-Training must obtain a Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training Level II certification within 24 months of hire. After satisfying the operating experience requirements in WAC 173-230-250, the certification is upgraded to Group II and the position advances to Plant Operator Level II.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Knowledge of methods, tools, materials, and practices involved in installing, repairing, servicing, and constructing sewer lines and related equipment.
Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, blueprints, and similar engineering drawings.
Ability to operate equipment required for the position, including heavy equipment as a relief operator when needed.
Knowledge of safety and traffic control procedures.
Ability to work independently, identify problems, and use initiative in making needed repairs.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the public and fellow employees.
Ability to oversee personnel in lower classifications.
Valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License, which must be maintained.
Must possess or obtain first aid and any other appropriate certifications required by law, ordinance, or department regulations within six months of hire.
Must obtain Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training Level II certification within 24 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor wastewater treatment equipment, including headwork screens, sprayers, motors, screw presses, pumps, and related systems.
Collect wastewater samples and perform, interpret, evaluate, and record laboratory analyses, including tests for biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and pH.
Prepare periodic and specialized reports based on laboratory testing and make recommendations regarding treatment plant process control.
Identify problems and deficiencies and perform general maintenance, housekeeping, and repairs to pumps, equipment, sewage facilities, pump stations, lift stations, and other sewer system components.
Operate and maintain biosolids facility equipment and other wastewater treatment equipment as needed.
Monitor sludge moisture, read flow meters, record observations and weather data, check flow loggers, and make adjustments as necessary.
Maintain municipal lift stations, conduct weekly rounds, and ensure wastewater auxiliary pumping systems are operating properly.
Assist the Wastewater Collections Division and Automated Controls & Telemetry Specialist as directed.
Assist with commercial and industrial pretreatment inspections in accordance with City program and Department of Ecology guidelines.
Provide tours of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and biosolids facilities and explain their functions and operation.
Educate the public on the proper operation of wastewater quality control devices.
Perform related work and work weekends, holidays, evenings, or overtime as required.