Temporary Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee

The Water Resource Recovery Operations & Services Department is seeking a temporary Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee. This position will train in and perform work in the operation and control of wastewater treatment facilities, equipment and processes. 

Additional Information:

• Temporary position, up to six months. 
• Full-time, up to 40 hours per week. 
• The position will be located at the Forest Grove Facility.
• Any offer of employment will be conditional based on the successful completion of references, a driving record review, criminal background check, and a medical exam
   

Essential Functions:

Performed under close supervision and in a developmental capacity.
(This section outlines the essential functions assigned to the position. The essential functions listed below are not intended to include all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may modify, add, or remove duties or functions at its discretion.)  

1. Trains in the operation of equipment used in the preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment of wastewater; learns to operate, inspect, clean, adjust, calibrate and monitor equipment and instruments and make minor repairs. 
2. Trains in the monitoring and operation of the wastewater treatment process in accordance with permit and process control standards; measures biological and chemical levels and liquid flow; measures inventories of process; troubleshoots and resolves process problems. 
3. Learns to collect liquid and solid waste samples; learns to perform standard and non-standard biological and chemical tests for troubleshooting or research work; records results.    
4. Takes and records process lab and flow readings; downloads data to recordkeeping systems.  
5. Keeps assigned area(s) clean and hazard-free; uses safe work practices and follows CWS safety policies and procedures. 
6. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work purposes.

Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment
• Safe work practices in an industrial setting 
   

SKILL IN:

• Identifying mechanical malfunction
• Keeping records and logs accurately 
• Use of computer software for data collection and entry into spreadsheets and word-processing documents 
• Use of hand and power tools    
   

ABILITY TO: 

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES:
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

Internship with CWS, or 6 months of experience in a wastewater facility or related field.  
Or
College-level coursework in Environmental Science, Wastewater Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or Microbiology, or closely related applied or technical science field of study. 
Or
Completion of a Correspondence Course in Wastewater Technology. 

All candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.