Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

City of Portsmouth•Portsmouth, VA

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee operates, maintains, or assists with operating and maintaining the water treatment and distribution systems. The position reports to the Lead Water Treatment Plant Operator. There are four trainee levels, distinguished by the level of work performed and employee qualifications. Specific assignments are determined by the supervisor based on workload and department needs. The position collects water samples, performs laboratory tests, calculates chemical dosages, mixes solutions, regulates water flows, and evaluates samples at each treatment stage. It assists with plant and distribution-system operations, records operational data using a computerized system, and adjusts pressures and tank levels using pumps and booster stations. The trainee also performs or assists with chemical testing and corrective actions, plant maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, recordkeeping, and preparation of reports. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and compliance with applicable Virginia waterworks operator licensing requirements. The trainee must obtain a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Waterworks Operator's License within three years of gaining experience at a qualifying waterworks facility. A Class IV license may be obtained for promotional opportunity; the stated promotional compensation requirement is receipt of that license within 18 months of gaining qualifying experience. The position also requires an acceptable background check, pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing, and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing. The employee must wear an on-line self-contained breathing apparatus during ammonia offloading and comply with Virginia DPOR licensing application and renewal procedures. This is a physically demanding role requiring operation of plant and other equipment and the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 75 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds constantly. The position requires reading technical materials, maintaining logs and reports, performing calculations, communicating effectively, and working with varied levels of stress. The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain a Commonwealth of Virginia Class III Waterworks Operator's License within three years of attaining experience at a Class 4, Class 3, Class 2, or Class 1 waterworks facility.
Comply with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) application and renewal procedures for required licensure, including required disclosures.
Wear on-line self-contained breathing apparatus during ammonia offloading during chemical deliveries.
Pass an acceptable general background check, including local and state criminal history and sex offender registry checks.
Complete a pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing; the position is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
Knowledge of water treatment plant equipment operating principles, practices, and maintenance requirements; occupational hazards and safety precautions; water-treatment chemistry; water-testing procedures; and laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.
Ability to follow operating and recording procedures, detect equipment defects, take appropriate action, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports.
Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, professionals, and the general public and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to operate computers, two-way radios, pumps, motors, and mechanical and plumbing tools.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 75 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds constantly to move objects.
Ability to read technical charts, graphs, reports, manuals, regulations, gauges, levels, and meters; prepare logs and test reports; perform mathematical calculations; and follow oral and written instructions.

Nice To Haves

Option to obtain a Class IV Waterworks Operator License for promotional opportunity; for promotional compensation, the license must be received within 18 months of gaining experience at a qualifying Class 4, Class 3, Class 2, or Class 1 waterworks facility.

Responsibilities

Collect water samples and perform required laboratory tests to ensure proper treatment.
Calculate chemical dosages and mix chemical solutions.
Regulate raw water and distribution water flow rates; collect and evaluate samples at each treatment stage.
Assist with operation of the water treatment plant and record treatment-plant and distribution-system data, including pressures, tank levels, flow rates, and water quality, using a computerized system.
Adjust system pressures and tank levels using high-service pumps and booster stations.
Perform or assist with chemical testing, including pH, chlorine residual, fluoride concentration, color, hardness, turbidity, and alkalinity; determine appropriate corrective measures from test results.
Perform plant maintenance, including cleaning and backwashing intake screens, cleaning and calibrating chemical feeders, and assisting with cleaning clarifier basins.
Assist with diagnosing mechanical or electrical equipment problems and isolate valves, pumps, or motors as necessary.
Record and maintain operational and laboratory data.
Assist with preparing daily and monthly reports.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Follow safety and housekeeping standards and maintain a clean and orderly workplace.
Attend work regularly and comply with city policies and procedures regarding attendance and time-off requests.