Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee (BC-05)

JOB Receives training and performs in a trainee capacity by assisting higher level operators in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment plant and tributary pumping plants, equipment and processes; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
This class represents the entry level class for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Series. Under the immediate supervision of higher level operators, the work involves formal and informal training to develop the required skills, knowledge and abilities necessary in the operation, maintenance and repair of a wastewater treatment plant and tributary pumping plant processes and equipment.

This class differs from that of Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in that the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee represents the entry level trainee class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Series; whereas, the Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is an unlicensed operator class responsible to assist and/or participate in the operation and maintenance of the various equipment and unit process at a wastewater treatment plant for developmental purposes to prepare for eventual operator certification. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position.

Participates in classroom and on-the-job orientation and training sessions to gain familiarity and practical experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment plant and tributary pumping plant processes and equipment; at a wastewater treatment plant or tributary pumping plant, learns to operate and maintain pumps valves, screens clarifiers, mixers, digestors, aerators, chlorinators, sludge collectors and to monitor the operation of equipment; receives training to identify and report malfunctioning equipment; performs routine plant inspections; participates in draining, cleaning and painting plant equipment; reads and records gauges and meters; takes periodic laboratory samples and performs routine sample analysis; operates a truck to haul sludge; may participate in the installation, over haul and repair of treatment plant equipment; operates more complex machinery on a training and relief basis.