Plant Operator Trainee

About the role

The incumbent will perform a variety of basic tasks relevant to the day-to-day operation of the wastewater treatment plant facilities, processes and equipment, including process and equipment rounds, recording operations data and information, making observations and reporting on variations in operating conditions, maintaining logs and other required reports and forms, and providing input for corrective actions and implementing corrective actions as directed.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

• Works a scheduled shift and may be required to perform emergency call-in or shift coverage as operational needs demand.
• Under the direct supervision of Shift Supervisor or Lead person, performs tasks such as:
• Recording and reading meters for pumps, gauges, motors, etc.
• Recording tank levels, sludge blanket levels.
• Operating equipment pertinent to assigned workstation (GBT, BFP, overhead lifting jib crane, pumps).
• Opening, closing, and adjusting valves for tanks & pumps.
• Observing process areas (pumps, motors, valves, sewage color, odor, flow), recording findings.
• Collecting samples for laboratory analysis.
• Receiving chemicals in bulk, drum, and tote form.
• Adjusting / bleeding pumps as directed.
• Maintaining a workstation and surrounding area safe and clear of debris.
• Inspecting equipment for proper functionality and referring to maintenance for necessary repairs.
• Maintaining a logbook for the station they are operating.
• Creating work requests for equipment found to be malfunctioning or broken.
• Making adjustments to equipment to optimize operation (GBT & Dewatering).
• Troubleshooting operational issues and getting approval of operations supervisor before executing.

Work Environment

Work is performed both inside and outside with exposure to all kinds of weather conditions. Incumbents may be occasionally exposed to some noise, silica, dust, fumes, smoke, gasses, greases, oils, electrical energy, solvents and vibration. Incumbents may work on slippery/uneven surfaces, around machinery with moving parts, moving objects/vehicles, ladder/scaffolding, below ground and may be exposed to water or other liquid materials. Maintain a high level of focus on health, safety and environment, ensuring safety within all activities.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience/Background: High School diploma or GED, associate degree (or equivalent experience) in Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology/Laboratory or related fields preferred.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Requires good reading, math, writing, and verbal communication skills. Ability to read and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles, and other equipment. Ability to understand and execute written and oral instructions, read/understand technical instructions. Ability to interpret data and information from technical service manuals and drawings. Knowledge of Windows, Google Workspace, MS Office Suite, and other computer-based systems. Knowledge of basic laboratory sampling, testing and documentation. Ability to adjust chemical feeds and processing equipment as directed to maintain compliance. Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment equipment and processes. Must have the ability to maintain effective working relations with management, supervisors, and staff. Must be able to work as a team in a teamwork-oriented environment. Must be safety conscious and able to work independently with little or no supervision. Must have a general understanding of how the treatment plant works and the SPDES limits associated to the station being operated.
• Required Certification/Licenses/Training: Valid NYS Driver's license and the ability to meet risk management guidelines. Possesses valid NY State Class 1A Wastewater Treatment License is preferred, OR Ability to attend classes required for obtaining valid NY State Wastewater Treatment license and obtain license within 24 months.

Additional Information

Pay Rate: $22.91 per hour. Benefits: Our employees are covered by comprehensive benefits packages including paid time off policies; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans, savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering and more. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.