Utility Plant Operator/Trainee - Wastewater Treatment

Salary : $45,968.21 - $65,964.38 Annually
Location : Waxahachie, TX
Job Type: Full-Time/Non-Exempt
Job Number: 00331
Department: Utilities
Division:Wastewater Treatment
Opening Date: 10/02/2023
Description
Effective October 1, 2023, the pay range for the Utility Plant Operator Trainee position will be $45,968.21 - $65,964.38.
Utility Plant Operator Trainee:
Under close supervision, performs various tasks related to the maintenance and operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant; and assists with the performance of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Performs other duties as assigned.
This is the entry-level class in the Utility Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Utility Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including operating the Utility Plant only under direct supervision. Since this class is an entry-level class, employees have no directly related work experience.
Effective October 1, 2023, the pay range for the Utility Plant Operator position will be $55,874.65 - $80,180.12.
Utility Plant Operator:
Under general supervision, performs various tasks related to the maintenance and operation of a water treatment plant; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures. Performs technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Performs other duties as assigned.
This is the full journey-level class in the Utility Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Utility Plant Operator Trainee by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, including the ability to operate the plant without supervision. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Employees in this class are required to be fully trained in all procedures and policies of the assigned area of responsibility.
Duties and Responsibilities
Utility Plant Operator Trainee:
The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Assist with the performance of inspections of Wastewater Treatment plants and facilities; monitor and document plant operations; read plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation; assist with the operation and adjustment of treatment plant pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations; skim sand filters as needed; assist with FOG removal inside the plant; and receive and unload chemical deliveries.
• Collect liquid and solids samples; assist with the performance of a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; assist with the performance of process control testing including MLSS, MLVSS, Settable Solids, pH, chlorine residual, and TDS Samples.
• Assist with the ordering of equipment and supplies including chemicals; collect bacteriological samples; perform tests for determination of chemical feed rates; operate dewatering equipment and sludge operations, perform tests on raw and treated wastewater.
• Assist with plant operations as necessary including raw-wastewater flow control, clarification, sand filtration; UV Maintenance; load chemical feed machines as required.
• Prepare and submit required reports; make corrections and repairs to equipment under supervision, and resolve such problems as they arise; check all operating equipment for proper operation; perform plant cleaning and servicing functions; maintain plant grounds; assist with visitor tours as needed; collect samples; monitor computer to determine plant operations; perform various clerical tasks as necessary.
• Assist with the operation of various Wastewater Treatment equipment and machinery including vehicles, lawnmowers, screens, dewatering equipment, lab equipment, hand tools and power tools, filters, mop, buffer, spray painter, grease gun, and various office equipment.
• Assist with adjustment of chemical feed rates and document the amount of chemicals used; report treatment chemicals, material, and any equipment needs to the supervisor.
• Attend and participate in training classes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive treatment program.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic operations, services, and activities of the city.
• Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Basic principles of chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
• Basic laboratory analysis techniques.
• Functions and purposes of Wastewater Treatment systems.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical and hydraulic equipment found in Wastewater Treatment plants and lift stations.
• Properties of hazardous chemicals used in the treatment of wastewater.
• Methods and techniques of preventive maintenance related to equipment and machinery.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Operate and maintain Wastewater Treatment plant equipment.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices at treatment plants and facilities.
• Take liquid and solids samples and assist with routine laboratory tests.
• Recognize and react to treatment process changes and demands.
• Interpret and explain city policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Utility Plant Operator:
The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Perform inspections of water treatment plants and facilities; monitor and document plant operations; read plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation; operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations; backwash filters as needed; receive and unload chemical deliveries; troubleshoot treatment issues and communicate to supervisor.
• Collect liquid samples; perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; perform process control testing including, but not limited to; stability, alkalinity, fluoride, hardness, specific conductance, turbidity, and chlorine residual.
• Order equipment and supplies including chemicals; may collect total coliform samples; may flush fire hydrants as needed; perform jar tests for determination of chemical feed rates; perform taste and odor tests on raw and treated water.
• Monitor chlorine residuals around the distribution system; water levels in storage tanks; pump operations; submit monthly reports and samples.
• Start and stop plant operations and pumping equipment as necessary including raw-water plumbing, flow control, flocculation and sedimentation, filtration, finished water pumping, and mixers.
• Prepare and submit required reports; make corrections and repairs to equipment and resolve such problems as they arise; check all operating equipment for proper operation; perform plant cleaning and servicing functions; maintain plant grounds; conduct visitor tours as needed; collect samples; monitor computer to determine plant operations; perform various clerical tasks as necessary.
• Operate various water treatment equipment and machinery including vehicles, lawnmowers, lab equipment, chlorinator, hand tools and power tools, filters, trac-vacs, mop, buffer, spray painters, grease guns and various office equipment.
• Fill chemical tanks; check calibration and adjust chemical feed rates and document the amount of chemicals used; report material or equipment needs to supervisor.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive treatment program.
• Methods and techniques of water treatment plant operations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Operations, services, and activities of the city.
• Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Basic principles of chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
• Basic laboratory analysis techniques.
• Functions and purposes of water treatment systems.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical and hydraulic equipment found in water treatment plants and pump stations.
• Properties of hazardous chemicals used in the treatment of water.
• Methods and techniques of preventive maintenance related to equipment and machinery.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
• Operate and maintain the water treatment plant's equipment.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices at treatment plants and facilities.
• Take liquid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Recognize and react to treatment process changes and demands.
• Interpret and explain city policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during work.

Requirements
Utility Plant Operator Trainee
Education, Training, and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• No experience is necessary, however, preference may be given for successful completion of studies in biology, chemistry, physics, or Wastewater Treatment training classes.
• Must be able to read, write and use math skills to work with complicated formulas, equipment, chemicals, etc. under safe conditions.

Licenses and Certificates:

• A valid State driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid class "D" Wastewater License by the end of the orientation period.
• Ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid class "C" Wastewater Treatment Operator's license issued by the State of Texas within 18 months of employment.

Utility Plant Operator
Education, Training, and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by specialized training in Utility Plant operations.
• One year of Utility Plant operations and maintenance experience.

Licenses and Certificates:

• A valid State driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession and maintenance of, an appropriate, valid class "C" water operator's license issued by the TCEQ.

Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Physical Demands
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; general manual dexterity to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 50 pounds unaided. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to distinguish color changes in chemical testing.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered during work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.
Work Environment:
Water treatment plant environment; exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals; work with water; irregular work hours; waste and infectious materials; potentially hazardous equipment.
The City of Waxahachie offers a completive benefits program, including health, dental, and a defined contribution pension plan for full-time employees.
Insurance:
HEALTH
100% of premium paid for by the City for the Employee Only High Deductible Health Plan. Other health plan options are available for additional premiums. Dependent coverage is available at the expense of the employee.
DENTAL
Employee premiums are paid at 100% by the City. Dependent coverage is available at the expense of the employee.
VISION
Coverage is offered at the expense of the employee.
LIFE
The City provides each employee with a life insurance policy of $25,000. Additional coverage may be purchased at the expense of the employee.
VOYA
Em...