Wastewater Plant Operator - In Training (WPO-IT)

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District • Bratenahl, OH

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About The Position

The Wastewater Plant Operator - In Training (WPO-IT) trains to acquire general knowledge of wastewater plant operations through on-the-job training, classroom instruction, training manuals and books, standard operating procedures, and best practices. Under general supervision, the operator performs diversified duties and skilled work involving physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes and pump stations, as well as related work as required.

The role operates and monitors treatment units and equipment, collects and records operational and test data, evaluates process conditions, and adjusts equipment and controls to meet operational objectives. It also involves inspecting and maintaining equipment, assisting with repairs, performing routine laboratory tests, following safety procedures, and maintaining clean work areas. The position supports a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation and requires rotating 12-hour shifts, with the ability to work unscheduled hours when needed.

Candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Entry into the Operator Training Program may be at the first milestone with no prior experience, or at the third milestone with an Ohio EPA Class II Wastewater Operator Certificate and 24 months of wastewater treatment plant experience. The operator must complete the applicable Sewer District training hours and obtain Ohio EPA Class I and Class II wastewater operator certificates within the stated timeframes. A valid driver’s license is also required.

The position involves physical work, including standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Employees may spend up to 60% of their time outdoors and may encounter loud noise, extreme weather, heat, vibrations, hazards, restricted work areas, and wet or humid conditions while wearing required personal protective equipment. Hybrid work may be authorized; eligibility is discussed during the interview process.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• For entry into the Operator Training Program at the first milestone, no previous experience is required; prior experience operating and maintaining wastewater treatment facilities and equipment is preferred.
• For entry into the Operator Training Program at the third milestone, an Ohio EPA Class II Wastewater Operator Certificate and 24 months of wastewater treatment plant experience are required.
• Complete 6,000 tracked hours of relevant and required Sewer District-provided training within 36 months of the effective start date; candidates entering with an Ohio EPA Class II Wastewater Operator Certificate or higher must complete 2,000 tracked hours within 12 months.
• Obtain an Ohio EPA Class I Wastewater Operator Certificate within 24 months of the effective start date.
• Obtain an Ohio EPA Class II Wastewater Operator Certificate within 36 months of the effective start date.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets the Sewer District’s acceptable guidelines.
• Successfully complete proficiency tests in basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills.
• Make sound judgments and decisions based on interpreting data and known unit goals.
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools.
• Reliability and punctuality in reporting to work as scheduled.
• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts in a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week operation.
• Ability to work unscheduled hours to cover vacant shifts or respond to emergencies or unusual situations.
• Ability to communicate and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing, sitting, kneeling, handling, feeling, hearing, walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, reaching, fingering, and talking.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to meet visual demands involving near acuity, depth perception, far acuity, color vision, and accommodation.
• Ability to work outdoors for up to 60% of the time and in potentially loud, hazardous, restricted, wet or humid, vibrating, or extreme-weather and heat conditions while wearing required personal protective equipment.
• All diplomas, licenses, and other credentials must be on file before bidding closes.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate treatment units by manually controlling and monitoring equipment and processes and by using control systems, including computers and programmable controllers.
• Operate or monitor more than one unit during a shift.
• Record operating data and maintain written or digital operating logbooks and records.
• Inspect equipment to confirm proper operation and determine operating efficiency.
• Monitor, interpret, and record gauges, charts, and meter readings; use operating conditions, process variables, calculations, test results, and data interpretation to initiate changes.
• Adjust controls and operating conditions to meet operational objectives.
• Start up and shut down equipment while following safety and communication procedures.
• Write maintenance work requests and assist with repairs, using applicable computer programs to create requests for issues identified during the shift.
• Operate physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment processes.
• Perform routine physical, chemical, biological, and laboratory tests and record results.
• Perform routine equipment lubrication, adjustment, and inspection, and report results.
• Perform lockout/tagout of plant equipment, including isolation of pressurized water, steam, and chemical systems and low-voltage equipment under 600 volts.
• Clean and maintain equipment and surrounding work areas.
• Observe safe work practices.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature as required.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement planning options through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and deferred compensation plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Free parking at facilities.
• Corporate discounts.
• Health and Wellness Program promoting life/work balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED