Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

*This is a temporary position.  No benefits*

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. 

JOB SUMMARY

Entry-level trainee position in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water and wastewater treatment plant facilities and systems leading to certification by the State of Florida as a Certified Operator “C” level in water or wastewater treatment plant operations. Works under the general supervision of the Chief Plant Operator, Plant Superintendent, or Director’s designee. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all-inclusive)

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. This is a generic job description that covers operations in both water and wastewater facilities and is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Participates in training under the direction of appropriate senior operators.
• Conducts frequent and periodic inspections of plants to detect malfunctions and initiates corrective actions under supervision.
• Ensures maintenance of accurate and complete records on plant operation and laboratory data.
• Executes work and maintenance schedules and ensures that building, grounds, and equipment are maintained in proper condition.
• Performs routine laboratory tests; performs sampling according to established test schedules.
• Ensures safe use of all chemicals and mechanical treatment-related supplies.
• Reads and records daily plant parameters and equipment. 
• Adjusts equipment based on guidelines set by the Chief Treatment Plant Operator.
• Performs interior and exterior plant maintenance and housekeeping chores, including grounds maintenance tasks.
• Assists, when directed, performs intensive cleaning of membrane vessel and filters cans.
• Assists with monitoring flow, pressure, water level chemical feed pump, dosage, and security system continuously for water or wastewater plants throughout the shift.
• Assists with the removal of rags and debris from the wastewater plant.
• Performs and participates in a variety of safety-related duties and activities; follows all safety standard operating procedures when performing work; maintains awareness of and reports/corrects any trip hazards, spills, or any unsafe equipment; handles, stores, and labels various chemicals. 
• Punctuality and regular attendance are essential functions of this position.
• Must be available to work during emergencies for extended periods, if required.
• Performs other duties assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must complete the University of California, Sacramento Correspondence Course, Volumes I and II for Water or Wastewater Treatment, or equivalent college-level courses within the first year of employment. Must obtain a Class “C” Water or Wastewater Treatment License with the State of Florida within three (3) years to maintain employment. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field may substitute on a year-for-year basis for one year of the required experience or education. Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license by the date of hire. The Director may relax any qualifications requirement based on operational necessity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of proper use and application of standard tools that apply to operations and 
• Knowledge of basic chemistry as it applies to treatment plant operations and functions.
• Ability to follow operational and safety regulations about plant operations. 
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical computations.
• Ability and aptitude to learn complicated laboratory procedures.
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to work, learn, and progress in a career-development job classification program.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort requiring considerable mobility in moving from one location to another in the performance of essential tasks. Involves various other intermittent physical activities that include, but may not necessarily limited to, climbing, crawling, stooping, kneeling, and bending. Tasks may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of objects and materials of moderate to heavy weight. Some tasks require manual dexterity in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Must be physically able to operate equipment and tools when needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Tasks are mostly performed inside the plant facility with regular visits to the outside environment with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, and noise extremes, machinery and moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils, and other fluids, or pathogenic substances.

The City of Cooper City, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

 he above job description reflects the general information deemed necessary to convey the primary functions of the job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements inherent to the position.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.