Waste Water Treatment Plant- Trainee Operator

City of LebanonLebanon, TN
Onsite

About The Position

Works on an assigned shift, performs routine tasks operation of a water treatment plant. Progressive responsibility of operating and maintaining a water treatment plant and related systems, including treatment processes, pump stations, sludge hauling and handling. Monitors and controls treatment processes using SCADA and manual controls, performs laboratory tests and makes chemical adjustments. Performs maintenance and repair tasks on facilities and equipment and maintains records and reports. May help train lower-level operations staff.

Requirements

  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
  • Expert knowledge of complex modern water treatment plant operating practices.
  • Ability to independently inspect plant machinery in operation and detect flaws.
  • Ability to independently keeps accurate records and make reports.
  • Ability to establish and effective working relationship with the public and other employees.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write technical reports and correspondence.
  • Complex laboratory tests and analysis.
  • Safety protocols and procedures.
  • Regulatory requirements and compliance.
  • Analyze data to make decisions to more complex issues.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve treatment problems.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and priorities.
  • This position is subject to “on-call” (working after normal work hours and days) as determined by the Plant Manager.
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to write simple correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations to customers, and other employees of the city.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Algebraic formula calculations and manipulation.
  • Solution concentration and dilution calculations.
  • Volume and area calculations.
  • Flow rate and velocity calculations.
  • Expert level data interpretation and analysis.
  • Expert level trend recognition and forecasting.
  • A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
  • PLUS 80 hours of formal course work in plant operation, mechanical and electrical abilities.
  • A valid Tennessee Driver's License and clear driving record is required. If candidate does not have Tennessee Driver’s License, they must obtain one in 30 days.
  • Grade IV Certified by State of Tennessee is required.
  • Must obtain certification within 24 months of hire with prior experience or reciprocity form another state.
  • Must attend all training courses necessary for Grade IV certification.
  • Must attend all continuing education courses to keep certification current.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in the operation and maintenance of a Water Treatment Plant is required or a minimum of 18 months experience and a B.S. in a science or related field.
  • The employee must be capable of performing laborious tasks over extended periods of time.
  • Candidates must maintain auto insurance 100/300 limits when using personal vehicles for city business.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100+ pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
  • Safety and security sensitive job.

Nice To Haves

  • B.S. in a science or related field from an accredited University is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Makes regular inspections of plants and equipment to ascertain that it is always in proper operation.
  • Independently operates treatment facilities to control flow and processing of raw water, and effluent.
  • Monitors gages, meters, and control panels and keeps logs of readings.
  • Reports needs for major equipment repair.
  • Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
  • Cleans and performs routine maintenance tasks on building and grounds.
  • Keeps records and makes reports.
  • Washes and greases plant equipment.
  • Operates valves and gates either manually or by remote control.
  • Starts and stop pumps, engines and generators to control and adjust flow and treatment process.
  • Extracts samples and performs routine laboratory tests analyses.
  • On call rotation as assigned by Water Treatment Plant Manager and/or Utilities Director.
  • Performs complex laboratory tests and analyzes results to ensure compliance with regulations and applies test results to the plant optimization.

Benefits

  • 14 paid holidays
  • 18 PTO days the first year (23 PTO days after the first year and this increases every 5 years after)
  • health, dental, vision, life and disability
  • generous pension/401k hybrid retirement package through Tennessee Consolidated Retirement Systems (TCRS)

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume

What This Job Offers

Job Type

Full-time

Career Level

Entry Level

Education Level

High school or GED

Number of Employees

11-50 employees

© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service