Description

Wastewater Treatment Plant Trainee

Posting No:          26-012

Posting Dates:     Open Date:  5/13/2026                Close Date: Until filled

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB:   The purpose of this position is to perform responsible technical work in maintaining the City of Decatur’s lift stations.  Work involves monitoring the lift stations; inspections, performing needed preventive maintenance, and repairs, identify pump and motor failures and determine solutions; maintaining and updating records and logs.  Serve in a training capacity and perform routine technical work in operating the City of Decatur’s wastewater treatment plant.  Work involves ensuring the plant is operating efficiently; monitoring, pumping, chemical distribution, feed and flow rates, the plant operations; performing needed preventive maintenance.  All work performed by this position must be under the direct supervision of an employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Inspects lift stations in 22 different locations in accordance with standards and guidelines outlined by State and Federal agencies.  Monitors lift stations, performing needed preventive maintenance on stations and equipment ensuring continuous and effective operation.  Identify pump and motor failures and determine solutions.  Reads meters, gauges, and dials; records statistical data and maintains a variety of logs/records including flowcharts, production reports, operation logs, etc.  Must be under the direct supervision of and employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.
• Collects samples; performs laboratory tests; and maintains records of findings and water characteristics.  Calibrates test equipment. Must be under the direct supervision of and employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.
• Drives a utility service truck throughout the City of Decatur for the purpose of monitoring lift stations, responding to calls for service and completing City of Decatur work orders.  Refers to maps and schematics as necessary to locate and identify meters and related equipment.  Investigates meter’s operating condition; calibrates meter if needed; diagnoses and repairs problems; replaces parts such as couplings, washers, meter boxes, etc.; and/or replaces meter if necessary. Must be under the direct supervision of and employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.
• Performs a variety of maintenance and repair work in support of the utility distribution systems. Must be under the direct supervision of and employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.
• Assists in the operation of a wastewater treatment plan in accordance with standards, and guidelines outlined by State and Federal agencies.  Monitors ensuring continuous and effective operation; checks system components; identifies any problems and makes necessary adjustments. Takes daily meter readings; records data; and keeps logs of readings.  Must be under the direct supervision of and employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.
• Ability to be on call for after-hour emergencies.  Performs emergency procedures as necessary. Must be under the direct supervision of and employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.
• Cleans, performs preventive maintenance and repairs plant equipment and facilities.  Drains sludge to dry beds; empties dry beds into dumpsters and moves waste sludge to digester, scrubs clarifiers, washes down walls in influent structure and digester and removes build up from bioreactor.  Cleans grit and contact chambers.  Coordinates and performs filter changes in blowers.  Reports any problems or need for equipment repair.  Runs belt press as needed for waste disposal. Performs a variety of maintenance and repair work, cleaning, mowing, and general grounds keeping. Must be under the direct supervision of and employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.
• Responds to customer complaints.  Works to educate customers on program policies and procedures. Performs other duties as instructed. Must be under the direct supervision of an employee with at least a Wastewater Class C Operator’s License.
• Regular attendance is required.  Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:  

• High School diploma or GED.
• Formal vocation training in wastewater and water collection operations; supplemented by one year of experience in wastewater or water treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.  

Employment Requirements:

• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license is required with a good driving record
• A minimum of a Wastewater Class D License or the ability to obtain the Wastewater Class D License
• Applicant will be subject to a complete background investigation.  Providing incomplete, inaccurate information, and/or failure to report required information will cause Applicant’s rejection from consideration.
• Applicant must take and pass a drug and physical screening administered at the expense of the City of Decatur, Texas.

Skill & Ability Requirements:

• The ability to read reports on computer, manuals and instructions.
• The ability to perform general math calculations.
• The ability to write logs, work orders and instructions.
• Normal tasks require us of definite procedures with little deviation.
• Work requires analysis and judgment.
• The ability to provide information to citizens upon request and directions.
• Other behaviors & competencies include initiative, creativity, problem solving, decision-making, motivation, punctuality/attendance, analytical/conceptual thinking, safety awareness, ability to communicate, organizational awareness, relationship building, accountability, adaptability, customer service orientation, teamwork and leadership. 

The City reserves the right to allow an employee to obtain licenses/certifications during a reasonable time from agreed to in writing (unless otherwise prohibited or limited by law) as a condition of continued employment.  Failure to obtain the licenses/certifications as agreed will result in termination. 

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:

• Computer
• Mower, tractor, truck, drills, sockets, table saw, chain saw, roto rooter, water hose, circular saw, cutting torch, weed-eater, pole saw, edger, blower, hand tools, and tools associated with electrical duties.

Protective Equipment Required: 
   Gloves, goggles, masks, ear protection, steel toe boots, safety vests, chemical respirator, Tyvex suits.

Physical Demands:  
While performing the medium overall strength demands of this job, the employee is constantly using vision and hearing while driving communicating with co-workers and performing all job duties.  Employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, lift, carry, push/pull, reach, handle, use fine dexterity, bend, twist, climb, talk and use foot controls for long periods of time.  The employee is occasionally required to kneel, crouch, crawl, and balance while performing duties of the job.  The employee must routinely lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and up to 100 pounds occasionally.   
Non-physical Demands:
This position experiences frequent change of tasks, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as a team and can experience noisy/distracting environment.  Occasionally, this position has time pressures, tedious or exacting work, emergency situations, and irregular work schedule/overtime.
Work Environment: 
The primary work locations include a wastewater plant environment, outdoors, field and in a vehicle, with a moderate noise level.  The employee must have the ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude.  
The employee is periodically exposed to persons who represent a danger to health and life.   
Environmental Factors:
This position has daily exposure to dirt/dust, fumes and odors, extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, noise/vibration, and darkness or poor lighting.  Daily health and safety exposures include mechanical hazards, fire hazards, physical danger or abuse, chemical hazards, explosives, electrical hazards, and communicable diseases. 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job.  They are intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, behaviors, and competencies required of personnel so classified in this position.  This job description is subject to change by the City Government as the needs and requirements of the job change and the latest changes may not be reflected in this version. 

FLSA:    Non-Exempt, full-time                                   Salary:  $19.00/hr. - $23.00/hr.

NOTE:  To be considered for this position, you must complete and submit a 
City of Decatur Employment Application between the job posting dates.
The City of Decatur does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER