CITY OF FLINT Position Description

Class Title: WPC Operator Trainee Job Code Number: 13-N-005 Effective Date: 2/23/2006 Bargaining Unit: Local 1600

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

In a training situation learns how to operate the Water Pollution Control Plant processes and overall plant operation. Participates in the training by working with a plant operator; observing and participating in operation lab, automation and maintenance processes; and studying operation training and plant manuals. As the training progresses, supervision may be proportionately decreased and the responsibility of assignments increased. Upon satisfactory completion of the 1 year training period & completing the California State University coursework, Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plant, Volumes I & II, the employee will be eligible for examination for promotion to WPC Operator. If employee is successful in passing the examination he/she will be promoted to Water Pollution Control.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the direct supervision of a plant employee of higher grade who instructs the trainee, makes assignments and reviews work for proper performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. In a training situation, operates a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes. This includes flow measurement devices, pre-treatment, primary treatment, & activated sludge process. 2. This also includes phosphorus removal, nitrogen removal, sludge collection, pumping, storage, conditioning, dewatering and incineration. 3. Other processes include ash removal, sewage pumping, retention and treatment basin usage, chlorination, dechlorination and odor control. 4. In a training situation, operates and inspects the equipment associated with plant systems and treatment processes, such as: valves, sluice gates, weirs, motor operated controls, conveyors, & augers. 5. This also includes screws, pneumatic controls, temperature controls, electric controls, conveyors, belt & chain drive mechanisms, diffusers, blowers, compressors, air dryers,meters, & PLC's computers. 6. Also included are electrical instrumentation, circuit breakers, variable speed drives, grinders, centrifugal pumps, hydraulic pumps, positive displacement pumps, skimming and scum ejectors. 7. Others are limitorques, solenoids, check valves, bubbler tubes, sampling devices, softeners, heating and cooling devices, comminutors, bar screens, chlorinators, and evaporators. 8. Uses plant supervisory control acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and make operational control changes to automated plant processes. Uses personal computers and other computer related equipment. 9. Collects sewage samples for chemical analyses and performs routine tests such as chlorine residuals, dissolved oxygen readings, and total solids of various sludges in the process tanks. 10. Maintains a variety of logs and records using both paper and computers. 11. Performs a variety of mathematical calculations such as flow, volume, area, heat transfer and velocity. 12. Performs cleaning, building maintenance, lawn maintenance and other manual labor such as shoveling, scooping, sweeping, mopping, etc. 13. Observes plant equipment during operations and reports malfunctions, as necessary, to maintenance staff. Assists in generating Work Orders for Maintenance using a computer. 14. Performs minor mechanical tasks as required, such as those requiring a simple or routine adjustment or replacement

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to read, interpret, understand, & thoroughly learn the field of wastewater treatment plant operation from training materials, and on the job operation. 2. Also required to be able to learn through plant manuals, blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and drawings. 3. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. 4. Sufficient mechanical aptitudes to detect equipment malfunction and distinguish between operational and mechanical problems. 5. Ability to perform mathematical calculations using basic algebra and geometry. 6. Basic understanding of personal computer operation. 7. Ability to perform manual labor in and out of doors, under all types of weather conditions, in the presence of sewage, sludge, ash, corrosive, toxic and dangerous chemicals, scum oil and grease. 8. Ability and commitment to work in a safe manner. 9. A physical condition that will permit standing, bending, stooping, crawling or walking for extended periods.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Michigan driver's license. 2. Ability to work various shifts comprising a continuous operation, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. May be assigned to any shift at any time. 3. Ability to obtain a Fit Test Certification with respirator on an annual basis and continuously maintain certification, facial hair must be maintained in a manner as to not interfere with the face seal 4. Progression in the training series to Senior Operator level is required to remain in the program. Series is designed to last 18 months from Trainee to Operator to Senior Operator. 5. Must make satisfactory progress in the training program continuously to remain employed in the series. Operational knowledge and training progress will be assessed periodically by WPC supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to inclimate conditions, fumes or airborne particles, traffic, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and is required to stand and walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.