Plant Operator Trainee

Orange-County-Water-District; California; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Orange County Water District's Water Production Department Operations group operates the AWPF, including microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and UV advanced oxidation. Interns collect data, log daily activities, perform housekeeping, and assist with sample collection.

Under guidance of licensed operators, interns may assist with adjustments, LOTO, and chemical handling procedures, while enrolling in training programs.

Qualifications

• Must read and follow written operating manuals.
• Ability to understand verbal instructions and communicate effectively.
• Interns must provide proof of enrollment and status.

Responsibilities

• Collect water quality and equipment performance data and log it daily.
• Document daily plant activities in a logbook.
• Housekeeping and cleaning of plant equipment and areas.
• Record measurements from pumps, valves, analyzers, etc.
• Collect water quality samples and complete chain-of-custody forms.

Skills

Written Instructions

Verbal Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Enrollment in water-related training

OIT / Operator-in-Training welcome

Tools

SCADA system

Job description

The mission of the Water Production Department Operations group at Orange County Water District is to operate the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF), which consists of three major treatment processes: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation using ultraviolet light with hydrogen peroxide.

• Collect water quality and equipment performance data (logging of essential data).
• Document daily plant activities in a logbook.
• Housekeeping (cleaning and washing down treatment plant equipment and structures).
• Record measurements from water treatment equipment such as pumps, blowers, valves, online water quality analyzers, etc.
• Collecting water quality samples including related activities such as label making, chain of custody form completion, and collecting sample bottles.
• Depending upon qualifications (Operator in Training Certificate, Operator License) additional possible duties include:
  • Making adjustments to plant equipment or processes manually or via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
  • Lockout Tagout LOTO (upon proper training on OCWD LOTO policy and with direct oversight by an OCWD licensed operator)
  • Chemical-related activities (upon proper training on OCWD chemical handling policies and with direct oversight by an OCWD licensed operator)
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level, as assigned.

Education / Experience / Training

• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Current enrollment in technical, vocational, educational, or other training programs in water science, water treatment, wastewater treatment, or similar field.
• Applicants already having an Operator in Training (OIT) certificate, Water Treatment Operator Certification, or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate are welcome to apply.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow written instructions such as technical operating manuals.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions and communicate effectively with other employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical

Positions in this class typically require balancing, reaching, standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, climbing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions, in the performance of daily duties. Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises. Required to wear personal protective clothing/equipment appropriate for job assignments including SCBA. Must comply with District’s Respiratory Protection Program and CAL OSHA Safety Regulations. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision

See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.

Hearing

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Schedule

25 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Proof of Enrollment: Internships are to provide meaningful training and work experience for students pursuing studies related to the District’s mission and goals. Interns must submit proof of enrollment, class schedules, and grades (if applicable). Interns are not eligible for employee benefits. Interns are at will and can be terminated at the discretion of the Department Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notice.

EEO.