Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprentice

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness?   Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities?  Then this might be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprentice working with the Department of Utilities- Wastewater Division.  The ideal candidate will perform basic maintenance work as an apprentice in the Utilities Department training program, under the immediate direction of experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Supervisors. 

Under close supervision, this apprenticeship job classification performs basic maintenance work under the immediate direction of experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, II or III or supervisory personnel. This position is an entry level apprenticeship classification in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator job series. This apprenticeship program is intended as a maximum two year training program within the Utilities Department. Upon satisfactory completion of the program the successful candidate will be fully qualified as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Under immediate supervision of experienced operations personnel learns how to maintain and operate plant equipment and processes related to wastewater treatment systems on an assigned shift.
• Assists with basic inspection and maintenance of equipment and components in the operation of the water or wastewater treatment facilities; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.
• Assists in the basic wastewater treatment plant chemical protocols and uses; including making chemical feed adjustments, how to unload, store and uses various chemicals, i.e. sulfuric acid, caustic soda, and chlorine.
• Assists with basic preventive maintenance tasks; assists in the installation, inspection and repair a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment and components.
• Learn how to sample and analyze influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water and permeate to detect quality variations, interpret results, reading sheets, process test, computerized data and information trends to identify variations in flow and water quality and make appropriate changes.
• Learn how to observe variations in operating conditions, and how to interpret meters and gauge readings; reports operating anomalies to supervisor.  Learn how to assists technicians and mechanics to resolve operational problems.
• Cleans and maintains plant work areas, tools and equipment; collects samples as directed.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND laborer or customer service experience is preferred.  

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation of wastewater treatment plants.
• State and Federal laws and regulations governing wastewater treatment plant operations.

Wastewater

• Chemical/physical and biological processes used in wastewater treatment processes, such as coagulation, flocculation, settling, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection and activated sludge.
• Experience in mechanical and electrical trouble shooting.
• OSHA guidelines related to large treatment facilities.
• Microsoft Windows Office products.
• Laboratory practices required to properly evaluate treatment processes, such as BOD, DO, pH, jar test, CL2 residual, turbidity, COD, color, TSS, TDS, fecal coliforms and total coliforms.

Skill in:

• Using and maintaining tools and equipment to perform maintenance and repair work.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to equipment.
• Following safe work practices, and verbal and written instructions.
• Inspecting and monitoring machinery and equipment to verify compliance with prescribed operating conditions and safety standards,
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required.    Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Grade 2 certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is required within two years of appointment.

Must meet all requirements of the Utilities Department Apprenticeship Program within 24 months of appointment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed on location at City water or wastewater treatment plants with moderate physical requirements, and strength sufficient to lift and move items weighing up to fifty pounds; may be exposed to safety hazards including extreme weather conditions i.e. excessive heat and cold, dangerous gases, dangerous chemicals, biological hazards, confined spaces and dangerous tools and equipment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
This position may require working rotating shifts, rotating on-call schedule, including weekends and holidays.