Seasonal Water Treatment Plant Intern

Under general supervision, this position assists Water Utility staff with a variety of duties related to regulatory compliance, plant process optimization, instrumentation, water quality, data collection, data analysis, and project completion.

Scope of Responsibility:
This position is responsible for the quality and accuracy of his/her work, as well as any equipment they may use. The primary focus of this position will be to assist Water Utility Staff with a variety of on-going projects and tasks that affect day-to-today operations at the Water Treatment Facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Water Operator Labs, MWTP Water Quality Station Room, Environmental Lab, and other water quality instrumentation.
   1. Lab Duties
      1. Perform routine quality control checks on laboratory equipment such as meters, online water quality instruments, and other laboratory/process instruments.
      2. Perform bench and field sample analysis of water in process and from distribution system: pH, temperature, chlorine residual, ammonia residual, ozone residual, conductivity, UV254, alkalinity, hardness, and other parameters.
      3. Prepare reagents and standards.
   2. Assist Water Utility staff with calibration and maintenance of online instrumentation throughout Membrane Water Treatment Plant (MWTP) and Lime Softening Water Treatment Plant (LSWTP).
      1. Performs daily checks and services.
      2. Cleans vials, adjusts sample flow and pressure, validates data input to SCADA, replaces reagents as needed and reports issues to Water Utility staff.
          
2. Process and lab sampling
   1. Collect and preserve water samples for testing from water treatment processes, remote water system locations, and designated customer sampling sites within the water distribution system.
   2. Perform routine water quality analysis in the field and accurately record results for reporting.
   3. Gather and prepare samples for shipping to outside laboratories.
      1. Package water samples in applicable containers, add ice, etc.
      2. Secure boxes or coolers.  Print and apply address labels.
      3. Follow specific procedures to prevent compromising or contamination of samples.
          
3. Water Treatment Process Data
   1. Enter laboratory and treatment process data into spreadsheets and or Hach WIMS reporting software.
   2. Prepare spreadsheet data for migration into Hach WIMS database.
   3. Assists Water Utility staff with data preparation for regulatory reporting and requests by public or consulting engineers.
       
4. On-going projects and Pilot studies
   1. Assist Water Utility staff with tasks related to on-going construction projects.
      1. Observe and evaluate progression of construction projects. Assist Water Utility staff and consulting engineers with inspections and documentation.
   2. Assist Water Utility staff with Pilot Study tasks.
      1. Performs daily checks and services on Pilot Study equipment.
      2. Gathers and verifies accuracy of data for recording.
      3. Inputs data to spreadsheet and/or HACH WIMS database.
      4. Cleans and replaces consumables, verifies flow/feed rates and makes adjustments.
      5. Identifies any issues and reports status to Water Utility Staff.
          
5. Assist Water Utility staff with data analysis and information modeling
   1. Perform statistical analysis and modeling using MS Excel or other software tools.
   2. Model operational and financial data for specific purposes to improve water system operation.
   3. Research technical information to help with data analysis and improve conceptual understanding of water system operations.
   4. Write brief technical reports to summarize data analysis and modeling.
       
6. Lab Housekeeping / Building & Grounds
   1. Clean countertops and cabinets.
   2. Clean and put away glassware.
   3. Sweep and mop floors.
   4. May occasionally be tasked to help with mowing or other building maintenance if needed.
       
7. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Receives calls from the public;
   2. Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions.
       
8. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit to exchange detailed and/or technical information. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
       
9. Assist Water Utility staff with other duties as assigned.
    
10. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

The position requires a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.) as well as transcript of current year’s college coursework on career path related to civil engineering, environmental sciences, and or water treatment technologies. A valid driver's license is also required. 

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• General working knowledge of water/wastewater principles.
• General working knowledge of chemistry and lab safety;
• Basic knowledge of chemical hazards;
• Good analytical skills;
• General knowledge of lab instrumentation;
• Ability to communicate effectively;
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Most work is performed within a water plant or laboratory environment. Wears personal protective equipment (PPE). Daily work involves moving between water plant buildings, process spaces, and rooms to collect water samples, collect data, perform operations, perform lab analysis, or attend meetings. The job involves moving water sample container and portable computer equipment, and boxes up to 50 pounds. There is considerable attention to detail and deadlines. This position is exposed to extreme weather conditions and some unpleasant odors. Occasional driving. 

Balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, sitting, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing. Periodic driving is required.

Heavy Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. 

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Salary : $19