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

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Division Manager, this position performs activities related to the operation of a wastewater treatment plant. The Trainee is an entry-level role focused on learning chemical dosing calculations, chemical analysis, lift station management, electronic and manual recordkeeping, and process control activities that produce wastewater compliant with State of Texas and federal regulations. Operators I and II perform chemical analysis, lift station management, and treatment plant process control activities. Operator III performs technical work involved in plant operation and maintenance. The role monitors and operates plant equipment and chemical systems, conducts and records laboratory tests, interprets results to maintain wastewater quality, backwashes filters, and performs equipment and laboratory maintenance. It also includes maintaining operational records and reports, monitoring SCADA systems and other instruments, recording wastewater discharge, and assisting with repairs and preventive maintenance. Operator III additionally oversees efficient plant operation, prepares reports, recommends efficiency improvements, troubleshoots operational and maintenance problems, and conducts process-control laboratory analysis. The position may require after-hours on-call work for emergencies, work under a variable shift schedule with short-notice changes, and reporting in various weather conditions. The work environment includes exposure to outdoor conditions, temperature extremes, noise, vibration, confined spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards. The position has a medium physical demand, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required for the Trainee position.
No previous experience is required for the Trainee position.
A Texas driver's license, the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
A TCEQ Class D Wastewater Operators License is required within 24 months of employment for the Trainee position.
Operator I requires one year of wastewater treatment plant experience and a TCEQ Class C Wastewater Operators License.
Operator II requires three years of wastewater treatment plant experience and a TCEQ Class B Wastewater Operators License.
Operator III requires six years of wastewater treatment plant experience and a TCEQ Class A Wastewater Operators License.
For positions with multiple levels, all requirements at lower levels apply to higher levels; equivalent combinations of experience and training may qualify.
State-licensed personnel must pass a State of Texas criminal background check; the state determines whether to grant or deny the required license.
Knowledge of state and federal wastewater treatment requirements, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of safe chemical handling, basic algebra and general mathematics, wastewater treatment methods and equipment, workplace hazards, and standard safety precautions.
Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and systems, and use and maintain tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair.
Ability to identify pump and motor anomalies visually, physically, and audibly, and make logical decisions using SCADA and computer data.
Ability to operate basic computer equipment and a motor vehicle safely in all types of weather.
Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally; read, write, and understand English; and follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to perform building and grounds maintenance duties, including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.
Ability to establish cooperative working relationships, work as a team member, and uphold the City of Abilene Core Values.
Ability to report to work in various types of weather and work a variable shift schedule with potential short-notice changes.
Ability to meet the position's medium physical demand: lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

Calculate chemical dosages and understand the purposes of the chemicals used.
Control and monitor chemical feed pumps, treatment chemicals, and other equipment used to treat and disinfect wastewater.
Perform and record laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and determine appropriate chemical treatment and other process conditions.
Assess and interpret laboratory data to improve and maintain wastewater quality.
Backwash filters using manual and automatic sequences and remove solids from treatment units as needed.
Maintain plant and laboratory operations, including equipment, pumps, filters, machinery, testing, quality control, and recordkeeping.
Standardize or calibrate laboratory equipment and adjust chemical feeders for effective wastewater treatment.
Maintain operational logs, daily diaries, chemical inventories, and required paper and electronic 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.
Assist with minor repairs, operational adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment.
Check motors and pumps for excessive vibration, noise, or temperature and report problems to appropriate personnel.
Read and record chemical usage, fill chemical feeders, mix chemicals, and change reagents.
Perform grounds maintenance and housekeeping as needed.
Operate a vehicle on a daily basis and drive safely in varying weather conditions.
For Operator III, oversee efficient plant operation, maintain records, prepare reports on plant operations and product quality, and suggest ways to improve efficiency.
For Operator III, troubleshoot maintenance and operational problems and recommend corrective action.
For Operator III, assist with chemical and bacteriological analysis and perform process-control laboratory analysis.
For Operator III, adjust plant processes based on meter readings, gauges, and other control or measuring devices.
Maintain effective working relationships and communication with employees, government officials, and the public.
Enter process-control and other data into appropriate computer systems.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.