What are the responsibilities and job description for the WPC Operator Trainee position at City of Flint?
Entry level position for a training series leading to the position of Senior Water Pollution Control Operator. Incumbents learn how to operate the Water Pollution Control Plant processes and overall plant operation, primarily by a combination of study and on the job training. Works with Operators and others of higher grade, observing and performing, participating in operational duties, lab work, automation, and maintenance activities; Studies operational training and plant manuals. As the training progresses, direct supervision is decreased and the independence and responsibility of assignments increased. Upon satisfactory completion of the one year training period and completing the California State University coursework, Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volumes I and II, and passing a qualifying examination, the employee will be eligible for promotion to Water Pollution Control Operator. Water Pollution Control Operators then receive additional training and must pass additional examinations, after which they are to be promoted to the position of Senior Water Pollution Control Operator. Performs related work as required.
In a training situation, operates a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes, such as: pre-treatment, primary treatment, activated sludge process, phosphorus removal, nitrogen removal, sludge collection, pumping, storage, conditioning, digestion, dewatering and truck loading. Other processes include sewage and biosolids pumping, retention and treatment basin usage, chlorination, dechlorination and odor control.
In a training situation, operates and inspects the equipment associated with plant systems and treatment processes, such as: valves, sluice gates, weirs, motor operated controls, conveyors, augers, screws, temperature controls, electric controls, belt and chain drive mechanisms, diffusers, blowers, compressors, air dryers, meters, PLC’s, computers, instrumentation, variable speed drives, grinders, centrifugal pumps, hydraulic pumps, positive displacement pumps, solenoids, check valves, level measurement devices, sampling devices, heating and cooling devices, bar screens, chlorinators, and sulfonators.
Uses plant supervisory control acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and make operational control changes to automated plant processes. May use personal computers and other computer related equipment in performing daily duties.
Collects sewage samples for chemical analyses and may perform routine tests such as chlorine residuals, dissolved oxygen readings, and total solids content of various biosolids in the process.
Maintains a variety of logs and records using both paper and computers.
Performs a variety of mathematical calculations such as flow, volume, area, and velocity.
Performs cleaning, building maintenance, lawn maintenance and other manual labor such as shoveling, scooping, sweeping, mopping, painting, and etc.
Observes plant equipment during operations and reports malfunctions, as necessary, to appropriate personnel. Assists in generating Work Orders for Maintenance using a computer. Performs minor mechanical tasks as required, such as those requiring simple or routine adjustments or replacements.
High school diploma, or equivalent.
Ability to read, interpret, understand, and thoroughly learn the field of wastewater treatment plant operation from training materials, on the job operation, and plant manuals, blueprints, diagrams, sketches and drawings.
Ability to understand and willingness to carry out oral and written instructions.
Sufficient mechanical aptitudes to detect equipment malfunction and distinguish between operational, electrical, and mechanical problems.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations using basic algebra and geometry.
Basic understanding of personal computer operation.
Ability to perform manual labor in and out of doors, under all types of weather conditions, in the presence of odorous materials, including sewage, sludge, and scum, corrosive, toxic and dangerous chemicals, and grease.
Ability and commitment to work in a safe manner.
A physical condition that will permit standing, bending, stooping, crawling or walking for extended periods.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Michigan driver's license.
Ability to work various shifts comprising a continuous operation, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. May be assigned to any shift at any time.
Ability to obtain a Fit Test Certification with respirator on an annual basis and continuously maintain certification (facial hair must be maintained in a manner as to not interfere with the face seal).
Progression in the training series to Senior Operator level is required to remain in the program. Series is designed to last 18 months from Trainee to Operator to Senior Operator. Must make satisfactory progress in the training program continuously to remain employed in the series. Operational knowledge and training progress will be assessed periodically by WPC supervision.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to inclimate conditions, fumes or airborne particles, traffic, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and is required to stand and walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
You must meet the minimum entrance requirements and attach supporting documentation to be considered for employment. Failure to supply required documentation (i.e. Transcripts, Driver’s License, incomplete application) will result in disqualification for consideration. Employees hired by the City must maintain residency as follows: Local 1600 - within 20 miles of the nearest boundary of the City of Flint.
Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.
The job description does not constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. It is also not an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Salary : $18 - $19
