Wastewater Operator Trainee

City of Garland; Rowlett (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Garland is seeking a Wastewater Operator trainee responsible for monitoring and housekeeping of wastewater facilities. Under the Operations Supervisor and Plant Manager, you will ensure compliance with health and safety standards while performing various treatment facility activities.

Key responsibilities include collaborating with personnel to optimize operations, maintaining records, and monitoring systems. A high school diploma or GED is required; an associate degree or trade certification is preferred. The role may expose trainees to various environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of compliance requirements and record-keeping.
• Basic computer skills and mechanical knowledge.
• Ability to perform wastewater tests.

Responsibilities

• Monitor facility operations and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate repairs and troubleshoot issues.
• Maintain logs and facilitate operations.

Skills

Wastewater treatment processes

Effective communication

Basic troubleshooting abilities

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or trade certification

Job description

Summary

Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, and/or the Plant Manager, the Wastewater Operator trainee performs housekeeping and monitoring of wastewater facilities and associated systems. This includes, but is not limited to, headworks, liquid streams, solids handling, odor control, structures, SCADA, and lift stations. The trainee ensures acceptable asset conditions, water quality, and health and safety standards are met or exceeded, and performs related work to ensure efficient and effective facility operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with supervisory personnel and operator(s) to assure optimal process efficiency, proper monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor facility operations by observing, collecting and testing samples, and reading instrumentation (SCADA) to ensure compliant and efficient operations.
• Perform a range of treatment facility activities, including operation of equipment, housekeeping, monitoring systems, managing equipment performance and process data, process improvement, and record keeping.
• Notify appropriate personnel of needed repairs; coordinate with the Operations Supervisor to perform O&M procedures for treatment assets and lift stations.
• Vigilantly monitor the facility for breaches of security and alert appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or supervisors as needed.
• Maintain thorough logs and records in written and electronic form; use these records to improve function and efficiency of various operations.
• Maintain facility grounds and general housekeeping, and appearance of the facility in collaboration with other staff and outside contractors.
• Monitor systems and assets during emergencies and scheduled shutdowns; troubleshoot, diagnose, and report problems; respond to emergencies; and schedule and coordinate repairs, clean‑up, and remediation.
• Observe safety guidelines as required by State statutes and as prescribed by the City of Garland, including identifying and mitigating safety hazards and assisting with implementing safety programs.
• Coordinate with personnel to receive shipments, monitor unloading processes, record into inventory, and check shipment documents for compliance with standards.
• Learn and comply with applicable City of Garland policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (an associate degree or trade certification is preferred).
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or trade certification.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ClassD Wastewater Operators License (obtainable within one year).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, compliance requirements, operations and maintenance, and reporting/record‑keeping.
• Basic troubleshooting abilities for equipment and processes, and knowledge of performing wastewater tests.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with supervisors and peers.
• Basic computer skills and electrical and mechanical knowledge.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and hazards, including hazardous chemicals, raw sewage, communicable diseases, loud noise, electricity, humidity, wetness, extreme temperatures, heights, odors, gases, mists, confined spaces, climbing ladders, cramped spaces, and construction‑related hazards.
• Position is subject to 24‑hour call‑out, 365 days per year.