Water Plant Operator Trainee

City of Asheville•Asheville, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Asheville is hiring a full-time Water Plant Operator Trainee to perform technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of the City’s water treatment plants. The trainee receives hands-on, on-the-job training under the supervision of a Certified Treatment Plant Operator or Water Plant Supervisor. The work supports the provision of safe, potable water by learning treatment processes, observing methods for complying with state and federal regulations, and helping maintain plant facilities and grounds. The trainee is expected to satisfy state requirements and obtain a Class C Water Treatment Facility Operator for Surface Water Certification within 18 months of hire or within three attempts at the state examination, whichever occurs first. The minimum qualifications also state that the employee must obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina Class C Surface Water Treatment License within six months of hire.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Vocational or technical training in water treatment or a related field.
Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Must obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina Class C Surface Water Treatment License within six months of hire.
Must demonstrate proficiency in the essential functions and be able to learn and apply City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures.
Ability to perform moderate physical effort, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, prolonged standing, and occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing approximately 12–20 pounds.
Ability to work around environmental conditions that may include dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, water hazards, hazardous materials, toxic agents, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright or dim lights, wildlife, and other hazards.

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience is preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Responsibilities

Operate an assigned water treatment plant, monitor operations and processes using SCADA, inspect system components, make adjustments, and support continuous operation and regulatory compliance.
Monitor chemical feeds, distribution, flow rates, and treatment processes; maintain chemical levels; adjust controls; handle chemicals; and document related activities.
Read meters, gauges, and dials; record readings and water data; and prepare and maintain logs, reports, and flowcharts.
Collect and test water samples, conduct laboratory and quality-control tests, analyze results, determine when treatment changes are needed, maintain sample records, and calibrate and care for laboratory equipment.
Inspect plant systems, facilities, and equipment; perform preventive maintenance and repairs; change filters and other parts; maintain pumps, tanks, and feeders; clean and flush systems; and perform minor electrical or plumbing repairs.
Perform housekeeping, janitorial, painting, groundskeeping, mowing, and landscaping duties at plant facilities; report problems and equipment repair needs.
Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, technology, and practices; maintain certifications; and attend required meetings, workshops, conferences, and training.
Communicate with supervisors, City employees, and others to coordinate activities, review work status, exchange information, and resolve problems.
Process and maintain departmental documentation, reports, correspondence, logs, and records, including compiling data for reports.
Use a personal computer and software to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, and operate hand tools, a lawn mower, maintenance tools, and general office or other equipment.