Utilities Trainee

City of Boulder•Boulder, CO

7h•$25 - $36

About The Position

OVERVIEW OF ROLE (Wastewater Treatment Process Engineer Trainee) Under direct supervision, the Wastewater Treatment Process Engineer Trainee works on process studies and conducts process analyses at the City of Boulder’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). The Trainee conducts experimental treatment process studies and analysis and recommends methods to improve the balance between water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and costs. Trainee collects, organizes, and summarizes treatment performance data to inform the optimization of the WRRF’s nutrient removal capacity and planning for future permit limits and to increase staff understanding of the WRRF’s wastewater treatment processes. Job Description: WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS ENGINEER TRAINEE ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Performs sampling and testing in the field to generate datasets for process evaluation by the treatment process engineer. Performs aeration basin nutrient profiling and solids settling velocity testing. Samples and processes activated sludge from the WRRF’s hydrocyclone process to determine particle size distribution. Conducts treatment optimization studies in collaboration with Treatment Process Engineer(s). Maintains current knowledge of water quality standards, health hazards and government regulations pertaining to the WRRF and Lift Station and updates treatment plant staff of regulatory information on a regular basis. Compiles results from field sampling, experimentation, and testing to use in reports or present at meetings. Performs data entry in the water information management system. Participates in efforts to optimize wastewater treatment process performance. Assists with online analytical equipment to ensure continuous verification of water quality and process integrity and may perform some calibration/maintenance in collaboration with Instrumentation and Control Technicians. Observes and explores treatment processes at the WRRF to increase personal knowledge of their operation and performance, Submits regularly scheduled reports to the Treatment Process Senior Engineer and presents findings to the operations group that recommend process adjustments which improve treatment or reduce energy usage. Supports treatment process improvement projects, studies, and designs in collaboration with utilities engineering staff, wastewater treatment staff, water quality staff, and outside consultants. Uses process simulation tools to inform wastewater treatment process discussions. Assists with process-troubleshooting to identify issues and solutions for the Operations, Maintenance, and Process Automation Teams to implement.

Requirements

Ability to be a supportive and respectful teammate that is professional in working with others.
Ability to be well organized related to field data collection, organization, and conducting time-sensitive follow-up communications and tasks.
Ability to demonstrate interpersonal skills and desire to interact with all in a cordial and professional manner.
Ability to find creative solutions that help the team and improve process performance.
Ability to partner with and support other staff to evaluate needs and provide creative solutions with a positive attitude.
Ability to plan and reliably execute work in all daily tasks and follow through with special daily assignments.
Ability to promote a culture of trust and candor to help foster a team environment where how we do our work is as important as the work itself.
Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and priorities as identified by supervisor
Ability to read technical reports and effectively synthesize information in a written report.
Ability to take proper safety precautions to prevent accidents including using all required safety equipment and following all safety regulations, policies, procedures and reporting requirements.
Knowledge of and basic familiarity with ArcGIS software and basic geoprocessing tools.
Knowledge of data entry using Microsoft Excel.
Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental engineering or environmental or physical Sciences or related certificate program.
Two (2) years of experience in water or wastewater treatment.

Nice To Haves

Ability to demonstrate experience with conducting fieldwork to collect data and information.
Ability to demonstrate experience with interacting with the public in a professional setting.
Ability to demonstrate experience with processes related to wastewater or water treatment, water quality, chemistry, microbiology, civil or mechanical engineering.
Ability to read and interpret engineering plan sets.
Skilled at conducting mapping in ArcGIS
Skilled at conducting statistical analyses in Microsoft Excel.
Master’s degree in environmental engineering or related field.
State of Colorado Class D Wastewater Operators Certification or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

Performs sampling and testing in the field to generate datasets for process evaluation by the treatment process engineer.
Performs aeration basin nutrient profiling and solids settling velocity testing.
Samples and processes activated sludge from the WRRF’s hydrocyclone process to determine particle size distribution.
Conducts treatment optimization studies in collaboration with Treatment Process Engineer(s).
Maintains current knowledge of water quality standards, health hazards and government regulations pertaining to the WRRF and Lift Station and updates treatment plant staff of regulatory information on a regular basis.
Compiles results from field sampling, experimentation, and testing to use in reports or present at meetings.
Performs data entry in the water information management system.
Participates in efforts to optimize wastewater treatment process performance.
Assists with online analytical equipment to ensure continuous verification of water quality and process integrity and may perform some calibration/maintenance in collaboration with Instrumentation and Control Technicians.
Observes and explores treatment processes at the WRRF to increase personal knowledge of their operation and performance
Submits regularly scheduled reports to the Treatment Process Senior Engineer and presents findings to the operations group that recommend process adjustments which improve treatment or reduce energy usage.
Supports treatment process improvement projects, studies, and designs in collaboration with utilities engineering staff, wastewater treatment staff, water quality staff, and outside consultants.
Uses process simulation tools to inform wastewater treatment process discussions.
Assists with process-troubleshooting to identify issues and solutions for the Operations, Maintenance, and Process Automation Teams to implement.