Wastewater Operator Apprentice

City of Somerton

Job Description

Job Title: Wastewater Operator Apprentice

Department: Public Works

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Salary Grade: 9

Salary Range: $14.80 - $22.21

SUMMARY: Under close supervision performs basic maintenance work under the immediate direction of experienced Water-Wastewater Operators or supervisory personnel. This position is an entry level apprenticeship classification in the Water-Wastewater Operator job progression. This apprenticeship program is intended as a maximum one-year training program within the Public Works Department. Upon satisfactory completion of the program the successful candidate will be fully qualified as a Water-Wastewater Operator I once the required certification is obtained.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Under immediate supervision of experienced operations personnel learns how to maintain and operate plant equipment and processes related to water or wastewater treatment systems on an assigned shift.

· Assists with basic inspection and maintenance of equipment and components in the operation of the water or wastewater treatment facilities; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.

· Assists in the basic water or wastewater treatment plant chemical protocols and uses; including making chemical feed adjustments, how to unload, store and uses various chemicals, i.e., sulfuric acid, caustic soda, and chlorine.

· Assists with basic preventive maintenance tasks; assists in the installation, inspection and repair a variety of water or wastewater treatment plant equipment and components.

· Learn how to sample and analyze influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water and permeate to detect quality variations, interpret results, reading sheets, process test, computerized data, and information trends to identify variations in flow and water quality and make appropriate changes.

• Assists with the maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical equipment and components; performs maintenance procedures under proper supervision, and learns to read mechanical drawings, designs, schematics, and sketches.
• Assists with operating the water or wastewater plant and wastewater/stormwater collection system according to training and skill level.
• Performs basic preventive maintenance tasks; assists in the installation, inspection and repair a variety of water or wastewater equipment and components.
• Inspects treatment plant equipment, and verifies equipment is functioning within technical parameters.
• Observes variations in operating conditions, and interprets meter and gauge readings, reports operating anomalies to supervisor.
• Cleans and maintains plant work areas, tools, and equipment; collects samples as directed.
• Performs work in compliance with State and Federal environmental and water quality laws and regulations, and City policies and standards.
• Follows all safety rules and regulations and checks that the work zone and all equipment are in safe operating condition; notifies supervisor of maintenance and repair issues; reports unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, security issues and illegal activities.
• Operates the wastewater systems as assigned; performs preventive maintenance; assists in the installation, inspection and repair a variety of wastewater systems equipment and components.
• Repairs infrastructure, repairs line and pipe breaks; and locates lines and components.
• Uses hand and power tools, gauges, measuring and testing instruments, and specialized tools and equipment according to training and skill level.
• Maintains and operates vehicles and equipment according to City standards. Operates heavy equipment based on job assignment, backhoe, water truck, dump truck and trailer, and jet vacuum truck.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Somerton and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

· High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

· One (1) year of plumbing repair, electrical, mechanical, or similar experience OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation, repair, and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plant.
• State and Federal laws and regulations governing water and wastewater plant operations.
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, American Water Works Association, Environmental Protection Agency, Somerton City Code, Occupational Safety and Health Administration laws, rules, and requirements governing the management of water and wastewater systems.
• Safe work practices, occupational hazards, and safety precautions in a utility system.
• Techniques for use and storage of chemicals, including OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.

Skill In:

• Following standardized methods and procedures, and verbal and written instructions.
• Performing basic water and wastewater systems maintenance activities.
• Identifying unsafe conditions and mechanical problems.
• Reading and understanding manufacturer’s manuals and equipment specifications.
• Operating heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Using and maintaining tools and equipment to perform maintenance and repair work.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to equipment.
• Following safe work practices.
• Inspecting and monitoring machinery and equipment to verify compliance with prescribed operating conditions and safety standards.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

· Arizona State Driver’s License is required.

· Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Grade 1 certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is required within one year of appointment.

· Arizona State Commercial Driver’s License may be required within six months of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

· Work is performed at City wastewater facilities and infrastructure.

· Required to perform moderate physical work and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

· May be exposed to safety hazards, hazardous chemicals, infectious disease, and dangerous tools and equipment.

· Physical dexterity is required to work in confined spaces and use precision tools and equipment.

· Requires vision capacity to perform fine calibrations and take readings.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $22