WWTP Operator-in-Training

City of Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Davis is seeking an entry-level Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training to assist with daily operation and maintenance of the wastewater facility. The role involves learning plant processes, monitoring equipment, and supporting corrective tasks under supervision.

Ideal candidates have basic knowledge of mechanical systems and safety practices, with willingness to obtain required state certificates.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of mechanical equipment.
• Basic tools and methods for stationary power equipment, pumping and electrical systems.
• Basic wastewater treatment processes and tests to check effectiveness.
• Principles and practices of work safety.

Responsibilities

• Instruct assigned personnel in plant operations.
• Inspect plant operations daily; operate and check wastewater equipment.
• Check and calibrate chemical feeders and analyzers.
• Maintain operating logs.
• Perform lab tests and interpret results for plant control.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repair work on plant equipment.
• Maintain air compressors and equipment at lift stations.
• Regulate flows through oxidation ponds and check gate operation.
• Oil, grease, clean equipment; adjust and repack valves and pumps.
• Maintain buildings and adjacent area.
• Participate in the city's stand-by program as required.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other city employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

Skills

Wastewater equipment operation

Pumping systems & electricals

Laboratory testing basics

Work safety principles

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Mechanical tools

Electrical systems tools

Job description

City of Davis

This is a Temporary Part Time position. There are no benefits associated with this position.

DEFINITION

To inspect, operate, and maintain a wastewater treatment facility; to assist with or be responsible for daily operational controls and monitoring of plant processes; to perform corrective and repair work on plant systems; and to perform general maintenance work at plant facilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training - This is the entry level for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator class series. It is distinguished from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator level in that it performs the more routine operator tasks and progressively performs the more technically complex tasks.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from higher level positions.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Instruct assigned personnel in plant operations.
• Inspect plant operations daily; operate and check the operation of wastewater equipment, such as pumps, valves, electric motors and filters.
• Check and calibrate chemical feeders and analyzers.
• Maintain operating logs.
• Perform lab tests and interpret results for purposes of plant control; collect samples for tests.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repair work on plant equipment.
• Maintain air compressors, auxiliary engines, and equipment at lift stations, drainage pump stations, drainage ponds and ditches.
• Regulate flows through oxidation ponds and check gate operation.
• Oil, grease, and clean equipment; clean, adjust, and repack valves and pumps.
• Maintain buildings and adjacent area.
• Participate in the city's stand-by program as required.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other city employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of mechanical equipment, including pumps and electric motors.
• Basic tools, equipment and methods used in maintaining stationary power equipment, pumping systems, and electrical systems.
• Basic wastewater treatment processes and the tests used to check the effectiveness of such processes.
• Principles and practices of work safety.

Ability to:

On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job and observe safety rules. Intermittently analyze problem equipment; identify safety hazards; locate equipment; interpret work orders; remember how to operate equipment; explain jobs to other employees.

Intermittently sit, stand, and walk while performing job related activities; bend and twist to adjust equipment; kneel, squat, and climb to review work; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; lift and carry weight of 75 pounds or less.

Read and interpret gauges and recording devices reflecting plant operations.

Perform mechanical repairs, maintenance work, and modification to equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant.

Use various mechanic's tools with skill and accuracy.

Learn standard laboratory tests.

Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Perform routine to moderately complex mechanical maintenance.

Operate a variety of equipment, vehicles, power tools, and hand tools.

Adjust controls and treatment processes at a wastewater treatment plant.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

One year experience in maintenance and service of mechanical equipment, preferably types that are associated with wastewater or water system facilities.

Training:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate California driver's license.

Upon hiring, incumbents are expected to immediately obtain an O.I.T. Certificate and work toward obtaining a Grade I Operator's Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board.