Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

County•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee is the first title in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. While training under the direction of Water Treatment Plant Operators, the trainee assists with the operation of a surface water treatment plant, water distribution system, and pumping stations while preparing for promotion to Water Treatment Plant Operator 1. Employees may progress through the series, from Trainee through WTPO-4, based on completing probation, developing competencies, and meeting performance criteria. The role includes learning water treatment processes and distribution-system requirements; assisting with plant and pumping operations, maintenance, and safety activities; performing laboratory testing; and helping inspect facilities and equipment. The position requires working rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, and may involve mandatory overtime and emergency call-outs. The job requires travel among Milwaukee Water Works facilities in Milwaukee and Greenfield, as well as climbing ladders, handling heavy hose equipment, turning valves, lifting and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and working in confined spaces.

Requirements

Associate degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, conservation, environmental science, environmental health and water quality technology, or a closely related field; or two years of closely related experience operating or maintaining drinking water, wastewater, or beverage-processing treatment plant facilities. Students in the final semester of a related associate degree may apply but cannot be appointed until the degree is completed.
Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record at application, appointment, and throughout employment.
WDNR Operator Certification Grade T in either Surface Water (Subclass S) or Distribution (Subclass D) within one year of appointment and throughout employment.
Ability to obtain Milwaukee Water Works certification for assignment as a System Operator or Treatment Operator at either water treatment plant within one year of appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
After initial training, ability to work rotating first, second, and third shifts, including weekends and holidays as scheduled.
Willingness and ability to travel to Milwaukee Water Works facilities in Milwaukee and Greenfield.
Ability to climb ladders, handle heavy hose equipment, turn valves, lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to work mandatory overtime and emergency call-out overtime assignments.
Knowledge of basic mathematics and chemistry; ability to learn water-treatment facility mechanical systems and equipment.
Knowledge of and commitment to workplace safety practices; ability to understand flow diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, procedures, and technical materials.
Proficiency with standard computer software, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to learn SCADA and computerized maintenance management programs.
Ability to learn and follow regulatory and compliance standards required by Milwaukee Water Works, WDNR, and EPA, as well as AWWA best practices.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, cooperate effectively with people from different backgrounds, and communicate information verbally and in writing.
Ability to adapt to changing conditions, interpret complex data, exercise good judgment, take decisive action under pressure, safely handle hazardous chemicals, maintain accurate records, troubleshoot problems, and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and responsible stewardship of City resources.
Pass the required pre-employment physical exam with lift test, vision exam, audiogram, non-DOT drug screen, respiratory clearance questionnaire, respiratory fit test, and pulmonary function test.

Responsibilities

Assist with inventory and preventive maintenance of safety and emergency equipment, hazardous-material storage, and motor vehicles.
Under the Operator in Charge’s supervision, operate valves, pumps, instruments, and other equipment; perform routine or system changes; and operate, troubleshoot, and maintain chemical feed systems, pumps, and ancillary equipment.
Perform manual tasks such as basin flushing and filter maintenance.
Assist with inspections of machinery and facilities throughout the water distribution system’s pumping districts.
Use SCADA, GIS viewers, hydraulic modeling information, energy optimization software, and backup power systems to assist with assessing and adjusting treatment processes and the water distribution system.
Participate in training on water treatment processes, distribution-system requirements, and operator parameters.
Attend safety training and follow the Milwaukee Water Works Plants Safety Program, including requirements for confined space, lockout/tagout, hazardous chemicals, GHS, and PPE.
Assist the Operator in Charge with monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing SCADA data for chemical feed systems and filter operations.
Perform minor preventive maintenance and routine plant upkeep; visually and physically check pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, and monitoring instrumentation; and report and document findings.
Learn and perform operator-required laboratory testing, including chemical and physical analyses, and interpret results.
Perform sampling and minor chemical testing at booster stations.
Identify and report problems using the computerized maintenance management system.
For WTPO-1 duties, monitor and operate distribution-system infrastructure to maintain flow and pressure within specified limits in normal and emergency situations.
For WTPO-1 duties, maintain chemical feed delivery systems, help identify and isolate chemical malfunctions, diagnose or troubleshoot equipment issues, and take corrective security measures at water plants and stations.
For WTPO-1 duties, notify supervisors, security personnel, and other City agencies of emergency events.
For WTPO-1 duties, make operational decisions considering system stability, water supply, pump capacity and efficiency, energy use, water quality, equipment availability, firefighting activities, and critical customer demands.