Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee (Martinsville, VA)

• Draws samples, takes readings and makes a variety of laboratory tests and analyses of wastewater, sludge, primary and final effluents, and any additional areas as required.
• Makes hourly operational checks on plant and equipment, pumps, motors, etc.
• Performs laboratory analyses on pH, D.O., BOD, suspended solids, alkalinity, etc.
• Adjusts valves, washes down wet wells, measures sludge depths, pulls and pumps sludge; transfers digester sludge when necessary; adjusts chemical dosages (chlorine, sodium bisulfate); prepares lab and duty reports and related computer calculations.
• Clean buildings; cleans chlorine contact tanks and sample pump lines; performs plant D.O. Analyses
• Attends job related and safety related training sessions as required.
• Performs general housekeeping on buildings, grounds and equipment. Removes grease deposits; empties grit, and screenings; pumps scum pits.
• Checks supplies; keeps records, prepares reports, and performs related work as required.

• Knowledge of the functions of equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, materials, and operating procedures relating to the operation of a wastewater plant.
• Ability to operate a variety of plant pumping, treatment, and control equipment.
• Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment in operation, to detect flaws and defects in operation, and report malfunction to proper person.
• Ability to read meters and charts accurately and to maintain records of shift operation.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to recognize job safety hazards and implement job safety in the work.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is frequently required to walk; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; and smell. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Physical ability to traverse a six-acre plant site and negotiate stairs throughout the site.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
• The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

• Successful candidate must obtain a Class 3 Wastewater Operator’s license from the State of Virginia within 24 months of hire, or face termination of employment.

Department: Water Resources
This is a full time position