Wastewater Operator Trainee

Wastewater Operator Trainee

This is an entry-level position working in the operations, maintenance and repair of the wastewater treatment and the collection system.

This position has been classified as a safety sensitive position and is subject to our drug testing policy to include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident for the following prohibited substances: marijuana, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine, as well as any drug not approved for medical use by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Typical duties include:

• Monitoring and regulating the rate of flow of raw sewage into the plant and between each treatment operation under the direction of the Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Reading and recording a variety of meters and flow-charts keeping a daily log of operations.
• Operating, cleaning, and repairing bar-screen apparatus, grit and grease chamber, rotating bridges, tractors, loaders, composting equipment, and other related machinery.
• Taking scheduled laboratory samples at various locations under the direction of the Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Performing preventive maintenance tasks, repacking pumps, oiling pumps and motors under direction of Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Assisting in the major overhaul and repair of plant equipment under the direction of Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Performing custodial work such as sweeping, mopping and scrubbing to keep buildings and equipment in a clean and orderly manner.
• Maintaining WWTP landscaping, farm crops and farm operations.
• Attending short schools, training programs and seminars that will enhance one knowledge assigned by the Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Excavating with backhoe, bobcat, shovels, picks and other hand tools around sewer lines in order to expose problem areas. These areas may consist of exposing gas, water, electrical, cable and fiber optic lines prior to finding the city sewer line.
• Repairing sewer lines by replacing sections of lines or patching under the direction of the Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Installing new sewer lines under the direction of the Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Building, raising or lowering manhole structures under direction of Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Unstopping sewer lines manually and by using high pressure sewer cleaning equipment.
• May operate dump trucks, front end loaders, and back hoe under direction of Superintendent or higher-level operator.
• Performing preventive maintenance on sewer collection system by flushing out lines on a scheduled basis.
• Serving a seven-day after hour, weekend and storm call back duty on a rotating basis with other wastewater division staff.

Minimum qualifications include:

• High School diploma or GED

Licenses and certificates required:

• Valid New Mexico Commercial Drivers' license including the appropriate endorsements, or able to obtain permit within 90 days, and licenses within 6 months.
• Must obtain a Level I Operators Certification within the first two years of employment.

Knowledge skills and abilities:

• Hands-on experience in mechanical, plumbing and/or equipment operations fields is a plus.

Ability to:

• Communicate and work well with co-workers, and citizens.

Physical requirements:

• Moderately heavy work involving frequent standing, walking, balancing, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling and squatting; pushing, pulling and lifting items weighing up to 100 pounds.

Working conditions:

• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.
• Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Clovis policies.
• Essential duties are predominantly performed outdoors with exposure to all types of weather conditions.
• Employee is exposed to airborne particles, potentially toxic and/or caustic chemicals, and extreme temperatures, travel from site to site, work around traffic and heavy construction equipment.
• Use of safety shoes, glasses and other equipment is required.
• Due to the environmental sensitivity and requirements of operation of the facility the above milestones must be met to continue employment.