Plant Operations Apprentice

SUMMARY

The Plant Operations Apprentice reports to the Vice President of Wastewater. This position is expected to assist in all aspects of the operation as assigned by the Vice President of Wastewater. This position is primarily responsible for monitoring and supporting the continual upkeep of the facility and being the persistent resource for special projects as set forth by Wastewater Administration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform routine inspections to assure that floors, stairways, handrails, and work areas are kept neat and esthetically sound.
• Monitor and participate in special assignments targeted for the refurbishing of various WW facilities that would include sweeping, power washing, wire brushing, painting, etc.
• Assist Operating staff members both at the plant and within the collection system on the minor routine maintenance on valves, gates, pumps, odor control systems, disinfection systems, constant and variable speed pumps and other associated equipment as required or as directed.
• Assist Operating staff members on the collection of samples of wastewater or sludge for laboratory analysis and record sludge levels in various tanks.
• Assist all other operations or maintenance personnel as directed.
• Assist Operating staff members on the furnace cleanout duties.
• Assist Operating staff members on the removal of heavy ash clinkers out of incinerator through access doors.

• The Apprentice is afforded the opportunity and is expected to learn other shift job responsibilities. This is accomplished by supervised "on the job training" as time permits. Apprentice is encouraged to attend wastewater, maintenance, laboratory and other professional development classes held by local Community Colleges and other professional organizations in order to prepare for advancement and the attainment of wastewater licenses.
• Assist the Vice President in continual upgrading of the NBP program included but not limited to the development and perfection of SOP’s.
• Assist Vice President in the tracking of operational proficiencies.
• Assist Vice President, Director of Operations and Assistant Director in any research projects related to the operation of the facility, improvements in environmental quality, new markets, regulatory compliance, etc.
• Perform work safely at all times by observing all safety rules and regulations and by utilizing all available safety equipment.
• Comply with all provisions and requirements of the lockout/tag-out safety program prior to working on any potential energized device.

• This is a safety sensitive position. A safety sensitive position is a job which includes work duties in which an employee’s performance of the job impacts the safety of themselves or others. The term includes jobs where performing a task poorly or failure to perform it all could result in a safety incident. A person in a safety sensitive position must have the ability to perform a given set of tasks effectively without exception, on an ongoing basis.
• As needed and/or directed, assist the ACUA with its environmental mission and commitment to excellent customer service, to include but not limited to: serve in an advocacy role, help with site tours, attend events and activities that the Authority participates in or sponsors.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical activities described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Essential functions are those functions that the employee who holds the position or the candidate that desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. When possible, reasonable accommodations may be made for persons who are disabled under the law. Reasonable accommodations are those accommodations which, as defined under applicable State and Federal law, enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of their job title and to meet the Employer’s expectations for the job title. While performing the functions of this job the employee:

Must be able to qualify for respirator use. Constantly operates all equipment and/or machinery associated with this job. Constantly operates computer devices and/or business productivity machinery. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least 50% of the time. Frequently moves and positions self for extended periods to work in tight, close, high and low workspaces. Frequently operates hand, power, and other mechanical or maintenance tools and equipment. Frequently ascends/descends ladders. Frequently moves about to inspect the grounds, buildings, property and/or equipment. Occasionally moves and transports supplies, materials, equipment and/or mechanical components up to 49lbs. Must be able to operate test instruments and tools requiring manual dexterity and good visual acuity. Must be able to be exposed to or work under the following conditions: near moving parts and large machinery, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, work in areas with excessive vibration, load noises and risk of electrical shock. Must have close, distance, color, peripheral and depth vision. Constantly works safely at all times by observing all safety rules and regulations while utilizing all available safety equipment. Constantly works in all outdoor weather conditions.

ACUA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We take affirmative action to hire, recruit and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability