Waste Water Treatment Plant- Trainee Operator

City of Lebanon; Lebanon (TN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

City of Lebanon is seeking a WWTP trainee to learn operating wastewater treatment processes and equipment. You will assist in sampling, testing, and data recording while under supervision, with a path toward Grade 1 certification.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid Tennessee driver’s license. Availability for rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, is expected. CDL is preferred but not required at hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Entry level; none or minimal experience.
• Must obtain Grade 1 wastewater certification within 18 months of hire.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license; CDL preferred.

Responsibilities

• Learn and assist in operating wastewater treatment processes and equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and repair tasks.
• Collect and record wastewater samples.
• Conduct basic laboratory tests and analysis.
• Assist in monitoring and controlling the treatment process.
• Perform duties as assigned by supervisor or trainer.

Skills

Wastewater basics

Safety protocols

Mechanical aptitude

Documentation skills

Data collection

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory instruments

Job description

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Performs routine tasks and learns to operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities, including plant processes, equipment, and instruments. Assists in sampling, testing, and recording data; performs manual labor and maintenance tasks; and learns to monitor and control wastewater treatment processes. Works under close supervision, following established procedures and guidelines. Participates in training and development programs to become a certified wastewater treatment plant operator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Learn and assist in operating wastewater treatment processes and equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and repair tasks.
• Collects and records wastewater samples.
• Conducts basic laboratory tests and analysis.
• Assists in monitoring and controlling the treatment process.
• Performs manual labor, housekeeping, and grounds keeping tasks.
• Participates in training and development programs.
• Works under close supervision, following established procedures and guidelines.
• Assists in documenting plant operations, maintenance, and testing results.
• Develops knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, processes, and regulations.
• Operates skid steer and telehandlers.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this role.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or trainer.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Basic principles of wastewater treatment process
• Familiarity with industry regulations and standards.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures.
• Understanding of plant equipment and instrumentation.
• Basic chemistry and biology concepts.
• Conceptual understanding of hydraulics, mechanics, electrical, I&C, process control, laboratory, and microbiology.

Skills

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate equipment.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Basic laboratory skills and testing procedures.
• Data collection and recording skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with software applications.

Abilities

• Ability to learn and adapt quickly.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain records.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Effective communication skills

• Verbal and written.
• Follows and provides clear instructions.

Basic reading skills

• Understands technical documents & instructions.
• Interprets safety data sheets and operating manuals.

Basic writing skills

• Records data and test results accurately.
• Completes routine reports & logs.

Comprehensive skills

• Understands industry-specific terminology and concepts.
• Follows safety protocols and procedures.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Basic math operations

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Decimals, fractions, and percentages.

Measurement conversions

• Length, weight, and volume units (e.g., gallons to pounds)

Algebraic concepts

• Basic formulas and equations.
• Solving for unknown variables.

Data analysis

• Interpret charts, graphs, and tables.
• Basic statistical concepts (e.g., mean, median, range)

Calculations

• Flow rates, dosing rates, and chemical concentrations.
• Wastewater treatment process calculations.

The above mathematical skills are essential for a WWTP trainee to perform such tasks as

• Calculating chemical dosage and flow rates.
• Interpreting data and test results.
• Understanding and adjusting treatment process.
• Completing reports and records accurately

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D) is required.

EXPERIENCE

None or minimal experience required (entry level position)

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE

None required for hire. (Must obtain Grade 1 certification within 18 months of hire)

Must attend all training courses necessary for Grade 1 certification.

DRIVER LICENSE

A valid driver's License with clear driving record required. If candidate does not have a valid Tennessee driver's license, they must acquire one in 30 days of hire.

CDL license is preferred.

AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Given the critical infrastructure role of the facility and the need to maintain essential staffing during events such as severe weather, power outages, or other emergency conditions, employees in this position must be available to work rotating shifts, including 24/7 assignments. This position is subject to on-call and call-back requirements, which may include work outside of normal business hours, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The employee must be available to participate in a rotating on-call schedule and may be required to report to duty or remain onsite during emergency operations.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Due to the on-call and emergency response nature of this position, the ideal candidate should reside in Wilson County or in one of the surrounding counties that border Wilson County, including Cannon, Davidson, DeKalb, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, or Trousdale Counties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is required to walk; sit; use tools; operate controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and listen, observe, or smell. The employee must frequently lift, move, push, pull or carry up to 50 pounds. May occasionally push, pull or move 75 to 100 pounds, with assistance. Must be able to use tools such as breaker bar, pipe wrench, hand truck.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Must undergo required physical examination and complete vaccinations.

It shall be the responsibility of the City of Lebanon Utilities Director to assess the type(s) of reasonable accommodations which may be necessary to allow the individual to perform the essential functions of this position and to provide such necessary reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a disability, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to require the provision of reasonable accommodations if doing so will impose an undue hardship on the employing agency or a direct threat to the safety of himself/herself or others.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

City of Lebanon will provide training for this opportunity. We are accepting applications for both experienced and entry level candidates.

Read here for more information to this job description:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/water-and-wastewatertreatment-plant-and-system-operators.htm#tab-1

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT

Promotions

Career ladder promotion for Grades 1-4 WWTP Operator Certifications in conjunction with on-the-job demonstration of capability.

Training

Professional development opportunities, including training, certification programs, and continuing education credits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Employment is probationary for first six months of employment with the City. The City of Lebanon provides its full-time employees with an excellent benefits package! Full Time City Employees receive 14 paid holidays and 18 PTO days the first year (23 PTO days after the first year and this increases every 5 years after) and health, dental, vision, life and disability PLUS a generous pension/401k hybrid retirement package through Tennessee Consolidated Retirement Systems (TCRS).