Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training

General Purpose

The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training. This position performs a variety of entry level, general labor, semi-skilled and skilled duties related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment equipment to ensure efficient operation of plant components and efficient processing of influent raw sewage.

Essential Functions

Performs as a rotating shift operator-in-training, assist with treatment plant processes and operations, i.e., plant electrical and mechanical support systems; checks all equipment including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and biological to ensure proper operation; operates and maintains plant support systems to include headworks fine screens, grit removal equipment, sludge pumps, heat exchangers, gravity belt thickeners, clarifiers, aeration equipment, digesters, gas mixing equipment, chlorination and metering equipment, emergency power generation equipment, and all associated valves, pumps, motors, and control circuitries; monitors alarm systems.

Performs generally routine facilities and grounds upkeep and maintenance; cleans buildings, equipment, primary and secondary clarifiers; performs treatment plant upkeep, mowing lawns, snow removal, etc.; performs interior and exterior painting.

May operate sludge trucks to transport and distribute processed sludge on agricultural property; operates tractors, dump trucks, etc. as needed.

Assists in operation and maintenance of all chlorination and dechlorination equipment with use of self-contained breathing apparatus during chlorine tank changing.

Assists with sample collection from various stages of the treatment process; assists with calibrating gauges, meters and measuring devices; performs some laboratory tests, such as dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual analysis; interprets laboratory test results to evaluate plant performance, uses mathematical calculations in figuring detention times, flow rates, areas, volumes, pumping rates, etc.

Performs and assists with maintenance and repair of plant equipment; as required, implements emergency repairs and procedures.

Assists in the plowing and removal of snow from public rights-of-way as may be required.

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1.Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or GED; AND B. No specific experience necessary.

2.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Some knowledge of mechanical equipment, machinery and its operation, maintenance, and repair; hazards and precautions associated with plant operations and processes.

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools related to the maintenance of plant facilities and equipment; ability to develop working relationships with supervisors and co-workers.

Ability to wear aself-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment while working with the Chlorine system.

3.Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid Idaho State Driver's License.

• Must obtain a minimum Class B Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement within twelve (12) months of hire.

• Must obtain an Idaho Wastewater Treatment Operator-in-Training (OIT) license within twelve (12) months of hire or possess equivalent from another state.

• Must complete 0.6 Continuing Education Units in Wastewater annually.

• Residency Requirement: Shall be expected, within six months of hire, to establish residence within a 45-minute notification to respond zone from the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Must be able to work midnight shifts on a rotating basis.

Work Environment

Incumbent of the position experience daily exposure to hazardous conditions such as working on high ladders and in manholes; daily potential for hazardous exposure to methane, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine gases, sodium bisulfate, acids and other chemicals; daily potential for hazardous exposure to oxygen deficient atmosphere; daily exposure to seasonal changes and weather extremes; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock, industrial wastes and raw sewage (containing pathogens such as typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery, polio, tetanus, etc.); daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as pumps, motors, heavy equipment, etc.; daily exposure to stressful environmental conditions such as dust, fumes, dampness, cold, heat and noise.