Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee

CITY OF ELIZABETH CITY; Elizabeth City (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The CITY OF ELIZABETH CITY seeks a candidate to learn proper treatment of water and assist in wastewater operations under close supervision. The role involves sample collection, routine tests, and maintaining plant records to ensure compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities include inspecting equipment, reading meters, performing lab tests, and assisting with minor maintenance. A Class C certificate and a valid driver's license may be required during progression.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to obtain Class C Water Treatment Plant Operators certificate.
• Valid state driver’s license with acceptable driving history.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate a wastewater treatment plant and take samples.
• Perform routine tests and maintain records and files.
• Inspect plant and equipment to ensure proper operation and take corrective actions when needed.
• Read meters, gauges and logs and report needs for equipment repairs.
• Perform minor plant maintenance and housekeeping duties.
• Conduct basic laboratory tests and document readings.

Skills

Reading meters

Laboratory tests

Record keeping

Equipment inspection

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Testing equipment

Safety procedures

Job description

General Description

The purpose of this job is to learn the proper treatment of water to meet federal, state and local regulations.

This position works under close supervision according to set procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Learns to operate a wastewater treatment plant; taking samples; performing routine tests; helping to ensure proper plant operation; maintaining records and files.
• Makes regular inspection of plant and equipment to ascertain that it is in proper operation at all times.
• Collects samples for testing; performs tests relating to plant operations.
• Checks all plant equipment and biological and chemical systems for proper operation and takes necessary corrective actions.
• Reads meters, gauges and dials and keeps logs of readings.
• Reports needs for equipment repairs.
• Back washes filters; fills chemical feeder hoppers.
• Performs minor plant maintenance, grounds keeping and housekeeping duties.
• Performs basic laboratory tests.
• Documents and records all readings on meters and pumps.
• Performs related work as required.

Physical Demands:

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  • Traffic; Moving machinery.
  • Electrical shock; Heights.
  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
  • Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
  • Other extreme hazards not listed above.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Requires the ability to obtain a Class C Water Treatment Plant Operators certificate.
• Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The City of Elizabeth City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.