NOTICE:

THIS JOB POSTING FOR TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE WILL CLOSE

ON OCTOBER 2, 2023, AT 11:59 P.M.

A NEW TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE JOB POSTING WILL OPEN

ON OCTOBER 3, 2023 AT 12:00 A.M.

Documents are not automatically attached to your JobOpps account (profile). You must select and attach required documents to every application through the attachments tab on the application screen when you are applying.

It is extremely important to provide a valid email address on your application and to monitor the email account for notifications and additional information.

As you create a JobOpps account, you will be asked for Notification Preferences (email or paper). Paper notification is not available; therefore, "email" should be selected. All notifications will be sent by email only.

To ensure that messages arrive in your inbox safely, please add @personnelboard.organd @governmentjobs.com to your Safe Sender list. If you need details on how to add email addresses to your Safe Sender list, please refer to the Help documentation of your email program, or contact your email service provider.

To prepare for the required Treatment Plant Operator Trainee computer-based test, applicants should download, save and/or print the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Study Guide now.



DATE OF EXAMINATION : Applicants will be individually notified when and where to report for examination.

All notices will be sent by email. Be sure to monitor your email account provided on your application for any notices sent regarding your application for Treatment Plant Operator Trainee.

Allow 3 hours for written testing. A photo ID will be required for admittance. Electronic devices are NOT permitted in the test room (leave such devices in your motor vehicle upon arrival at the test site). MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : Graduation from a standard senior high school, or the successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Must possess a valid driver's license from state of residence. Must obtain either a Grade III Water or a Grade III Wastewater Certificate within two (2) years of employment as a trainee, except for those assigned to Mobile Area Water and Sewer System must obtain either a Grade IV Water or a Grade IV Wastewater Certificate within two (2) years of employment as a trainee. Employees have a maximum of two (2) years in the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee classification to complete their training and to pass the required certification examination, regardless of the number of times appointed. Treatment Plant Operator Trainee incumbents are required to attend all required training to remain in the Treatment Plant Operator classification.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORK :
Good knowledge of mathematics to include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra, and geometry, to perform calculations of averages, volume, and area.

Some knowledge of chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations they undergo, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of physical principles, laws, and their interrelationships, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of the potential hazards of the work including electrical shock, falling from heights, drowning, moving parts of pumps, and exposure to dangerous chemicals, and the required safety precautions and devices involved in the operation and maintenance of water/wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of federal and state environmental laws and guidelines relating to water/wastewater treatment plant operations, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of hydraulics and fluid dynamics, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of laboratory procedures, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of the principles and practices used in water/wastewater treatment plants, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of basic computer applications and software, to include spreadsheets, word processing, and email or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of the materials and equipment used in water/wastewater treatment plants, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of mechanical and electrical maintenance processes and procedures, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of the tools and equipment used for mechanical and electrical maintenance, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Some knowledge of chemistry to include acids, bases, buffers, and electrical charge, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.

Skill in the operation of various hand and motorized tools and equipment including but not limited to shovels, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, drills, saws, and hydraulic grease guns.

Ability to identify relevant information hidden in other distracting material to answer scenario-based questions and solve problems on the job.

Ability to operate switches and valves.

Ability to communicate information and ideas in English, both verbally and in writing, so others will understand.

Ability to read, listen to, and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences in English.

Ability to see details at close range to measure volume or temperature.

Ability to see, smell, and hear changes in the environment that may indicate equipment malfunction or other hazardous conditions

Ability to convert units of measurement to find solutions to problems using the factor-label or unit-factor method.

Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers which make sense.

Ability to recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Ability to remain calm and think clearly in stressful situations.

Ability to concentrate on a task over a long period of time without being distracted, to study, or stay awake when needed.

Ability to read meters and charts accurately.

Ability to understand and follow detailed laboratory and plant operating procedures.

Ability to complete a training program and then pass the applicable certification examination for the employing jurisdiction.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with one's body, arms, and/or legs.

Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 50 lbs.

Ability to climb stairs and ladders.

Ability to stoop or crawl.

Ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

Ability to exert one's self physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath. EXAMPLES OF WORK : (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.)

Attends classes to learn chemistry and mathematics needed to pass the certification exam including, but not limited to, unit conversion, volume, area, hydraulic retention time, process efficiency, velocity, flow rates, force, pressure, pump horsepower, concentrations, dilutions, and chemical dosing/disinfection.

Records analysis results of water or purchased chemicals to track data trends, identify problems, and provide records for supervisors, ADEM, and the EPA.

Monitors levels and density of slaked lime by visual inspection to ensure enough lime is available for water treatment.

Assists operators with any phase of water/wastewater treatment work, as directed by supervisor, in order to learn the practices, procedures, techniques, and regulations of water/wastewater treatment plant operation and obtain certification.

Reports leaks or other malfunctions to supervisor so issues can be addressed by a certified operator and to prevent further damage.

Records meter readings, including temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorine, of water/wastewater at various stages in the treatment process to provide data to supervisor regarding operational changes.

Installs new pumps, motors, valves, seals, pipes, fittings, and other equipment or components, using various hand/power tools, to ensure operation of equipment.

Analyzes water using various chemical reagents and lab equipment to ensure contaminants do not exceed maximum contaminant levels.

Operates plant machinery, including valves, pumps, and computers, in order to redirect, alter, or maintain the flow of water, sludge, or chemical reagents through various stages of the water/wastewater treatment process.

Studies books, manuals, and other media (webinars, videos, etc.) to learn the practices, procedures, techniques, and regulations of water/wastewater treatment plant operation and the math needed to obtain certification including but not limited to unit conversion, volume, area, hydraulic retention time, process efficiency, velocity, flow rates, force, pressure, pump horsepower, concentrations, dilutions, and chemical dosing/disinfection.

Monitors computers, tanks, motors, pumps, lines, and other machinery for visual, olfactory, tactile, and auditory cues to detect problems or confirm proper operation of equipment.

Inspects plant machinery by visually checking for various indicators, including wear and tear, belt tensions, and oil levels to detect need for preventative maintenance.

Lubricates plant equipment and machinery using correct grease or oil according to operating manual to prevent malfunctions.

Washes lab glassware (test tubes, flasks, and graduated cylinders) using warm soapy water to prevent bacterial growth and avoid cross contamination of samples.

Measures volume of chemical dosed over time using a stopwatch in order to calculate rate of chemical dosing in milliliters per minute.

Analyzes purchased chemicals and reagents to ensure they meet quality standards and quantity specifications.

Records preventative maintenance performed to maintain records of equipment upkeep.

Operates heavy machinery, including a forklift, front-end loader, electric hoist, backhoe, or crane to move large amounts of waste or other heavy items around the plant.

Collects water/wastewater samples to provide data necessary to ensure water quality standards are met, using sample vials and other various laboratory glassware, as well as a custody sheet, for proper documentation.

Compares analysis results, including turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and chlorine, against computer to ensure accuracy of measurements.

Records received fats, oils, grease, and septage using proper documentation to maintain records of proper disposal.

Cleans plant equipment and machinery to remove buildup such as algae, PAC, solids, foam, and other contaminants using brushes, hoses, pressure washers, bleach, or by cleaning/replacing filters or physically removing buckets of grit.

Calibrates various meters and analyzers using blank solutions to ensure meter accuracy.

Enters data into Excel spreadsheet to provide records for monthly reports.

Repairs minor issues with plant machinery, including pumps, motors, and valves using various hand/power tools to ensure proper operation of equipment.

Drives motor vehicles to pick up samples or materials off-site.

Performs general housekeeping and janitorial maintenance duties such as sweeping, mopping, and wiping down to maintain a safe and clean working environment.

Directs incoming chemical trucks to proper distribution location.

