WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

Location: City of Ithaca, NY
Department: Wastewater Treatment Plant
Classification: Competitive
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Administrative Unit
Salary: $47,691 - $56,69

The City of Ithaca, a top Finger Lakes Area employer, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee. This position serves the Wastewater Treatment Plant

and reports directly to the Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

Position Description: This is a trainee position involving responsibility for learning the duties and routines
in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant. The incumbent in this position undergoes
on-the-job training to become qualified as an operator of a Wastewater Treatment Plant. The incumbent
assists in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant. Does related work as required.

Employees serve a training term, the duration of which is the time period required for the employee to obtain
a Grade 3 A certificate as an "Assistant Operator" pursuant to the provisions of Part 650 of the NYS
Department of Environmental Conservation regulations; provided, however, that the maximum duration of the
training term shall be four-and-one-half (4 1/2) years. The employee is required to obtain the Grade 3A
Assistant Operator certificate within this four-and-one-half (4 1/2) year period. Once an employee in this class
has obtained the appropriate operator's certificate, and successfully completed his/her probationary period,
the employee is eligible for promotion to the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator without further
examination. Employees who obtain a Grade 2A certificate during the training term will receive up to a two-
step salary increase within the pay grade.

To view the complete job description, visit: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee job description.

Minimum Qualifications:

A. Possession of an Associate's Degree in Water/Wastewater Technology, Environmental Science,

Engineering Technology, physical sciences, chemistry, biological sciences, life sciences or a closely
related field with similar course curriculum; or

B. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and successful

completion of at least twelve (12) college credit hours of math and/or science coursework; or

C. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, which shall have
included the successful completion of at least two years of high school mathematics and at least two
years of high school science; or

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C) above

Note: College degrees must have been awarded by, and college coursework completed at, a college or
university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by
the U.S. Department of Education and/or U.S. Secretary of Education. If an applicant’s degree was awarded
by, or college coursework completed at, an educational institution outside the United States and its territories,
the applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who
provide this service can be found at
responsible for payment of the required evaluation fee.

Special Requirements: Possession of a valid driver license appropriate to the vehicles or equipment
operated. Said license must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Appointment Status and Exam Requirement: This will be a provisional appointment pending the
results of a civil service examination to be scheduled at a later date. Permanent appointment will be
dependent upon the candidate's exam score.

Residency Requirements: There are no residency requirements for this position.

Benefits: Refer to the Fringe Benefits webpage and Administrative Unit bargaining agreement.

Supplemental Information:

• Computers are available for use by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact the

• The City of Ithaca values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all

• The City of Ithaca is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the

Application Materials Required:


City of Ithaca application 
Copy of high school and college transcripts 
Copy of Driver License

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Submit required application materials to:

Attn: City of Ithaca
Human Resources Department

All applications must be submitted electronically through our online application program. We do not accept
paper applications, faxed applications, e-mailed applications or photocopies of applications.

Ithaca is Gorges! We would love to have you on our team!

Issued: February 12, 2025