Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprentice - Jefferson County, Alabama

03/28/2025 Grade 15 Full time Individuals selected for the WRF Operator Apprenticeship program will be temporarily appointed into these positions and will work at a Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), which is a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The program will last for up to twenty-four (24) months. The apprenticeship program will include, but not be limited to, a minimum of 60 hours of classroom instruction generally described below, but subject to change based on the requirements of Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Grade II, III, and IV exams, Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) Need-to-Know Criteria, and other necessary knowledge identified by the Director or Deputy Director of the department:

Math for WRF Operators

Lab Sampling and Analysis

Fundamentals and Maintenance of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment

WRF Treatment Processes

Safety Procedures in the WRF Environment

Classroom attendance will be mandatory. The Apprentice will spend up to 50% of their time in the classroom and self-study, with the balance of their time spent performing related duties of a WRF Operator and under the guidance and mentorship of existing certified personnel. Progression to the next WRF Operator Apprenticeship level will require passing the Apprenticeship program’s comprehensive exams to include knowledge-based tests, a satisfactory or better rating on performance evaluations, and successfully passing the required level of the ADEM examination. Participants will receive a minimum of 2 attempts to pass the State of Alabama Certification Exam to be allowed to continue in the program. The cost of the exams is the responsibility of the County. Apprentices continued employment shall be subject to all other applicable County and departmental policies and procedures, and Merit System Rules and Regulations Merit System Rules and Regulations. $38,126 - $59,155

• Conducts preventative maintenance techniques on WWTP operating equipment to ensure proper and safe plant operations.
• Maintains plant equipment by replacing, rotating and cleaning clarifiers, presses, belts, pits, pumps, basins, UV module, sand filter system, etc.
• Collects samples, conducts field and lab tests, performs laboratory tests, records calculations and test results and transposes results into monthly operating reports for submission.
• Performs detailed inspections of the wastewater flow and the operating equipment and make necessary adjustments to ensure proper functioning.
• Regulates plant processes depending on various settings, flow movement and other variables.
• Gathers information from plant equipment and gauges, records readings and reports any malfunctions.
• Maintains plant grounds by cleaning floors, walkways, buildings, removing trash and debris and performing repairs as necessary.

• The ability to orally communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Skill in working through differences in goals or interests with an individual/group.
• The ability to analyze a problem from different perspectives and generate potential solutions that are practical and effective.
• The ability to maintain awareness of safety procedures and practices in a variety of novel and everyday work tasks/situations.
• The ability to maintain physical stamina over long periods of physically demanding work.
• The ability to maintain mental stamina and focus over long period of work and/or during times of high stress.
• The ability to pay close attention to detail in order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of work.
• The ability to create an environment that welcomes, values, and includes perspectives from different backgrounds and/or cultures.
• The ability to work collaboratively with a group or team in an effort to achieve a common goal.
• The ability to manage your time in order to accomplish objectives within given timeframes.
• The ability to work in an environment that requires strict adherence to instructions, standards, and/or procedures.
• The ability to manage and allocate one's time in order to handle multiple tasks and/or meet pressing deadlines.
• The ability to teach or train individuals with regard to new information, procedures, processes, and/or equipment.
• The ability to determine safe operation of equipment based on given constraints or conditions.
• The ability to determine the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• The ability to stoop, crouch or crawl.
• The ability to climb (e.g., ladders, steps).
• The ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• The ability to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds.
• The ability to perform general labor activities (e.g., digging holes, unloading, and moving materials, cleaning).
• Ability to monitor gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
• The ability to use standard formulas, rules, and equipment to compute various measurements of objects (e.g., length, width, volume, circumference).

• Technical Knowledge
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Professionalism/Policies and Procedures
• Mathematical/Statistical Skills
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication
• Computer Operations
• Researching and Referencing
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Vehicle Operation/Driving
• Safety Awareness
• Physical Abilities
• Teamwork

• Must possess and provide proof of a valid (not expired) Driver's License. *Should you receive an offer of employment for this position, you will be required to provide proof of a valid (not expired, revoked, or suspended) Driver’s License during the time of the offer. Your offer may be rescinded if you do not provide a valid Driver’s License during the time of employment offer.
• Must possess and provide proof of a valid High School Diploma or GED (as required by Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) for all levels of Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Operator certification exams). *Should you receive an offer of employment for this position, you will be required to provide proof of a valid High School Diploma or GED during the time of employment offer or before your first day of employment if graduation is pending. Your offer may be rescinded if you do not provide or obtain your high school diploma or GED before your first day of employment.
• Must be capable of stooping, crouching, or crawling, climbing (e.g., ladders, steps), lifting objects weighing more than 50 pounds, performing general labor activities (e.g., digging holes, unloading, and moving materials, cleaning, etc.).

• Must be willing to work in various WRF/Wastewater Treatment Plant work conditions. Examples of conditions include sewage, toxic gas (e.g., methane), heat, cold, ice, rain, grass, heights (up to 40 ft), enclosed or confined spaces, heavy (no more than 50 lbs.) and light lifting; around insects, vermin, bodies of water, and walking long distances.
• Must be willing to be exposed to loud noises.
• Must be willing to work differential shifts, weekends, holidays, and be on-call.

• All applicants must attend a mandatory Realistic Job Preview (RJP) session at a Water Reclamation Facility. This session will occur at a future date and time to be determined and will include a Realistic Job Preview (RJP) at a WRF to learn more about the job that includes an educational presentation, a walking tour, and a written test.

• The WRF Operator Apprentice job is a temporary appointment designed for individuals to become a regular, classified employee (i.e., no longer temporary) upon obtaining the Water Reclamation (Wastewater) Grade IV Operator Certification. The temporary appointment of any individual shall not confer on the appointee any rights of status, appeal or related rights set forth under the Personnel Board of Jefferson County Rules and Regulations.

• If an individual is eligible and is a current Merit System employee, s/he must be a regular Merit System employee (i.e., not in probationary status) in good standing.

Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of lifting, carrying, climbing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs. Work is split between classroom time and various water reclamation facilities throughout the County. Traditional classroom work includes lecture, demonstration, discussion, and practice testing. Work in the water reclamation facilities involves the use of various hand and power tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, drills, grinders, saws etc. Job may require exposure to biological and/or chemical hazards, including raw sewage. Job may also require exposure to airborne contaminants (e.g., dust, odors, smoke, toxic fumes).