Plant Operator in Training - EXAM

City of Columbus; Ohio (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Water Treatment Operator Trainee to learn and assist in the operation of a water treatment plant. This role involves monitoring equipment, maintaining records, and performing field tests to ensure the quality of water. Candidates will gain hands-on experience with advanced systems like SCADA while contributing to vital water reclamation processes. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to start a rewarding career in public utilities, with a focus on environmental sustainability and community service.

Qualifications

• Learn to operate SCADA for monitoring water flow.
• Assist in chemical application for water treatment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor treatment equipment and adjust as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of shift operations.

Skills

SCADA System Operation

Equipment Monitoring

Recordkeeping

Field Testing

Basic Maintenance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Computer Terminals

Basic Hand Tools

Job description

Job Description: Water Treatment Operator Trainee

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for learning to operate all areas of a water treatment or water reclamation plant; performs related duties as required.

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

1. Learns to operate a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) to monitor the flow and processing of water or reclaimed water;
2. Monitors treatment and processing equipment such as pumps, motors, air compressors, blowers, thickeners, valves, and gates as instructed;
3. Monitors control panels and computer terminals; makes adjustments or changes manually or by remote control to regulate flow of water or reclaimed water as instructed;
4. Learns to observe variations in operating conditions; logs and interprets readings from computer, meters, gauges, charts, tests, and instruments; observes and reports variations in visual appearance, sounds, or smells;
5. Learns to start and stop pumps, engines, and generators to control the flow and processing of water or reclaimed water via computer or operator interface terminals;
6. Maintains legible, accurate records and logs of shift operations; records meter and gauge readings;
7. Assists in the monitoring, controlling, supplying, changing, unloading, and application of chemicals or other materials to the treatment and processing of water or reclaimed water;
8. Communicates with others performing operations or maintenance tasks via phone, two-way radio, and log books;
9. Assists in preparing maintenance repair requests; performs minor equipment maintenance including lubrication and light painting as instructed; uses tools in the performance of maintenance functions;
10. Learns to operate an incinerator by performing inspections and operational tasks as necessary to maintain burner control;
11. Learns to backwash filters by reversing the flow of water;
12. Cleans work area including stairs, equipment, floors, conveyor belts, and plant machines; picks up trash;
13. Learns to perform field tests in compliance with internal regulations such as ammonia concentration level assessment, percent total solids, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and other related tests; collects water or reclaimed water samples;
14. Learns and demonstrates performance of duties in all operational areas of a plant.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Applicants passing this exam will be placed on a new, open competitive eligible list, replacing the current list. To be considered, apply within the filing period and complete all testing phases. For questions, contact the Test Center at 614-645-7439.

The examination includes:

• A multiple-choice test (85%) covering Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Science, Information Ordering, Recordkeeping, and Problem Sensitivity.
• A computer exam (15%) covering Outlook and Excel.

Approved candidates will be notified of their test schedule. Passing candidates will remain on the list for two years, with possible extensions. Employment consideration includes interviews, background checks, and drug tests.

The certification process is fixed band. The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Utilities.