Wastewater Treatment Operator-In-Training

Under the direct supervision of a certified wastewater treatment operator, learns to operate treatment plant equipment and how to perform a wide range of wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance tasks; performs related work as required.

As the Wastewater Treatment OIT incumbent gains skills and performs more difficult work through experience, training and certification, and as a desired level of proficiency is reached, advancement to the Wastewater Treatment Operator I class can be reasonably expected.

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

• Learns to operate treatment units, pumps and valves regulating the flows of return activated sludge and product water.
• Learns to check and regulate the dosages of chlorine to plant effluent.
• Assists with daily record keeping of plant operations.
• Assists in the maintenance and repair of pumps, filters, aerators, chlorinators, valves, controls, piping and equipment.
• Assists with the operation of effluent disposal sprinkler system and maintenance of effluent storage ponds.
• Learns to read gauges and instrumentation necessary for proper plant operations; checks motors, pumps and other equipment for proper operation.
• Learns to perform routine chemical and physical analysis on plant unit processes.
• Learns to adjust and monitor the addition of chemicals to wastewater processing.
• Responsible for the cleanliness and general housekeeping of the plant; paints equipment and buildings; sweeps and washes down floors, walls and paved areas.
• Assists with major repairs to large pumps and varied water reclamation equipment, removing blockages, replacing worn parts, removing parts to be machined by outside vendors and reassembling equipment.
• Kills and removes weeds, trims plants, picks up debris, mows lawns, waters and otherwise maintains landscaped areas.
• Performs minor fabrication of parts and tools.
• Operates air compressors, portable pumps, lawn mowers, weed-eaters and hand and power tools.
• Ensures that safety equipment is in working order and that safety procedures are followed in the performance of duties.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum qualifications & Requirements Any combination of training, experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities stated above, and the ability to perform the duties of the position would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience : Experience in construction and maintenance is desirable.

Education : High school diploma or G.E.D. is required. Possession of six (6) educational points as defined by the State Water Resources Control Board at time of appointment, or ability to obtain within six (6) months.

Licenses and Certificates :
1) Possession of a valid California driver's license, Class C, with ability to maintain insurability under the District's insurance carrier.
2) Must apply for and obtain a State of California Water Resources Control Board certification as an Operator-In-Training (OIT) within six (6) months of appointment. 3) Possession of a State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Operator certification, Grade I, is required within two (2) years from the date OIT certification is issued. Certification at the required level must be maintained. Supplemental information

Knowledge of :

• Tools, equipment and methods used in the repair and maintenance of pumps, valves and aeration equipment.
• Basic mathematics.
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• English usage, oral and written.
• Basic record keeping.
• Basic hydraulics.

Ability to:

• Learn the hazards inherent in wastewater treatment.
• Learn the specific policies, procedures and operating routines of water reclamation plants.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Learn basic treatment plant operations and maintenance procedures, including lab analysis.
• Operate power and hand tools and equipment with proficiency.
• Make simple arithmetic calculation with accuracy.
• Use tools and make repairs to pumps, valves and electric motors.
• Interpret gauges and recording devices accurately, and maintain simple records.
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with department personnel, other departments, outside agencies and the public.

Physical Demands :
Hear normal conversation in person and/or telephone, with or without electronic aids; operate hand and power tools requiring strength and coordination; use hands and fingers to repetitively manipulate small objects and print or write legibly; regularly lift over 50 pounds and frequently over 100 pounds with assistance; awareness of electrical hazards; be exposed to harsh substances; be exposed to foul odors within acceptable ranges/levels; work in confined spaces; wear protective apparel including, but not limited to, goggles, face protectors, aprons, shoes and a respirator as required by OSHA standards.