Operator in Training

City of McPherson Public Works Department - Wastewater Division

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Wastewater Superintendent/Chief Operator or Assistant Chief Operator, the Plant Operator in Training is a non-exempt position under FLSA. This employee monitors and maintains treatment unit and equipment in the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Citywide Sewage Lift Stations. This employee performs laboratory analysis. Maintaining safety is required. This employee should possess a good mechanical aptitude.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitors and maintains treatment equipment;
• Responds to emergency situations;
• Loads and hauls sludge, and maintains records;
• Cleans and repairs department equipment;
• Maintains and repairs equipment at Sewage Lift Stations;
• Cleans and maintains plant facilities;
• Performs grounds keeping duties;
• Operates department equipment, including loaders, tractors, and trucks;

• Follows department policies and procedures;
• Follows safety procedures and practices.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists other departments as needed;
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary or assigned

OPERATOR IN TRAINING

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience: No experience is required for this position. Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within one year of employment.

Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. This employee is required to have a valid Kansas Driver’s License and acquire a Kansas Commercial Class B Driver’s license within one year of employment (CDL) and have and maintain a good driving record.

Technical Skills: A rudimentary knowledge of mechanics, equipment maintenance, electrical processes, and mathematics is required. This employee must be able to operate trucks, loaders, tractors, hand tools, diagnostic equipment, pumps, generators, and other department equipment. The ability to follow department safety policies and procedures and to interpret written and oral instructions is required. This employee should possess a good mechanical and electrical aptitude.

Problem Solving: Some independent problem solving may be involved in this position. This employee encounters problems with equipment malfunctions, leaks, weather related problems. Serious problems are reported to the Wastewater Superintendent/Chief Operator or Assistant Chief Operator.

Decision Making: Some independent decision-making is involved in this position. This employee makes decisions about performing necessary repairs and performing daily duties in the safest and most efficient manner.

Supervision: This employee works with primary supervision from the Superintendent or other Operational staff. This employee does not exercise any supervisory responsibilities over subordinate personnel.

Financial Accountability: This employee is responsible for the safe operation of department equipment. This employee does have limited authority to purchase necessary department supplies. This employee does not participate in the annual budget process.

Personal Relations: Contact with the general public, co-workers, and supervisory personnel are expected.

Working Conditions: Adverse working conditions exist within this position. Exposure to blood borne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, hazardous atmospheres, heavy machinery, excessive noise, permit work in confined spaces, high voltage electrical equipment, and all types of weather conditions is expected.

Physical Requirements: Manual labor including lifting and carrying heavy objects, bending, kneeling, climbing, and the ability to operate departmental equipment is required daily in this position.

Residential Requirements: Must obtain residency within 15 miles of the city limits of McPherson

***The specific statements shown in this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.

Updated: 06/30/2020 Department of Labor classification: Level 4 position