What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Plant Operator Trainee position at COOKEVILLETN?
| Position Title: Water Plant Operator Trainee | Pay Grade: G |
| Department: Water Quality Control | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt |
| Reports To: Water Plant Operations Superintendent | Safety Sensitive: Yes |
| Position Supervises: No | Date Approved: 10/2013 |
| On-call Required: No | Date Revised: 02/2026 |
Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and subject to change as approved by the City Manager.
HOURS:
3:00PM - 1:00AM
4 10-Hour Shifts; Must have a flexible schedule.
JOB SUMMARY:
Employees in this class are under general supervision. Work performed in the operation of a water treatment plant.
Examples of work performed: monitors chlorine residual in finished water; adjusts chlorinator for proper chlorine level; checks and services mechanical and electrical equipment; adds chemicals to and adjusts automatic chemical feeders used in disinfecting and clarifying water; performs laboratory work; maintains buildings and grounds; keeps records and writes reports; performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
General knowledge of the principles and methods of water treatment
General knowledge of Tennessee State standards for water treatment
Ability to perform routine maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment
Ability to make mathematical calculations
Ability to understand and follow spoken and written instructions
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and co-workers
Ability to distinguish differences in colors for colorimetric lab test.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school education or equivalent is required. Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical:
Essential functions include duties that include periods of sedentary work within an office as well as periods of strenuous physical labor, including navigating stairs/ladders and cleaning water basins and filters. Must be able to lift objects weighing 100lbs occasionally. Must be able to collect needed lab samples, operate laboratory equipment, conduct tests and write reports.
Environmental:
Frequently exposed to chlorine and other hazardous chemicals. Ability to work in inclement weather.
FULL-TIME BENEFITS SUMMARY:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Paid Life Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Account
- Voluntary Benefits
- Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick time – 8 hours/month
- Paid Vacation time – 8 hours/month
City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources division at (931) 520-5256.