Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

City of Victoria; Victoria (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Victoria is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee to learn and perform a variety of duties in operating the City’s wastewater treatment facilities. This role supports the ongoing effort to provide clean and safe water by monitoring plants, collecting samples, and ensuring proper maintenance and safety practices.

Under supervision, you will gain hands-on experience with SCADA systems, data collection, and reporting while developing essential certifications.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn operation of wastewater treatment processes
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures
• Attention to safety protocols and PPE usage
• Basic data entry and report generation skills
• Good communication and teamwork abilities

Responsibilities

• Checks the status of both wastewater plants and lift stations under general supervision.
• Learns to collect process control samples and perform lab tests for temperature and pH levels.
• Monitors SCADA systems and logs data for reporting.
• Collects flow measurements from pump equipment and meters.
• Inspects equipment and reports/coordinates repairs and maintenance as needed.
• Operates sludge handling equipment and assists with sludge disposal and testing.
• Maintains plant records and prepares reports as required.
• Attends training and safety meetings as required.

Job description

Under general supervision, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee learns to perform a variety of duties in the operation of the City’s wastewater treatment plants to ensure an adequate supply of clean and safe water.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Checks the status of both wastewater plants and lift stations under general supervision.
• Learns the proper procedures to collect process control samples from the throughout the plant; learns to conduct various tests to include temperature and pH levels in the lab.
• Monitors SCADA systems.
• Learns to collect flow measurements from pump equipment and flow meters.
• Conducts inspections of all equipment to ensure proper operation; completes or reports repair and maintenance tasks as appropriate.
• Learns to operate a sludge press and makes adjustments to ensure proper sludge disposal; runs sludge tests to achieve acceptable sludge dryness; drives dump trucks to compost site.
• Collects data and enters into databases; maintains plant records and produces reports as needed.
• Attends and participates in training and safety meetings as required.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Work is performed throughout City wastewater treatment facilities and requires exposure to potentially dangerous tools, equipment, and machinery, hazardous chemicals, and infectious diseases.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Records maintenance and retention practices and procedures.
• Work safety policies, procedures, and practices.
• Sample collection and handling procedures.
• Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software.
• EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations and standards.
• Wastewater treatment processes.

Skill in:

• Reading and accurately interpreting gauges, meters, chemical reports, manuals, and other operating, measuring, and testing devices.
• Organizing work and setting priorities to meet deadlines.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff and outside agencies.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
• Following safe work practices including the proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Analyzing lab data to determine necessary process changes.
• Maintaining accurate records.
• Preparing clear and concise reports.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a Class B Commercial driver’s license or obtain license within one (1) year of hire.
• Must possess a Grade C Wastewater Operator certification within two (2) years of hire.
• Must possess a Grade D Wastewater Operator certification within six (6) months of hire.