Wastewater Operator Trainee

Description

--- The hourly rate advertised represents Step 1 on the pay table. Additional steps may be available depending on qualifications. --- This position is eligible for advancement under the City's Automatic Promotion Policy. Under general supervision, performs daily work assignments for the Wastewater Reclamation Division of the Utilities Department, in accordance with the Employee Manual, Department Policies and Procedures, City of Alamogordo Ordinances, and any applicable State or Federal authority.

Recruitment Qualifications

Required at the time of hire:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent;
• Experience working in a construction and/or maintenance environment;
• Valid New Mexico Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to the City of Alamogordo (valid out-of-state license may be considered);
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required within six (6) months of hire date:

• New Mexico Class A Commercial Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to the City of Alamogordo.

Required within eighteen (18) months of hire date:

• Wastewater Systems Level 1 (WW1) certification* issued by the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission.

Desired:

• Experience with wastewater reclamation operations.

* Minimum qualifications for wastewater systems and wastewater lab tech certifications are determined by the NMED Utility Operator Certification Program. Testing eligibility and renewal requirements are subject to change pursuant to the Program.

Essential Duties

• Interprets all charts, trends, graphs and test results;
• Monitors, operates, and adjusts controls at a wastewater treatment plant, pumping plants, monitoring  wells, lift stations, and reservoir facilities;
• Monitors, interprets, and adjusts computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controls;
• Initiates timely reports or notices if unusual or emergency situations occur;
• Conducts operational inspections of wastewater equipment and facilities to locate and report needed repairs and maintenance;
• Regulates pressures and flow rates in accordance with demand, storage, and reclaimed water production;
• Reads, records, interprets, and acts on information taken from computers, gauges, dials, and other instruments.
• Controls the application of hazardous materials and chemicals associated with wastewater treatment  processes;
• Secures and transports hazardous chemicals to various facility locations and assists with the transport function by off-loading and loading hazardous chemicals for transport;
• Assists in the collection of various wastewater samples for laboratory analysis and performs simple water quality analysis tests;
• Inspects wastewater equipment and facilities to locate and report needed repairs and maintenance;
• Receives supplies delivered and ensures that they are properly stored; reports need for materials to Foreman or designee;
• Performs general wastewater facility upkeep such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning, sanding, and painting; performs general grounds keeping and housekeeping as required;
• Performs preventative maintenance; oils, greases, cleans, and otherwise service wastewater equipment; uses hand and power tools to remove, install, and make minor repairs, modifications, or additions to wastewater facilities;
• Participates in wastewater process controls, monitors equipment, and contributes to and maintains daily logs;
• Reports and/or corrects unsafe working conditions;
• May participate in guiding tours and explaining operations to visiting groups; 
• Responds to service complaints; informs the customer of necessary actions;
• Drives a City vehicle in the performance of duties;
• Contributes to a high-quality work culture through participation in training and mentoring to develop skills, including safety related training and skills;
• Interacts professionally and provides excellent customer service to all levels of City staff and citizens, to ensure high operational and service standards; and
• Performs duties in accordance with the Employee Manual, Department Policies and Procedures, City of Alamogordo Ordinances, and any applicable State or Federal authority.

OTHER IMPORTANT DUTIES

• Must obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications;
• Required to perform on-call rotation duties outside of normal work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays;
• Maintains the confidentiality of information obtained during performance of duties; and
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:  

• Principles of customer relations;
• Safe operation of vehicles and equipment; and
• Basic mathematical principles.

Skill/Ability to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; understand and follow instructions;
• Perform tasks and other daily activities in a positive and professional manner alongside employees of varied backgrounds and personalities;
• Attend work, as scheduled and on a regular basis, to effectively perform the position’s essential duties and responsibilities;
• Exercise common sense and good judgment in the performance of essential duties;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Maintain pertinent records and compile data into written reports;
• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment process equipment;
• Perform heavy manual labor;
• Perform routine to difficult maintenance, repairs, and installations to wastewater and reclaimed water production equipment such as pumps, valves, and electronic monitoring devices;
• Maintain professionalism under pressure; 
• Respond quickly and positively to customer complaints; and
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.

Skill and Ability to Learn:

• Job related O.S.H.A requirements;
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices and procedures; and
• City of Alamogordo Ordinances, City-wide and Departmental Policies and Procedures, and any other applicable laws regulated by an outside authority.

Work Environment

• Work is typically performed in the outdoors and may be subject to inclement weather conditions;
• Daily physical labor that includes extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, reaching, climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects, swinging heavy hammers;
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as painting, digging, driving;
• Lift and/or move items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; the lifting of any object greater than fifty (50) pounds by a single individual is prohibited. Lifting objects, materials, or equipment weighing more than fifty (50) pounds require the buddy system or the use of devices designed to assist with lifting or moving. Proper lifting techniques shall be used when lifting items of any weight;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud;
• May be exposed to hazardous traffic conditions as well as hazardous chemicals, contaminants, and pathogens; and
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for job assignments including protective footwear marked by the manufacturer, with a minimum standard of M/F I/75/C75, 6" ankle height work boots, per ASTM F2413-11.