(A) Primary responsibility. Under general supervision, the Sewer Plant Operator-in-Training (OiT) assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the wastewater plant, involving the collection and treatment of wastewater and performs related work as required.
(B) Essential job-related responsibilities.
(1) Assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the wastewater plant, including start-up and/or shut-down of plant and equipment, involving collection and distribution of wastewater 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 standards; assists lab personnel in collection of wastewater samples; checks proper adjustment of feeder equipment; and adjusts chemicals as necessary;
(4) Cleans filters and disposes of residual solids;
(5) Checks lift stations; maintains lift stations in accordance with established standards;
(6) Prepares and maintains accurate reports/records;
(7) Forwards wastewater samples and reports as required;
(8) Assists with performing servicing and preventive maintenance programs on plant and equipment; makes minor repairs and/or add equipment; forwards requests for major repairs and/or equipment to superiors;
(9) Assists with maintaining adequate inventory of spare parts, chemicals, equipment, and tools;
(10) Assists with minor construction projects;
(11) Assists with cleaning of plant and grounds;
(12) Attends continuing education programs;
(13) Communicates with supervisor and co-workers on issues including, but not limited to: safety, training needs, equipment, and task status; and
(14) Will perform any other related duty as required.
(C) Qualifications. The Sewer 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 wastewater treatment operator’s license issued by the commonwealth up to, and including, Class III.
(D) Knowledge. The Sewer Plant Operator-in-Training shall have working knowledge of, or the ability to learn: wastewater plant operations; federal and state laws and administrative regulations with reference to wastewater treatment; functions, servicing, and maintenance requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery; math and chemistry; computer hardware and applicable software programs; and the knowledge of, and ability to, comply with safety standards.
(E) Abilities. The Sewer 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 programs; prepare and maintain accurate reports; assist with maintaining inventory of chemicals, spare parts, and tools; establish and maintain effective working relationships with officers, 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 desk with intermittent standing, walking, stooping. The Sewer Plant Operator-in-Training must lift objects over 50 pounds; must operate vehicles and equipment; and is required to be in high places and confined spaces, and use stairs and ladders. He or she may be exposed to fumes, chemicals, toxic substances, and machinery and its moving parts, and work is performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.
(2) Typical tools, equipment, and vehicles used by the Sewer 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 (e.g., phones, computers, calculators, and the like); 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 limited 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 work weekends and/or afternoons, respond to calls in emergency situations at all hours, and be willing to provide an emergency phone contact number.
(G) Additional information.
(1) Instructions are initially very specific, but become more general as the Sewer Plant Operator-in-Training gains work experience in the class.
(2) Work varies slightly and the Sewer Plant Operator-in-Training may seldom be required to take different, new, or unusual approaches in completing work assignments; problems may require analysis based on precedent.
(3) Most or all completed work is reviewed.
(Order 13-2019, passed 6-6-2019)