Utility Operator Trainee

Description

Under general direction, Utility Operator Trainee performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP and/or WWTP) facilities and systems. This is an entry level class, assigned to work under supervision on a training. General work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion.

Examples of Duties

• Assists in the operation of WTP and/or WWTP equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, and blowers.
• Collects sewage and sludge samples.
• Assists in performing daily and weekly laboratory tests and analysis.
• Oils, greases, and cleans equipment as directed.
• Performs heavy manual labor and ground maintenance work.
• Paints equipment and machinery.
• Works various shifts.
• Refurbishes equipment and structures.
• Learning to properly use and read meters and gauges.
• Participates in educational and other related courses and on the job training as required.
• Performs buildings and grounds maintenance, which may involve weed control, gardening, and janitorial services.
• Operates city vehicles and equipment to perform job.
• Drives and operates heavy trucks and specialized vehicular equipment.
• Assists in reading monthly water meters.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Serves on various employee or other committees as assigned.
• Monitors performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment of the treatment plant.
• Pager duty (off hours callout, weekend rounds) maybe required based on meeting position requirements.

• Learn the operations of various equipment.
• Perform minor repairs on pumps, valves and other equipment.
• Perform heavy manual labor and ground maintenance work.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Safe work practices.
• Perform routine mathematical calculations.
• Follow oral and written directions.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Graduation from high school education or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience in a maintenance of buildings and equipment, or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• The incumbent of this position is required to participate in the State Water Quality recognized courses and on-the-job training related to water and/or wastewater treatment in order to obtain the knowledge necessary to qualify for and obtain the following certifications within twelve (12) months from time of appointment:
  • Water Distribution Operator Grade I (D1) and/or
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator- In-Training

Supplemental Information

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk; talk and hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop or kneel. The employee is occasionally required to crouch or crawl; and smell.

Work hours are based on seasonal conditions. Flexible work hours or shifts are possible (5 day work week) with weekend hours. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.