Operator-in-Training

DEFINITION
Under close supervision, to perform a variety of routine duties and learn more complex tasks in wastewater treatment plant and related collection and pumping system equipment operation and maintenance; and to perform other job related duties as required.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the trainee level classification in the Operator series.  Positions at this level are assigned to basic labor, repair and maintenance tasks. Employees are required to have basic mechanical knowledge, skills and aptitudes but no previous experience with the types of equipment or facilities associated with wastewater treatment.  Employees in this class normally work under the close and continuous supervision of more experienced staff performing a group of relatively repetitive or closely related duties according to established procedures.  While a variety of tasks may be assigned, each step usually fits a pattern which has been established and explained before work is started.  Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during its performance and upon completion, and changes in procedure or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise.  Operator-in-Training are normally considered to be on a training status, and as assigned responsibilities and breadth of knowledge increase with experience, may reasonably expect to be assigned more technical responsibilities involving operation, maintenance and repair of the wastewater facility.  

• Assists higher level Operators in monitoring and controlling the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, incorporating chemical feeding equipment, filtration equipment, and storage tanks.
• Assists in completing Checks  of automatic pump and valve regulating equipment and adjusts or repairs as needed.
• Assists in repairing leaks in pipelines, pumps, tanks, reservoirs and related equipment.
• Assists in performing preventive maintenance on pumps, motors and other equipment.
• Takes samples and performs basic chemical tests.
• Takes samples of influent and effluent water and may perform a variety of other chemical tests.
• Keeps neat and precise records of plant operation, chemical tests and equipment maintenance.
• Washes filters and flushes water lines.
• Keeps work area clean.
• Assists in making adjustments and repairs to pressure regulating equipment.
• Assists in Removing and replacing chlorine cylinders.
• Assists in operating, adjusting, maintaining and repairing chemical feeders.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of elementary mechanical, electrical, and hydraulics principles.
• Uses and purposes of various tools and equipment employed in basic repair and maintenance work.
• Operation and use of a variety of light, moderately heavy and heavy mechanical equipment.
• Safety precautions and practices necessary in working with hand tools and mechanical equipment.

 
Ability to:

• Pass Agency physical examination, including pre-employment assessment of safe work capacity in comparison to the essential job functions for the position.
• Learn and apply the practices, procedures, techniques, regulations and laws pertaining to wastewater treatment plant and pumping facilities operations and maintenance.
• Learn to operate and perform routine maintenance on wastewater treatment plant equipment and related facilities.
• Learn to read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges, recording charts, and mechanical and piping diagrams.
• Learn to recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
• Learn and apply safe work practices applicable to wastewater treatment plant operation.
• Perform a variety of skilled and semiskilled maintenance and repair work.
• Read and write at the level required for successful job performance.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Maintain and update manual and automated records and logs.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Perform heavy physical labor requiring strength, dexterity, and agility.
• Learn the operation of a variety of motorized equipment.
• Keep accurate records and prepare required reports.

 
Experience and Education/Training 
Any combination of experience and education/training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized course work in the maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment. Employees are required to have basic mechanical knowledge, skills and aptitudes but no previous experience with the types of equipment or facilities associated with wastewater treatment.
 
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver’s license and be insurable with the Agency’s insurance at the standard rate, and continue to meet the established driving standards as a condition of employment for this position. Continued maintenance of the valid driver’s license necessary to perform the essential duties of the job and compliance with established Agency vehicle operation standards are conditions of continuing employment.
• Persons employed in this classification are required to participate in Agency provided training to acquire basic American Red Cross First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates during the initial year of employment and to renew certificates yearly.
• Ability to obtain a valid California 40-hour Hazwoper certification during the initial 12 months of employment and continued maintenance of a valid certificate as a condition of employment for this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing & Walking - Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles): 15 minutes up to 6 hours per day.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds overhead and 70 pounds to waist level; both these requirements include bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques:  1 minute up to 45 minutes per day.
• Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more upstairs, ladder(s) and manhole rungs: 10 minutes up to 60 minutes per day.
• Pulling - The ability to safely pull, hand over hand, up to 60 pounds attached to a rope (retrieval of equipment from tanks, vaults and manholes): 1 minute up to 30 minutes per day.
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as handling emergency situations; trouble shooting Operational equipment and repairs; accurate field measuring; repair and calibration of instruments; computer keyboard; writing: 1 hour up to 8 hours per day.
• Visual - Acuity to monitor computer screens for long periods; reading pertinent literature for long periods; industry warning signs and instruments; reading O&M manuals and diagrams, computer screen: 30 minutes up to 8 hours per day.
• Job requires a good deal of the following activities: instruct, research, sitting, reaching, stooping, bending, and squatting: 15 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations: 1 minute up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to function in confined spaces and/or hazardous environment: 10 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to don and carry on back a self-contained breathing apparatus weighing up to 45 pounds for extended periods: 10 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to work various shifts as scheduled: 8 hours up to 12 hours per day.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Wastewater treatment/tertiary plant environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, computer screens, waste and infectious materials; work in or with water and on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Salary : $41 - $52