JOB TITLE: WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 97281

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series describes work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants and associated collection and conveyance systems.

DEFINITION: This is entry-level training work learning and applying the skills and techniques to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants.

An employee in this job receives structured and on-the-job training to develop the knowledge, competencies, and skills needed to prepare the employee to become certified as a wastewater treatment plant operator. Assignments provide progressively responsible experience in operating and maintaining various wastewater treatment equipment, sustaining biological processes, performing chemical testing of influent and effluent, and recording and reporting data and findings. Employees will become familiar with laws, regulations, and permits enforced by federal, state, or local regulatory authorities and the associated reporting requirements. Work is assigned by a Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor or an administrative supervisor in the form of oral or written instructions and is reviewed while in progress and upon completion for compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in on-the-job, online, and classroom training in wastewater treatment plant operation.

• Operates chlorinators, digestors, aerators, grit removers, motors, pumps, compressors, filters, valves, and related wastewater treatment equipment according to standard operating procedures.

• Participates in operating and maintaining collection and conveyance systems.

• Receives training in sampling and testing of influent and effluent to ensure acceptable pH level, purity, clarity, and biochemical levels.

• Receives training in preparing and submitting testing data and documentation for permit, licensing, and certification requirements.

• Participates in inspecting and cleaning settling tanks, sludge beds, and other wastewater treatment plant components.

• Reads computerized system output screens and meters, records findings on a daily chart, and assists with interpreting results of readings and observations.

• Performs routine inspection and maintenance of plant equipment.

• Assists in preparing and submitting to regulatory agencies the required data for plant operation and maintenance.

• Travels to various field sites to receive on-the-job training under the guidance of a certified operator in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.

• Operates public swimming pool circulation pumps and sanitary equipment.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the use and care of standard tools used in building maintenance.

• Knowledge of routine building repair and maintenance practices.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to perform mathematical computations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, area, volume, and ratios.

• Ability to read charts, graphs, meters, and other measuring devices.

• Ability to maintain records of measured data.

• Ability to follow oral instructions.

• Ability to read and interpret written materials.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Six months of building maintenance or trades experience;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All employees must obtain, within the probationary period, a valid Operator’s Certificate, or an Operator in Training Designation issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the classification and subclassification of the wastewater system to be operated or maintained.

• Certain positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.