Plant Operator Trainee (Water or Wastewater)

DeKalb County Government; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County Government seeks a responsible operator to manage water and wastewater facilities, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local rules. The role involves lab analysis, monitoring SCADA systems, and routine maintenance to keep treatment and distribution systems safe and compliant.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED with coursework in biology or chemistry; a Georgia driver’s license is required, and licensure will be pursued within one year of hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Operates water and wastewater treatment facilities to comply with federal, state and local regulations.
• Conducts laboratory analysis and calibrations to ensure proper plant operation.
• Performs regular and unscheduled repairs and maintenance on plant equipment and machinery.
• Collects potable water and wastewater samples and analyzes parameters (pH, turbidity, chlorine, etc.).
• Monitors SCADA systems for changes affecting processes and storage levels.
• Prepares reports and records testing results and enters data into the computer.
• Maintains a safe and clean work environment according to OSHA and county standards.
• Participates in continuing education to qualify for Georgia and DeKalb County certification requirements.

Skills

Laboratory analysis

Regulatory compliance

Data entry

Education

High school diploma or GED

Biology, Chemistry, Engineering coursework

Job description

Purpose Of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to operate water and wastewater treatment facilities in compliance with federal, State and Local regulations for the operation of water treatment, distribution, storage facilities and/or wastewater collection, lift stations or treatment facilities.

Purpose Of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to operate water and wastewater treatment facilities in compliance with federal, State and Local regulations for the operation of water treatment, distribution, storage facilities and/or wastewater collection, lift stations or treatment facilities. This classification is safety sensitive, subject to random drug testing in accordance with the County’s Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs all aspects of operation, sampling, monitoring, and testing required to maintain compliance with federal, State and Local regulations that govern water treatment and wastewater operations; performs laboratory analysis; and physically checks equipment to ensure correct operation feed, dosages, and calibrations necessary to properly operate facilities and systems.

Assists in the performance of regular and unscheduled repairs and maintenance on plant equipment and machinery; conducts weekly checks of the treatment plant; rotates equipment; changes and connects chlorine and other specialized water treatment plant equipment; monitors chemical feed equipment, operates solids processing equipment; and operates load lugging trucks.

Collects potable water and wastewater samples and performs laboratory analysis such as pH, turbidity, chlorine levels, fluoride levels, dissolved oxygen levels, and total suspended solids, total volatile solids, and temperature on grab samples; and calibrates lab equipment and instruments.

Monitors the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems for any changes that may impact the plant processes such as pressure changes, chemical pumps faulting out, distribution storage tank levels, chemical tank levels, turbidity levels, and filter function.

Prepares reports and records testing results; completes forms and various paperwork; enters data into the computer; and receives telephone calls and responds to customer complaints.

Maintains a safe and clean work environment (both inside the facilities and on the grounds) per OSHA and DeKalb County standards.

Participates in continuing education classes and testing to qualify for the Georgia and DeKalb County certification and licensure requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; previous experience in a water or wastewater utility or coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field is preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job will be considered.

Specific License or Certification Required

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; must obtain a Georgia Class III Water or Wastewater Operator License within one year of hire.