Wastewater Treatment Plan Operator Trainee

Wastewater Treatment Department
Posted 02/09/2022

Job Title:  Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Department:  Wastewater Treatment, City of Toccoa

Job Summary:  This position is responsible for assisting with the operation of a wastewater treatment plant. 

Major Duties:

• Assists with wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Conducts periodic inspections of plant and equipment during shift.
• Cleans hoses, screens, filters, and tanks.
• Prepares inspection sheet, logs, and flow charts; maintains records.
• Shovels sludge in drying beds.
• Tends pumps, blowers, feed pumps, centrifuges, dry and wet chemical feeders, aerators, telescopic settings, wet well and other equipment used to decontaminate wastewater.
• Collects wastewater samples for standard tests, such as biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids and pH.
• Performs routine cleaning of equipment and work areas.
• Performs housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required By The Position: 

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes.
• Knowledge of mathematics, basic chemistry, and microbiology.
• Knowledge of state and local wastewater treatment guidelines and procedures.
• Knowledge of plant operations.
• Knowledge of safety procedures.
• Skill in reading various meters, including D.O. and pH.
• Skill in the use of basic tools such as packing tools, socket wrenches, power tools, and screwdrivers.
• Skill in the use of grounds maintenance equipment.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Supervisory Controls:  The Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The work is reviewed for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines:  Guidelines include plant regulations, federal EPA and state EPD guidelines, standard safety practices, and established procedures for wastewater treatment. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but require some interpretation in application.

Complexity:  The work consists of related wastewater treatment duties.

Scope and Effect:  The purpose of this position is to assist with the operation of the wastewater treatment facility. Successful performance ensures the safe handling and effective treatment of wastewater.

Personal Contacts:  Contacts are typically with co-workers.

Purpose of Contacts:  Contacts are typically to give or exchange information.

Physical Demands:  The work is typically performed while intermittently standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must occassionally lift light and heavy objects, climb ladders, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and be able to distinguish between shades of color.

Work Environment:  The work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, raw sewage, irritating chemicals, and occassional inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

Supervisory and Management Responsibilities:  None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• No experience requirements.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.