Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Water Department
Posted 10/24/2022

Job Title:  Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee WTP/4

Department:  Water Treatment Plant, City of Toccoa

Job Summary:  This position is responsible for testing, treating, and purifying water for public and industrial use. 

Major Duties:

• Controls treatment plant chemicals, machines, and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and industrial use under the supervision of a Water Treatment Plant Operator.
• Collects representative water samples from the plant and distribution system under the supervision of a Water Treatment Plant Operator; performs chemical, physical, and bacteriological tests to assure water quality; submits samples for testing as required by state agencies.
• Determines and adds specified amounts of chemicals such as chlorine to disinfect, deodorize, and clarify water under the supervision of a Water Treatment Plant Operator. 
• Performs and records the results of various laboratory tests to assess water quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, such as pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, coagulation, temperature, and other related tests.
• Cleans filter beds using backwashing techniques.
• Maintains the efficiency of plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and record-keeping procedures.
• Maintains plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compiles reports as required by regulatory agencies.
• Monitors charts, dials, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters, and gauges in the laboratory to determine status of various functions of the plant; performs equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.
• Reads, calculates, and records water usage; changes charts on a daily basis.
• Performs minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.
• Answers the telephone, opens the gate for visitors, and receives outside samples.
• Reads and records chemical usage; fills chemical feeders; mixes chemicals; changes reagents under supervision of a Water Treatment Plant Operator.
• Checks motors and pumps for excessive noise and temperatures; reports problems to appropriate personnel.
• Ensures plant is safe and secure.
• Performs grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required By The Position:

• Knowledge of water system operations.
• Knowledge of the handling and application of the chemicals necessary to maintain a safe water supply.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, equipment, and materials.
• Knowledge of water treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures.
• Skill in basic chemistry, mathematics, and biology.
• Skill in performing standard laboratory-related mathematical calculations.
• Skill in operating laboratory equipment.
• Skill in the use of water analysis equipment, meters, and gauges.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Supervisory Controls:  The Water Treatment Plant Superintendent assigns work in terms of general instructions.  A certified Water Treatment Plant Operator reviews all completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines:  Guidelines include supervisory instructions, state and federal regulations, drinking water guidelines, plant operations policies, city and department policies and procedures, and standard laboratory practices.  These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but require some interpretation in application.

Complexity:  The work consists of related duties in water analysis and treatment.  Mechanical failures and changes in water quality contribute to the complexity of the work.

Scope and Effect:  The purpose of this position is to test, treat, and purify water for public and industrial consumption.  Successful performance helps ensure a safe water supply. 

Personal Contacts:  Contacts are typically with co-workers, state agency personnel, city employees, and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts:  Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands:  The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table,  standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping.  The employee lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.

Work Environment:  The work is performed in an office, laboratory, chemical storeroom, and outdoors.  The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, infectious or contagious diseases, irritating or hazardous chemicals, and occasional inclement weather.  The work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles or gloves.

Supervisory and Management Responsibilities:  None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution as appropriate.