DEFINITION

Under direct supervision of the Chief Plant Operator, performs a variety of duties involved in the operation of a wastewater treatment and recycled water plant, and, pump station equipment and facilities.

Position Summary

The Wastewater Treatment Operator Intern is a training position in the operation and treatment of wastewater. A position in this internship provides opportunities to enhance classroom learning by obtaining practical real-world experience. The internship is designed to provide students with meaningful work experience to supplement their academic curriculum and to enhance their career development. The goal of this internship is to prepare qualified applicants for a career in wastewater treatment operations. Interns will have the opportunity to receive hands-on training and shadow with staff from the Operations Department based on level of prior experience, education, and certification. Work performed is under direct supervision of an Operator with a Grade II or higher.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises no supervision over other employees.

Essential Job Functions

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The exact duties performed will depend on the needs of the SEJPA.
Practices and promotes SEJPA Mission, Vision and Values.
Assist in conducting inspections of wastewater treatment/recycled water plant and pump station equipment according to established procedures and schedules.
Read, record, and calculate readings of meters and gauges.
Assist with the inspection of pumps, motors, generators, and other equipment for proper operation.
Assist with scheduled preventive maintenance and cleaning of dry/wet wells, tanks, pumps, valves, and other equipment.
Monitor the addition of chemicals to wastewater/recycled water treatment processes.
Assist in the removal of blockages; replace worn parts; remove parts to be machined by outside vendors; reassemble equipment.
Paint equipment and buildings; sweep and wash floors, walls and paved areas; kill and remove weeds; trim plants; pick up debris; water and maintain landscaped areas.
Notify appropriate staff of electrical and instrumentation malfunctions; assist in requested repairs to motors and equipment.
Assist in the collection of process control samples.
Maintain records and logs; perform data entry, as necessary.
Observe safety precautions regarding wastewater treatment plant operations.
Operate a variety of vehicles, tools, and equipment used in the operation of the wastewater treatment/recycled water plant.

SPECIFIC TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Basic materials, methods, and practices used in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
Basic principles of record keeping.
Basic mathematical principles.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Ability to learn to operate a wide variety of equipment and tools used in wastewater/recycled water treatment plant and pump station operation in a safe and effective manner.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Perform manual labor for extended periods of time in all types of weather.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
Perform accurate mathematical calculations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Current enrollment in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited college or university with major course work in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Wastewater/Water Treatment Technology, or closely related field.

Experience Requirements

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would qualify. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be to have general knowledge of equipment and skills as stated in this position description.

License/Certification Requirements

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and insured in accordance with at least minimum coverage and liability standards established by the State of California. Failure to maintain a valid Driver’s License, liability insurance, and the ability to be insured under the SEJPA’s automobile insurance carrier constitutes possible cause for termination.
Must obtain an Operator-In-Training Certificate from the State of California Water Resources Control Board (SCWRCB) within 90 days of internship start date.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to walk; talk or hear by telephone and in person; sit; smell; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach and lift with hands or arms.

The employee must have the ability to withstand strenuous physical activities for extended periods of time including bending, crawling, squatting, twisting, climbing, pushing, pulling, and lifting 75 lbs., The employee will frequently be required to stand, stoop, and kneel for prolonged periods of time.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, ability to adjust focus and distinguish color.

The employee will be exposed to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, toxic substances, foul odors, wastewater sludge, effluents, bacteria, viruses, and traffic hazards.

The employee must have the ability to travel to different sites and locations and have availability for shift work, on-call, standby, and emergency call.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be required to use oral and written communication skills; read documents or instructions; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data or information; use mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform detailed work; work under changing, intensive deadlines with constant interruptions; and perform multiple concurrent tasks.

Attendance

Presence on the worksite for each workday, including being on time and working the entire scheduled shift.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee’s work environment includes but limited to exposure to air contamination, dust, dirt, electrical hazards, fumes, odors, gases, high work places, noise, poor lighting, safety of others, shift work, toxic materials, wetness and humidity, and driving on a daily basis; limited exposure to confined work spaces, high or low temperatures. Hearing protection and other personal protective equipment will be required.

Qualifications

Ability to pass SEJPA’s pre-employment physical examinations and drug screening.
Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and comply with SEJPA COVID-19 policies and procedures, all of which may be amended from time to time.
Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.

Right To Work Requirements

Documentation of eligibility to work in the United States will be required as a condition of employment.

To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. To comply with applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, the SEJPA will make a good faith effort to provide reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified employee with a disability, unless undue hardship would result to the SEJPA. To request such an accommodation, please refer to the SEJPA employee handbook.

The list of essential job duties contained in this job description is not exhaustive, and may be supplemented as necessary. This position performs other related duties as assigned that may become essential to the position.

The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, religious creed (which includes religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws, ordinances, or regulations.

San Elijo Joint Powers Authority

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Wastewater Treatment Operator Intern