Jurisdiction: City of Cortland

Jurisdictional Class: Competitive

Adopted: 11/22/71

Revised: 7/11/91, 1/13/92, 3/31/09

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves responsibility for learning the duties and routines in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant utilizing an activated sludge process.  This is a trainee position in the competitive class for which the incumbent will serve a one-year traineeship, during which time the incumbent undergoes on-the-job training to become qualified as an operator of a wastewater treatment plant.  The work is performed under the direct supervision of a qualified operator.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Learns and assists in the operation of wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery including belt presses, chlorinators, and sludge and effluent pumps;

Learns and assists in performing permit sampling on influent and effluent, records results and informs supervisor of adverse results;

Learns and assists in inspecting plant equipment and machinery on a daily basis and performs basic maintenance and repairs;

Learns and assists in performing a variety of basic laboratory tests and other analyses including testing for chlorine levels, respiration rates and pH testing;

Learns and assists in performing basic repairs to plant equipment and machinery and performs scheduled and preventative maintenance on equipment and machinery;

Learns and assists in monitoring meters and gauges and records readings;

Learns and assists in keeping a log of plant operations and related records.

Learns and assists in maintaining inventory of equipment and machinery parts, bulk chemicals and other plant supplies and orders parts, chemicals and supplies as necessary;

Learns and assists in monitoring sludge deliveries from other municipalities and treats and disposes of sludge;

Performs custodial duties in connection with the cleaning and maintenance of plant building and grounds.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Familiarity with elementary principles of chemistry and general science;

Good general intelligence;

Mechanical aptitude;

Ability to learn principles and procedures relating to operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant;

Ability to develop skill in the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves and related mechanical equipment;

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Possession of appropriate valid NYS driver’s license at time of appointment.