WRF Operator Trainee

Cobb County Government; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cobb County Government seeks qualified applicants to operate and monitor the Water Reclamation Facility, ensuring compliance with local, state and federal rules. Positions involve collecting samples, testing water quality, recording data, and performing maintenance to keep plant processes running smoothly.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED plus one year of steady work.
• Must pass Georgia State Wastewater Operator Class III exam within one year.
• Ability to perform heavy physical work and lift up to 100 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations and control systems for compliance.
• Read meters, logs, and records and maintain documentation.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic repairs.
• Collect and test water samples and adjust treatment processes.
• Maintain records and prepare reports as required.

Skills

Driver's license

Laboratory testing

Reading meters

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

A keyboarding skills test will be required for all applicants. The skills testing information and link will be sent via email to applicants who have successfully met the qualifications for this position after the closing date of this job announcement. The assessment will close on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

These positions are vital to the daily operations of the Water System as they perform skilled technical work to operate, control and maintain operational process controls, checks system components; identify any problems and makes necessary adjustments; ensure continuous and effective operations at the Water Reclamation Facility in order to maintain compliance with applicable local, state and federal environmental rules and regulations.

There are vacancies available at the following locations: South Cobb WRF 545 Rowland Rd, #499, Austell, GA 30168, Northwest WRF 3740 Old 41 Highway N.W., Kennesaw, GA 30144, or Noonday WRF, 415 Shallowford Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Operates a water reclamation facility: monitors plant operations and processes; checks system components; identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments; ensures continuous and effective operation; and maintains compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations, standards and guidelines.

Monitors chemical feeds and distribution, flow rates, and related treatment processes: maintains appropriate chemical levels; adjusts system controls; adds, adjusts and replaces chemicals in the plant's systems and components; and maintains related documentation.

Reads meters, gauges and dials: records readings, chemical levels, wastewater properties and statistical data; and prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports including flowcharts, production reports, well reports and operation logs.

Under close supervision collects and tests water samples: performs all necessary qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests; performs quality control testing; analyzes test results; determines need for treatment process changes; maintains records of findings and sample characteristics; calibrates test equipment; and cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.

Inspects plant systems, facilities and equipment: performs preventive maintenance and repair on the plant equipment, gauges, meters and related systems; repairs system components; changes filters, and other parts; oils and adjusts power driven pumps; checks and fills storage tanks and feeders; cleans equipment; flushes system; makes minor repairs as needed; maintains related documentation; and reports any problems or need for equipment repair.

Prepares or completes plant records, logs, checklists, and other documents as required by local, state, and federal rules and regulations: records and reports process changes, equipment failures, service requests, work orders, and other details; and forwards, retains, or files, as appropriate.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required; supplemented by one year of work experience that shows an ability to maintain steady employment in any field. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must pass Georgia State exam for Wastewater Operator Class III and obtain license within one year of assignment to the position. Tasks require the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis on climbing and balancing, but typically also involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds); may occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, gases, airborne particles, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.

EEO Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.