Plant Operator Apprentice

Position Summary:

Operates and controls treatment plants and associated stations for Grade IV facilities.

Criteria: Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field of study or high school diploma (GED) and five years of utility system experience, or related field.

Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally & in writing. Strong organizational, planning and interpersonal skills. Customer service skills and ability to plan and coordinate work.

Certifications/Licenses:

Must complete the JEA Apprenticeship program within the allotted timeline. The Apprentice is required to start the program within six months of employment. Completion of this program will allow the Apprentice to advance to Plant Operator, Class IV.

Physical Demands:

The ability to use a computer keyboard effectively. The ability to orally communicate by phone and person to person. The ability to see and read printed material. The ability to lift, carry, and use heavy tools and materials. The ability to climb and perform work from a ladder, including water tanks up to 200 feet. The ability to safely operate a standard equipped company motor vehicle.

The ability to enter/exit 22” diameter accessways and work in confined spaces. The ability to walk many miles per day over rough terrain. Ability to perform heavy manual labor for an extended period of time.

Work Environment:

Indoor and outdoor conditions. Exposure to wastewater.

Exposure to water/wastewater treatment chemicals: chlorine, sulfur dioxide, hydrofluorsilicic acid, potassium permanganate, and laboratory reagents from suppliers into the feed systems in accordance with all federal and state regulations. Works in permit required confined spaces.

Driving:

Must have and maintain a valid TN Class “D” license.

Telephone:

Must maintain an operating telephone and furnish the number to his/her supervisor.

Essential Functions:

- Assist Plant Operators in maintaining quality control by meeting all federal and state requirements by the proper operation of treatment equipment, chemical feeders, and other related equipment.

- Ensures the security of treatment plants and pumping stations.

- Assists Plant Operators in monitoring and maintaining all vital system parameters via SCADA systems and makes appropriate responses to abnormal operating conditions.

- Collects samples and performs necessary laboratory analysis as required.

- Maintains accurate records of plant operations and all laboratory testing and sampling.

- Performs light maintenance and assists with plant maintenance activities.

- Handles laboratory reagents and the transfer of hazardous chemicals into the feed systems in accordance with all federal and state regulations.

- Monitors chemical levels and receives chemical shipments.

- Observes all safety precautions and practices.

- Provides system information to other departments as requested.

- Stays abreast of new treatment technologies and methods.

- Works assigned shift schedules on a rotating basis, and extra shifts as requested, including weekends and holidays.

- Gives tours and classroom lectures to enhance public understanding of the Jackson Energy Authority’s treatment systems.

- Handles customer water quality problems.

- Assists Plant Operators in maintaining proper water quality in the distribution system.

- Performs additional duties as requested.