Treatment Plant Operator Apprentice

Town of Braintree; Union (NJ); On-site; USD 71,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Braintree is seeking an entry-level Treatment Plant Apprentice to support operations at the Tri-Town Water Treatment Plant. You will learn under certified operators, assist with pumps, filters, chemical feeds, and monitoring systems while progressing through the Apprentice Program.

The role involves shift work, outdoor/indoor environments, and safety training as you pursue eventual certification and potential promotion to the Treatment Plant Operator (W-4T) class.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical training in mechanical, electrical or environmental fields desirable.
• Valid Massachusetts Class D Driver's License.
• Ability to obtain Massachusetts T1 Water Treatment Operator Certification within six months of appointment.
• Ability to obtain Massachusetts T2 Water Treatment Operator Certification within eighteen months of appointment.
• Ability to obtain Massachusetts T3 Water Treatment Operator Certification within thirty months of appointment.
• Failure to achieve required certifications may result in removal from the Apprentice Program and separation from employment.
• Upon completion of the Apprentice Program, eligibility for promotion to the Treatment Plant Operator (W-4T) classification.

Responsibilities

• Assist operators in operating pumps, filters, chemical feed systems, valves and related equipment.
• Learn treatment processes, water quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collect water samples and assist with laboratory testing and recordkeeping.
• Monitor gauges, meters, SCADA systems and alarms; report abnormalities.
• Perform preventive maintenance and housekeeping at the plant.
• Assist in adjusting treatment processes under supervision.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, reports and maintenance records.
• Respond to emergencies and during equipment failures and power outages.
• Attend required safety training and apprentice program classes.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Basic computer skills

Teamwork

Basic hydraulics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training desirable

Tools

SCADA systems

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

JOB TITLE: TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR APPRENTICE

LOCATION: TREATMENT PLANT

UNION: U.W.U.A.

DATE AVAILABLE: ASAP

SALARY: W 2T A/B $70,848.18 - $81,662.36

Nature Of Work

Performs entry-level technical and operational work while participating in the Town of Braintree Water Apprentice Program for the Tri-Town Water Treatment Plant. Assists certified Treatment Plant Operators in the operation, monitoring, maintenance and repair of the Town's water treatment facilities and related equipment. The position is intended to provide structured classroom instruction, on-the-job training and progressive responsibility leading to qualification for the Treatment Plant Operator (W-4T) classification.

Supervision

Works under the direct supervision of the Chief Treatment Plant Operator or designee. Receives detailed instruction and guidance while learning treatment plant operations. Work is reviewed through observation, reports and successful completion of assigned training milestones.

Job Environment

Work is performed indoors and outdoors under varying weather conditions and around mechanical, electrical and chemical equipment, and confined spaces. Position requires shift work, weekends, holidays and emergency call-back as assigned.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions listed below are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every duty performed.)

• Assists certified operators in the operation of pumps, filters, chemical feed systems, valves and related treatment equipment.
• Learns treatment processes, water quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collects water samples and assists with laboratory testing and recordkeeping.
• Monitors gauges, meters, SCADA systems and alarms and reports abnormal operating conditions.
• Performs preventive maintenance and housekeeping throughout the treatment plant.
• Assists in adjusting treatment processes under the direction of certified operators.
• Maintains accurate operating logs, reports and maintenance records.
• Responds to emergencies and assists during equipment failures and power outages.
• Participates in required safety training and follows all safety procedures.
• Attends required classroom instruction and successfully completes the Town's Apprentice Program.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to learn water treatment processes and equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand and power tools.
• Ability to understand technical manuals and operating procedures.
• Ability to understand basic hydraulics.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work and work in confined spaces and around chemicals using appropriate PPE.
• Basic computer skills.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical training in mechanical, electrical or environmental fields desirable.
• Valid Massachusetts Class D Driver's License.
• Ability to obtain Massachusetts T1 Water Treatment Operator Certification within six (6) months of appointment.
• Ability to obtain Massachusetts T2 Water Treatment Operator Certification within eighteen (18) months of appointment.
• Ability to obtain Massachusetts T3 Water Treatment Operator Certification within thirty (30) months of appointment.
• Failure to achieve required certifications or satisfactory progress within the established timeframes may result in removal from the Apprentice Program and separation from employment in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and Town policies.
• Upon successful completion of the Apprentice Program and required certifications, employees become eligible for consideration for promotion to the Treatment Plant Operator (W-4T) classification in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and Town policies.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, work at heights, enter confined spaces, distinguish colors used in treatment processes, and perform duties requiring prolonged standing, walking, bending and manual dexterity.