Water Treatment Plant Trainee Operator

City of Lebanon•Lebanon, TN

About The Position

Performs routine tasks while learning to operate and maintain water treatment facilities. The trainee assists with sampling, testing, and recording data; performs manual labor and maintenance tasks; and learns to monitor and control water treatment processes. Work is performed under close supervision and established procedures and guidelines. The position includes participation in training and development programs to become a certified water treatment operator. It is a safety- and security-sensitive job. Career-ladder promotion for Grades 1–4 is based on water treatment plant operator certifications and demonstrated capability on the job.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid Tennessee driver's license and clear driving record.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to follow detailed written or oral instructions using commonsense understanding.
Knowledge of modern water treatment plant operating practices.
Ability to inspect operating plant machinery and detect flaws.
Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other employees.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; and write simple correspondence, routine reports, and correspondence.
Ability to present information effectively in one-on-one situations to customers and other city employees.
Ability to perform arithmetic with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, and use basic algebraic formulas and equations, including calculations involving flow rates, dosing rates, and chemical concentrations.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including frequently lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Some college experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Train to operate and maintain all water treatment plant equipment.
Inspect the plant and equipment regularly to confirm proper operation.
Operate treatment facilities to control the flow and processing of raw water and effluent.
Monitor gauges, meters, and control panels, and maintain logs of readings.
Learn to recognize plant status and troubleshoot or take corrective actions as directed by a supervisor to help ensure finished water meets or exceeds EPA and TDEC standards.
Observe changes in operating conditions and interpret meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
Clean and perform routine maintenance on buildings, grounds, and operational equipment, including calibrating feeders and instruments, feeders, and pumps.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Wash and grease plant equipment.
Operate the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
Use a computer to enter and update files for reports, spreadsheets, historical information, maintenance records, and letters.
Perform plant calculations for chemical dosages and usage, flow rates, detention time, and other operational needs.
Operate valves and gates manually or by remote control.
Start and stop pumps, engines, and generators to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses.
Promote teamwork and assist coworkers when necessary.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Attend training courses necessary for Grade 1 certification and obtain that certification within 18 months of hire.