Wastewater Treatment Operator Trainee

City of Hopewell; Hopewell (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hopewell seeks an intermediate technical worker to learn and operate wastewater treatment plant equipment, perform routine tests, and carry out general plant and grounds maintenance tasks. The role operates under moderate supervision and supports daily plant operations.

The position emphasizes acquiring licenses, safety training, and practical hands-on experience in a municipal wastewater facility, with outdoor work in varied conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required or equivalent.
• Ability to read meters and charts accurately and maintain records of shift operations.
• Ability to pass a red and green color blindness test and to work with hazardous chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment.
• Perform routine tests and general plant and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Work under moderate supervision and follow oral and written instructions.

Skills

Hand tools

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Performs intermediate technical work learning to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment, performing routine tests, performing general plant and grounds maintenance tasks, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under moderate supervision.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED and minimal experience in the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Obtain a Class IV Wastewater Works Operator license within eighteen months of hire.
• Obtain 20 hours of operations specific (ex. Sacramento courses, DEQ, Rural Water, etc.), City, and Safety training.
• Obtain Forklift Operator training within one year of hire.

Knowledge:

• Some knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Some knowledge of hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical principles pertinent to wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Some knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and of the necessary safety precautions.

Skills:

• Skill in the use and care of hand tools.

Abilities:

• Ability to pass a red and green color blindness test and to work with hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to detect flaws in the operation of mechanical equipment and to determine proper remedial measures.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain records of shift operations.

Work Environment:

• Worker is exposed to outdoor weather conditions, extreme noise, odors, heights, dust and/or fumes and hazardous materials such as oil, chlorine gas, ammonia, fluoride caustic soda, and sulfuric acid.

Essential Physical Activities:

• Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, depth perception.
• Typical weight handled: up to 50lbs