Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Summary

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location , consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Trainee in our Utilities Department/Wastewater Treatment Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under close supervision, participates in a program for training in the operation of a major wastewater treatment facility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the trainee level class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level generally have some prior experience in mechanical repair and maintenance and are expected to progressively accumulate working knowledge of the principles and practices utilized in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a major wastewater treatment facility. As a condition of employment, incumbents must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator In Training Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within 60 days of employment. As a further condition of employment, incumbents must obtain a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within two years of employment, at which time the employee will be eligible to progress to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I classification.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Inspects, cleans, repairs, lubricates, and adjusts large pumps and motors.

Operates pumps, valves, electric motors, and filters.

Takes and records readings of meters, gauges, and temperatures; participates in processes to regulate flow of water and sewage; changes and properly aligns flow-meter charts.

Performs chemical tests of wastewater.

Washes and cleans bar screens, clarifiers, and tanks.

Cleans, paints, and maintains plant equipment, metering stations, buildings, and grounds.

Operates a light truck in and out of plant.

Operates tractor, forklift or other vehicles/carts inside the plant grounds as required.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Materials, tools, and methods used in the general repair and maintenance of equipment and machinery and in the operation of large pumps.
Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
Principles and practices of customer service.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Principles and practices of record keeping.

Ability to:
Perform heavy manual labor.
Perform mechanical repairs.
Operate assigned equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
Learn the operations, services, and activities of a wastewater treatment program.
Learn departmental policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and unit functions.
Learn, apply, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Learn the principles, practices, and materials related to the maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
Learn the operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.
Learn methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related monitoring systems.
Learn to utilize the tools and equipment used in the maintenance of wastewater treatment plant facilities.
Learn to collect a variety of samples and conduct appropriate routine tests in accordance with state and federal regulations and requirements.
Learn basic principles of microbiology.
Learn hydraulic principles.
Learn to perform mathematical calculations used in wastewater treatment operations.
Learn operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment plant operations.
Learn basic electrical principles.
Learn principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.
Follow detailed oral and written instructions.
Compile and record data; maintain accurate and detailed logs and records.
Complete emergency response training and perform in emergency situations.
Respond to emergency situations outside of normal working hours.
Operate office equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
Work cooperatively with others and contribute to a successful team effort.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. College level course work or trade school training in mechanical repair, wastewater treatment technology, or a related field is highly desirable.

Experience:
Two years (full-time equivalent) of experience in mechanical maintenance work preferably including the operation of pumps and electric motors.

License or Certificate:
Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator In Training Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within 60 days of employment.
Ability to obtain a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within two years of employment, at which time employee will be eligible to progress to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I.
Proof of passing the Grade I Wastewater Operator certification test issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is highly desirable.
Possession of a valid Class C driver's license.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Maintenance & Operations Benefit Summary.

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• City of Escondido

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