(A) Primary responsibility. Under general supervision, the Water Plant Operator-in-Training (OiT) assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the water plant involving the collection of water, and performs related work as required.
(B) Essential job-related responsibilities.
(1) Assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the water plant, including startup and/or shut-down of plant and equipment, involving collection of water in compliance with established procedures and standards and federal and state laws and administrative regulations;
(2) Assists with inspection and/or monitoring of pumps, charts, gauges, and meters daily;
(3) Adds chemicals in accordance with prescribed collection of water samples; checks proper adjustment of feeder equipment; and adjusts chemicals as necessary;
(4) Prepares and maintains accurate reports/records;
(5) Forwards water samples and reports as required;
(6) Assists with performing servicing and preventive maintenance programs on plant and equipment; makes minor repairs and/or adjustments on plant and equipment; and forwards requests for major repairs and/or equipment to superiors;
(7) Assists with maintaining adequate inventory of spare parts, chemicals, equipment, and tools;
(8) Assists with minor construction projects;
(9) Assists with cleaning of plant and grounds; and
(10) Will perform any other related duty as required or assigned.
(C) Qualifications. The Water Plant Operator-in-Training must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; be able to read, write, and speak fluent English; have demonstrable proficiency in computer programs utilized by the office; possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license; and be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Additionally, within 18 months after meeting the experience required by each level, employees in this position must obtain a water treatment operator’s license issued by the commonwealth up to, and including, Class III.
(D) Knowledge. The Water Plant Operator-in-Training shall have working knowledge of, or the ability to learn: water plant operations; federal and state laws and administrative regulations with reference to water treatment; functions, servicing, and maintenance requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery; math and chemistry; computer hardware and applicable software programs; and knowledge of, and ability to, comply with safety standards.
(E) Abilities. The Water Plant Operator-in-Training shall have the ability to detect mechanical flaws and make minor repairs to plant and equipment; assist with maintaining preventive maintenance and servicing program; prepare and maintain accurate reports; assist with maintaining inventory of chemicals, spare parts, and tools; establish and maintain effective working relationships with officers, other employees, and the general public; and the physical ability to perform heavy labor for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
(F) Typical working conditions.
(1) Work requires sitting at a desk with intermittent standing, walking, and stooping. The Water Plant Operator-in-Training must lift objects over 50 pounds; operate vehicles and equipment; and is required to be in high places and confined spaces, and use stairs and ladders. Some work is performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions, and the Water Plant Operator-in-Training may be exposed to fumes, chemicals, and toxic substances.
(2) Tools, equipment, and vehicles used by the Water Plant Operator-in-Training include: construction and/or mechanical tools and equipment (e.g., hand tools, power tools, and the like); laboratory equipment; normal office equipment (phones, computers, calculators, and the like); computerized chemical feeders; safety equipment; and vehicles.
(3) He or she has occasional contact with the public and employees or supervisors from other departments. There is what is considered to be little to no use of confidential information, and the mental effort required by this position is considered to be moderate to heavy; the job has frequent interruptions. The Water Plant Operator-in-Training must be able to respond to calls in emergency situations at all hours.
(Order 8-2019, passed 6-6-2019)