Performs related duties as required. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE WORK : An employee in this class is responsible for learning the safe and efficient operation of chemical, biological, and mechanical processes through plant controls and for the maintenance of the treatment plant and plant equipment. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures under the direct supervision of a Treatment Plant Operator or other supervisor. A Treatment Plant Operator Trainee must lift items weighing up to fifty pounds and may work in excess of ten hours overtime per month. An employee in this class is required to work a rotating shift

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL APPLICANTS

NOTICE:

Documents are not automatically attached to your JobOpps account (profile). You must select and attach required documents to every application through the attachments tab on the application screen when you are applying.

__________________

All applications must be submitted online through the Mobile County Personnel Board JobOpps site.

Paper applications will not be accepted and will be returned .

An email address is required for all applications. For information on obtaining an email address, visit the FAQs link on the Job Opportunities page at www.personnelboard.org . The Mobile County Personnel Board does not endorse any particular provider.

Accuracy and truthfulness are of primary importance for Merit System employment and all applications are reviewed with this in mind. Errors, omissions and inaccurate information on the application will be construed as an incomplete application and will result in rejection of the application. Therefore, special attention should be given to each and every question and every attempt made to answer each correctly.

Resumes will not be accepted in place of completing the education and experience sections of the application.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED

Applications must be complete and all required or supplemental documents (college transcripts, driver’s license, and/or certifications) must be attached at the time of submitting the application. See the job posting and the supplemental questions for required documents for each job posting.

If needed, computers and scanners are available in our office

at 1809 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama.

Our office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Friday, except for major holidays.

Only one application will be accepted per applicant per job posting.

Subsequent applications submitted for the same job posting will be rejected.

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS

College transcripts, where required or otherwise to be considered, must be attached as part of completing an application. Grade reports, computer downloads of grades, and diplomas are not transcripts and will not be considered. Transcripts must be either an official or student copy issued by the educational institution . See the College Transcript Information link on the Job Opportunities page at www.personnelboard.org for additional information and requirements regarding educational transcripts.

OPEN TO : All who meet the requirements as set forth in the job posting and who may lawfully be appointed to a position. Applicants for sworn law enforcement positions must be U.S. citizens.

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS : Unless otherwise stated in the job posting or supplemental questions, there are no residence requirements in order to apply. Applicants must bear all expenses incurred in reporting for testing or appointment. Upon appointment, the law gives the right to each Appointing Authority (Employer) to fix any further legal requirements regarding residence.

FINAL DATE FOR FILING APPLICATION : The completed application should be returned as soon as possible. In the event of tied scores, Rule 8.1 dictates that ties will be broken by the order in which applications are filed. Applications must be submitted by the final filing date and time specified on the job posting.

VETERANS PREFERENCE : For complete information on Veterans Preference points on an open competitive application, view the Veterans Information link on the Job Opportunities page at www.personnelboard.org .

MEDICAL EXAMINATION : Eligibles selected for appointment must meet the established medical and physical standards for the class of work. The medical examination must be by one of the physicians designated by the Personnel Board. Appointees must bear the cost of the examination.

The Mobile County Personnel Department reserves the right to limit the number of applicants summoned for interview. In such instances, a preliminary appraisal of qualifications, as indicated by the completed application, will be utilized as a guide in the selection of candidates to be summoned.

Aid and assistance in the examination procedure is available for the visually or otherwise disabled. Assistance may be requested by contacting the Mobile County Personnel Board at 251-470-7727.

A “Practice Test Seminar” is held in the Personnel Department Office, 1809 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama, at 9:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of every month. The purpose of these seminars is to acquaint applicants or interested citizens with design format and procedures utilized by the department in its administration of written test selection devices. Inasmuch as testing facilities are limited, the seminars will be on a first come, first served basis, as long as space remains available.

NOTICE: The continuing eligibility for appointment of those who secure a place on the eligible list is subject to future changes in specifications.

ADAM BOURNE, DIRECTOR

THE AGENCIES WE SERVE ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS