Plant Operator Trainee - Meadville Area Sewer Authority (MASA)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The trainee will perform progressively responsible work in the operation and monitoring of MASA’s wastewater treatment plant and collection system under the direction of an experienced operator and complete PADEP approved reading and study assignments relating to techniques and procedures for operating and maintaining the treatment plant and collection system. Training will include, but is not limited to, formal classroom training, seminars, demonstrations, self-paced home study, and “hands-on” experience in all aspects of treatment plant and collection system operation and maintenance. Trainee will perform and assist in a variety of plant operations and collection system operations during the training period. Work assignments will increase in level of complexity and responsibility as experience and competency are gained.
• In general, the trainee may perform, in a learning environment, those Essential Duties and Responsibilities and Peripheral Dutiesset forth in the official job description for the Plant Operator I position (with the exception of training other operators).

Job Requirements, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:

• Trainee must be competent in basic mathematics, chemistry and biology, as the job will require a working knowledge of the principles of these disciplines as they relate to the operation of a wastewater treatment plant. Trainee must be able to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels. The position requires laboratory work, such as, but not limited to, sample collection, identification of chemical concentrations and physical characteristics of wastewater using standardized tests, calibration of meters and other equipment, and identification and quantification of treatment plant biology.
• This position requires mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, as the job requires simple maintenance and repair of pumps, valves, motors, and other treatment plant equipment. Trainee must understand the principles of fluids in motion and basics of electricity and electronic circuits.
• A basic familiarity with computers, software, and applications commonly used in treatment plants is necessary, as operators use computers to record data, read trending results, and monitor plant activities and functions. The MASA plant utilizes computer-controlled equipment and instrumentation, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Trainee must be able to understand the basic operation of these systems and troubleshoot common problems.
• Trainee must have the ability to learn principles and procedures relating to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant and to develop skill in the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, and related equipment. Trainee must demonstrate good powers of observation, be able to solve problems intuitively, and understand and carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Trainee must have the ability to work safely and demonstrate safety awareness; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

(A) Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, and, supplemented by two (2) years post-secondary college or technical training in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field, and
(B) Two (2) years of experience in a wastewater utility, or
(C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain valid State Driver's license. Must possess CDL certification with Tanker and Air Brake endorsements or acquire certification within 6 months.
• Employee must successfully complete at least one wastewater treatment course which is acceptable to the State Board for Certification of Sewage Treatment Plant and Waterworks Operators during the first year of employment. Employee shall take and pass the State Operation Certification Exams for wastewater appropriate to the plant’s size and technologies within 30 months from the date of hire as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Trainee and subsequently apply for state certification within thirty (30) days after passing all required exams.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• Motor vehicles, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, computer terminal, calculator, and a variety of lab sampling equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 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 must be able to operate, install, clean, lubricate and repair tools, controls, gauges and valves. The employee is frequently required to ascend steps and traverse walkways and uneven terrain. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 50 pounds. This employee must communicate regularly with co-workers and be able to comprehend and demonstrate processes. Employee must be able to inspect and decipher detailed lab tests and charts and record statistical data.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• 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 generally 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 may be required to handle caustic chemicals. Employee handles untreated wastewater on a daily basis.
• The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

• Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
• 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.
• 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.77 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person