Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, I, II, III - Wastewater Treatment

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

3d•$20 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Division Manager, this position performs activities related to operating a wastewater treatment plant. The Trainee learns chemical dosing calculations, chemical analysis, lift station management, electronic and manual recordkeeping, and treatment-plant process control to produce wastewater that complies with State of Texas and federal regulations. Operators I and II perform chemical analyses, manage lift stations, and control treatment processes. Operator III performs technical work in plant operation and maintenance, oversees efficient plant operation, analyzes process-control data, troubleshoots issues, and recommends improvements. The position monitors and maintains treatment equipment and systems, conducts laboratory tests, interprets results, adjusts chemical feeds and processes, records plant operations and discharge data, and performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs. Duties also include grounds maintenance and housekeeping as needed, operating a vehicle, and potentially responding to after-hours emergencies. Work involves variable shifts and possible short-notice schedule changes, and may require reporting in various weather conditions. The work environment includes exposure to chemicals, noise, outdoor conditions, vibration, confined spaces, explosive materials, and mechanical and electrical hazards. The position has a medium strength demand, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Trainee: High school diploma or GED.
Trainee: No previous experience required.
Trainee: Texas driver’s license, ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, or a military waiver.
Trainee: Obtain a TCEQ Class D Wastewater Operators License within 24 months of employment.
Operator I: One year of wastewater treatment plant experience and a TCEQ Class C Wastewater Operators License.
Operator II: Three years of wastewater treatment plant experience and a TCEQ Class B Wastewater Operators License.
Operator III: Six years of wastewater treatment plant experience and a TCEQ Class A Wastewater Operators License.
All state-licensed personnel must pass a State of Texas criminal background check; the state may grant or deny the required license.
Ability to report to work in various types of weather as required and work a variable shift schedule, potentially with short-notice changes.
Knowledge of state and federal wastewater treatment requirements and regulations, safe chemical handling practices, basic algebra and general mathematics, wastewater treatment methods and equipment, occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safe driving practices.
Skill in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and systems; using and maintaining treatment and repair tools and equipment; identifying pump and motor anomalies; making logical decisions using data from SCADA and computer systems; operating basic computer equipment; and safely operating a motor vehicle in varied weather.
Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing, understand and follow written and oral instructions in English, perform building and grounds maintenance tasks, establish cooperative working relationships, and work respectfully as a team member in support of the division’s mission and City of Abilene Core Values.
Ability to perform physical duties including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.
Ability to meet the position’s medium strength demand: lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

Calculate chemical dosages and understand the purposes of treatment chemicals.
Control and monitor chemical feed pumps and other equipment used to treat and disinfect wastewater.
Conduct and record laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and determine treatment needs, including chlorine residual and temperature.
Interpret laboratory data and make adjustments to support wastewater quality and efficient treatment.
Backwash filters using manual and automatic sequences and remove solids from treatment units as needed.
Operate and maintain plant and laboratory equipment, pumps, filters, machinery, and related systems.
Calibrate or standardize laboratory equipment and adjust chemical feeders.
Maintain operations logs, daily diaries, chemical inventories, and other required paper and electronic records and reports.
Monitor SCADA systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters, and gauges; perform preventive maintenance.
Read, calculate, and record wastewater discharge on an hourly and daily basis.
Perform minor repairs, operational adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment.
Read and record chemical usage, fill chemical feeders, mix chemicals, and change reagents.
Inspect motors and pumps for excessive vibration, noise, or temperature variations and report problems.
Operate a vehicle and perform grounds maintenance and housekeeping as needed.
For Operator III, oversee efficient plant operation, maintain records, prepare reports on plant operations and product quality, and suggest efficiency improvements.
For Operator III, troubleshoot maintenance and operating problems and recommend corrective actions.
For Operator III, assist with chemical and bacteriological analyses and perform process-control laboratory analysis.
For Operator III, adjust plant operations based on meter readings, gauges, and other control or measuring devices.
For Operator III, enter process-control and other data into appropriate computer systems and maintain effective working relationships with employees, government officials, and the public.
Assist with training the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, as applicable to Operators I, II, and III.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.