North Texas Municipal Water District

Wastewater Operator Trainee

Mesquite, TX

Full-time

$35,980-$53,240

About This Job

North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) provides vital wholesale water, wastewater and solid waste management services to more than two million people who call North Texas their home. Our culture is deeply ingrained in our core values of Integrity, Trust, Respect, Unity, Service, and Teamwork (ITRUST). Our employees will tell you they feel a sense of purpose and have a daily opportunity to make a positive impact on the cities we serve by helping to provide services that their residents and businesses need to thrive. We offer an array of excellent benefits, including comprehensive health and wellness packages, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a robust pension plan to help secure our employees’ financial future. If you are looking for a rewarding, long-term career where you can make a meaningful impact on the North Texas region, look no further than NTMWD!

Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee

Section 1 – Position Summary

Under the direction and oversight of a Lead Wastewater Plant Operator(s) and/or the Plant Supervisor (depending on the size and scope of the facility), the Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee is trained to perform operation, maintenance, and monitoring activities at wastewater facilities and their associated systems including, but not limited to, headworks, liquid streams, solids handling, odor control, structures, SCADA, and lift stations; performs a variety of work assignments to ensure acceptable asset condition, water quality, and health and safety standards are met or exceeded; and performs related work as required to ensure efficient and effective facility operations.

Section 2 – Major Responsibilities

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Work collaboratively with supervisory personnel and other operators to assure optimal process efficiency, proper monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

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Monitor facility operations by observation, collecting and testing samples, and reading instrumentation (SCADA) to ensure compliant and efficient operations.

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Perform a range of treatment facility activities including, but not limited to, operation of equipment, maintenance, monitoring systems, process improvement, record keeping, and preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) as necessary.

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Provide adequate, timely, and essential information for preparation of the budgets, reports, and studies.

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Assist in the preparation of monthly, annual, and special reports on treatment facility operation, and maintenance.

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Provide a positive role model for other NTMWD employees.

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Notify appropriate personnel of needed repairs and renewal; coordinate with maintenance personnel; and perform and implement maintenance procedures for treatment assets and lift stations (includes inventory control and management).

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Vigilantly monitor the facility for any breaches of security and alert appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or supervisors, as appropriate for the situation.

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Maintain thorough logs and records in both written and electronic form as required; use these records to improve the function and efficiency of various operations.

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Maintain facility grounds and general housekeeping, as well as the appearance of the facility, in collaboration with other staff and outside contractors.

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Monitor systems and assets during emergencies and scheduled shutdowns; troubleshoot, diagnose, and report problems; respond to emergencies; and execute responses, repairs, clean up, remediation, etc.

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Observe safety guidelines as required by State statutes and as prescribed by the NTMWD. This includes identifying and mitigating safety hazards as well as assisting in the implementation of safety programs.

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Receive shipments, monitor unloading processes, record into inventory, and check shipment documents for compliance to standard.

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Must communicate effectively, and establish and maintain effective working relationships to build and sustain teamwork.

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Learn, comply, and enforce applicable NTMWD policies and procedures.

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Assume the responsibilities of direct supervisor(s) and subordinates as required.

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Perform other duties as assigned.

Section 3 – Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

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Must obtain knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, compliance requirements, operations and maintenance requirements, and reporting/record keeping requirements; including the ability to troubleshoot wastewater equipment and processes and be knowledgeable with performing wastewater tests and interpreting results.

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Must communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with supervisors, peers, and subordinates to convey information.

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Maintain basic computer skills, and electrical and mechanical knowledge.

Section 4 – Education And Experience

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Must possess basic mechanical, electrical, technology, and operations aptitude. No experience in wastewater treatment is required, but it is preferred.

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Obtain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class D Wastewater Operator's Certificate of Competency within six months of hire, and obtain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class C Wastewater Operator's Certificate of Competency within 36-months of hire.

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Possess a high school diploma or GED (an associate degree or trade certification is preferred).

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Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Section 5 – Environmental Factors, Activity Levels and Equipment

The duties and responsibilities are generally performed in a wastewater treatment environment. The position involves sitting (up to 6 hours per day), frequent standing, frequent walking, light to heavy lifting (up to 75 lbs.), light carrying, frequent bending and reaching, keyboarding, and telephone operation. It often requires an irregular work schedule and overtime hours. Specific physical conditions require frequent work with chemicals, tools, machinery, moving mechanical parts, etc.

The duties and responsibilities are performed both indoors and outdoors. Moderate to heavy exposure to sun, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, biological hazards, rain, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials and chemicals, machinery, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, and water hazards are common. Performs and reviews work at locations that involve hazardous environments requiring the physical ability to wear and work using personal protective equipment (PPE) that conforms to OSHA regulations and some physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, odors, chemicals and noise. The position may require work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions with appropriate training.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

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Perform functions requiring manual dexterity and precision movements, continuous or repetitive arm and hand movements, grasping movements, and occasional forceful exertion.

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Perceive/discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth and visual cues or signals.

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Possess visual and muscular dexterity to operate a motor vehicle (including while towing portable equipment), equipment, hand tools, and a computer.

Thank you for considering a career with us! We value diversity, equal opportunity, and a positive work environment. We are committed to providing a rewarding and fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about making a difference and contributing to a dynamic and growing organization, we want to hear from you. Apply today and let’s explore the potential of working together to provide affordable, safe and reliable water, wastewater, and solid waste management services to the North Texas region.