Performs routine designated tasks in a learning mode at the water treatment plant and facilities to develop proficiency in all operations and maintenance functions so as to be certified as an Operator within 12 months or the minimum required experience period. The Water Treatment Plant Operator in Training is expected to work towards higher levels of certification until up to a Water Treatment Plant Operator Level 4 certification is reached to ensure proper operation of the plant as regulated by the Department of Health. Shift work is required in this position which includes nights weekends and holidays.

1. Observe and then, under close supervision, monitor assigned plant operations and record data from the control system, laboratory sample analysis, meters, and gauges. Report malfunctions and unusual trends or conditions to supervisor. When sufficient ability acquired, may make minor corrections and report the action taken.
2. Collect raw water, in-process, finished water and effluent samples for in-house and outside analysis. Under close supervision, prepare samples and conduct laboratory tests, such as pH, chlorine, and turbidity, in accordance with established procedures. Maintain appropriate records.
3. As assigned, clean sludge and grit from intake chambers, basins, weirs, baffles and rotating arms, using tools such as high-pressure washers, water hoses and brushes.
4. Under close supervision initially, and then with more independence, perform routine maintenance on equipment, such as lubrication, oil changes and belt changes. Assist in routine repair work such as disassembly, repair and installation of valves, switches, process instrumentation, motors, and related equipment.
5. Perform plant and landscape maintenance duties within scope of ability and with appropriate supervision. This includes inspection, cleaning and maintenance of tanks; corrosion control of plant piping and valves; structural concrete repairs; scraping and painting; carpentry; plumbing; minor electrical repairs; mopping and waxing floors; cleaning windows and mowing and trimming lawns.
6. Perform all work in accordance with sound safety practices and using appropriate safety devices and equipment.
7. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner, provide information within scope of knowledge and refer to supervisors as appropriate.
8. Perform clerical and administrative duties as assigned.
9. May be required in emergency situations to report to work during unscheduled time.
10. May perform portions of the work of higher classified positions occasionally, within scope of abilities and as assigned.
11. May perform duties of similar complexity in any City department as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a high school graduate or possess a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and be able to obtain certification as an Operator in Training.

Licenses and other requirements: Must be able to obtain certification as a Water Treatment Plant Operator I within 12 months or the minimum required experience period. Valid Washington State driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Must have a good basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical, Pneumatic, and hydraulic theory and application and be able to learn to use manuals and other resources to apply that knowledge in water treatment operations and other diverse requirements of the job.
• Good working knowledge of math and chemistry and ability to learn the specific applications of these in the plant and laboratory.

Ability to:

• Must be able to learn to operate all major plant systems within 12 months.
• Must receive training in confined space procedures and use and containment of all hazardous chemicals used. Must receive training in the use of all safety equipment, including SCBA's (self-contained breathing apparatus), oxygen-detection meter, blower, respirator, etc.
• Must be able to learn to use basic spreadsheet and word processing computer programs to enter data and prepare correspondence. Must be able to learn to operate programmable logic controllers (PLC's) to monitor and maintain operations.
• Ability to monitor phones and radios while doing other work throughout shift.
• Ability to wear all required safety and protective gear and equipment.
• Ability to learn to read equipment instruction and maintenance manuals, drawings, schematics, and blueprints.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to learn to perform a variety of clerical functions, including typing correspondence, making legible and orderly entries in logs and work order reports, and maintaining files.
• Ability to attend to detail and keep a sustained surveillance of equipment and plant.
• Desirable to have comparable experience in a work environment requiring the ability to make rapid and sound decisions in the event of extraordinary situations.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY: Work is performed under close and immediate supervision of a higher classified employee.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Depending on the task being performed, the environment may be a wet, muddy, dark, cold, confined space up to 45 feet below ground, requiring protective gear and special training in basic confined space procedures; a 115,000-volt sub­station; various areas of the treatment plant and intake station, subject to hot, noisy, wet, or slippery conditions; or, in emergency situations, on the river or river front. Must handle hazardous materials, such as chlorine, concentrated acids, and bases, on a regular basis. Much of the work is performed outside in all kinds of weather conditions. Can be unusually stressful due to need to make quick decisions to avoid equipment damage or dangerous results, particularly when learning new equipment and processes.

PHYSICAL: Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditions. Heavy labor is defined, for example, as frequently exerting force sufficient to lift bags weighing up to 55 pounds from shoulder-high pallet, turn with weight above the waist and dump contents into waist-high feed bin. On occasion may perform very heavy manual labor. Very heavy labor is defined, for example, as working on a three-person team to maneuver approximately 600 pounds onto lifting devices while working in a 45-foot deep well, or on a two-person team to carry baskets weighing 200 pounds for numerous repetitions. Ability to climb up and down 40-foot ladder, or higher, in full safety gear that is bulky and weighs approximately 20 pounds and descend from ladder onto sloped surface handling fire hose. Physical stamina and agility sufficient to stand, walk, climb stairs, crawl and bend in confined spaces and engage in similar physical activities for the duration of the shift, as necessary. Capacity for sustained attention to functioning machinery and equipment. Good sensory perception to monitor plant machinery and operations visually, audibly, by smell, and by touch (for temperature and vibration) on an ongoing basis. In addition to computer and all specialized plant equipment, operate forklift and pickup truck. To the extent of ability as training progresses, use a variety of hand tools, such as drills, wrenches, shovels, etc., and power tools, such as torches, drill and bench presses, grinders, drills, and a variety of saws, including electric, chain, reciprocating, table, and jigsaw. Also, must be able to use specialized equipment, such as crack welder and electrical test equipment, may be used under close supervision only after considerable training.

OTHER: The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility; but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individual may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Following an offer of employment, and prior to starting work, individuals may be required to have a pre-employment physical examination by a physician designated by the City of Anacortes. The City will pay for the examination. Satisfactory clearance to perform essential job functions will be required for employment. As an absolute condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a drug-free workplace agreement and an agreement not to use tobacco products in any form while on the job.

The City of Anacortes is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, creed, sex (including pregnancy), age (over 40), marital status, families with children, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, sexual orientation including gender identity, or status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law. Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

Applications will be reviewed on job posting close date.