Plant Operator Trainee

The purpose of this classification is to perform skilled technical work to operate, control and maintain equipment at a water treatment plant to maintain compliance with applicable local, state, and federal environmental rules and regulations for the Consolidated Government's water utility. This is an entry-level position. Incumbents in this classification are under close supervision and learn how to monitor and analyze operating and processing conditions. Reports to Assistant Treatment Plant Manager or other designated persons. Works with co-workers and the public to provide operational support.

Key Responsibilities and Performance Standards

Operates an assigned water treatment plant for the Consolidate Government. Monitors plant operations and processes, checks system components, identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments. Ensures continuous and effective operation and maintains compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations, standards and guidelines. Monitors and inspects plant operation and equipment to ensure treatment process optimization. Documents all activities.

Monitors chemical feeds, distribution, flow rates, and related treatment processes. Maintains appropriate chemical levels. Adjusts system controls, adds, adjusts and replaces chemicals in the plant's systems and components; and maintains related documentation. Adjusts treatment processes and chemical delivery to ensure water quality exceeds Federal and State standards. Verifies optimum treatment process by performing chemical feed calibrations and laboratory test.

Reads meters, gauges and dials. Records readings, chemical levels, water properties and statistical data. Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports to include flowcharts, production reports, and operation logs. Performs minor repairs and helps maintain machines, equipment, pumps, electrical equipment, and upkeep of facilities including grass cutting, hedging, cleaning, and manually transporting of chemicals.

Collects and tests water samples. Performs all necessary qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests, control testing and analyzes test results. Maintains records of findings and sample characteristics while calibrates test equipment while determining the need for treatment process changes. Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment. Prepares to obtain State certification.

Inspects station systems, facilities and equipment. Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on station equipment, pumps, gauges, fencing, grounds, and other assigned areas. Performs routine maintenance, such as changing filters, beds and other parts as required. Lubricates and adjusts power driven pumps, checks storage, fuel tanks, cleans equipment, flushes system, makes minor electrical and/or plumbing repairs as needed. Maintains related documentation and reports any problems needing repairs to the supervisor.

Prepares or completes plant records, logs, checklists, and other documents as required by local, state, and federal rules and regulations. Records and reports process changes, equipment failures, service requests, work orders, and other details. Maintains required record keeping.

As Required Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

POSITION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES MIGHT INCLUDE:

• All work is performed under the supervision of a certified operator.
• Monitors and inspects plant operation and equipment.
• Participates in training to prepare for Georgia certification.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:

• Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.
• Human Interaction: Requires the ability to exchange information for the purpose of clarifying details within well-established policies, procedures and standards.
• Equipment: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.
• Verbal: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.
• Math: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
• Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form. Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices of action.
• Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Physical Abilities: Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).
• Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.