JOB TITLE:  ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS OPERATOR TRAINEE

WATER PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under direct supervision, assists in maintaining and repairing equipment and machinery necessary to operate a surface water treatment plant and performs housekeeping duties. Assists in preparing and maintaining required records and reports. Assists with determining distribution system demand and maintaining adequate drinking water supply at all storage tanks. Assists in performing all treatment plant operational duties. Attends training for new procedures and emergency situations.  Reports to the Water Production Supervisor.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position title. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Performs preventive maintenance and repair to equipment and machinery used in the operation of a surface water treatment plant; performs maintenance at pump stations and storage tanks throughout the system; monitors equipment operations on scheduled basis and records findings.

Performs housekeeping duties at treatment plant and pump stations which include sweeping, mopping, waxing floors; washing walls and windows, pipes; dusts; paints pipes, walls, ceilings, trim, interior and exterior building walls, etc.; maintains grounds which includes mowing, clipping, application of chemicals for weed control, etc.

Provides assistance in the efficient operation and/or monitoring of surface water treatment plant, pump stations, and tanks which include determining proper chemicals needed to meet water quality standards; backwashes filters as needed; responds to customer complaints in professional manner; provides training to new employees in emergency situations.

Operates various types of equipment and machinery which include lawn mower, weed eater, pick-up truck, laboratory analysis equipment, fire hydrant systems, mechanic’s tools, electric testers, laboratory diagnostics equipment, etc.

Prepares, processes, and/or transmits various forms and reports which include vehicle maintenance, laboratory reports, electrical diagrams, diagnostic reports, etc.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs all scheduled housekeeping duties at the Water Treatment Plant and remote booster stations.

Performs general clerical duties as required, including preparing reports and records, entering and retrieving computer dtaqa, answering the telephone.

Cleans and/or flushes fire hydrants; conducts water flow tests.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a high school diploma or GED with a demonstrated ability to read and write at a high school level.  Must obtain a SC Water Treatment Class “E” License within one year of employment.  Valid driver’s license required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements:  Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated machines and equipment including preventive maintenance equipment and water system equipment.  Must be physically able to exert up to 60 pounds force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.  Physical demands are in excess of sedentary work.  Work involves sitting some of the time, but also involves walking, standing, bending, crouching, reaching, etc., for varying periods of time.  Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 30 to 50 pounds.

Data Conception:  Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of date, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communication:  Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.  Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor.

Language Ability:  Requires the ability to read a variety of documents and reports.  Requires the ability to prepare various reports using the proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.  Has the ability to speak to co-workers and the general public with poise, voice control and confidence. 

Intelligence:  Has the ability to apply principles of rational systems such as environmental systems operations in order to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow verbal and written instructions.

Numerical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; adding and subtracting totals; multiplying and dividing; determining percentages and decimals and determining time and weight.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:  Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination:  Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment.  Requires the ability to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity:  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.  Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/ foot coordination.

Color Discrimination:  Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament:  Has the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions.  Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.

Physical Communication:  Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear.)

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job:  Has knowledge of the policies and procedures, rules and regulations of the water production department.  Has working knowledge of federal and state laws which are applicable to the operation of a surface water treatment plant.  Has knowledge of pump troubleshooting and repairs.  Has knowledge of required chemicals that are used in the operation of the plant.  Is able to operate, care for and maintain machines and equipment used in the operation of the plant.  Has knowledge of the terminology used in the operation of the plant and has knowledge of specialized tests performed at the plant.  Is able to maintain good working relationships with fellow employees and supervisors.  Is able to analyze problems that arise on the job and recommend solutions.  Is able to use judgment and discretion in carrying out assigned activities and is able to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.  Is able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of groups, and is persuasive in such communications.  Has the verbal ability to prepare effective and accurate required reports.  Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations accurately and quickly.  Has good technical skills.

Quality of Work:  Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.  Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility.  Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all City Departments and divisions, co-workers, and the general public.

Quantity of Work:  Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Specific Duties and Responsibilities."

Dependability:  Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines.  Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, City policy, standards, and prescribed procedures.  Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:  Attends work regularly and adheres to City policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to the Water Plant supervisor with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:  Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities.  Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:  Exercises analytical judgments in areas of responsibility.  Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives.  Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations.  Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.  Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations, and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:  Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same.  Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communication, variance with City policy or procedures, etc.  Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the City.

Relationships With Others:  Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and City benefit.  Contributes to maintaining high morale among all City employees.  Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the City and to project a good City image.  Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the City.  Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the City.  Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the general public.

Coordination of Work:  Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Established priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Avoids duplication of effort.  Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.  Attends meetings, planning sessions, and discussions on time.  Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.  Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Safety and Housekeeping:  Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the City and various regulatory agencies.  Sees that the standards are not violated.  Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.  Maintains equipment and machinery in proper and safe working condition, making minor repairs as needed and ensuring that major repairs are made properly.

DISCLAIMER:  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. EOE