Hybrid WPC Plant Student Operator at City of Ames, IA

About the Department

The City of Ames Water and Pollution Control Department has an exciting opportunity for WPC Plant Student Operators to provide support to the WPC Division!

Under close supervision, performs work involving primary responsibility for the operation of the Water and Pollution Control plant, and pumping stations to treat the domestic and industrial wastewater needs for the Ames community, Iowa State University and the City of Kelley.

The WPC Student Operator will typically work 16-19 hours every week throughout the calendar year. After the training period, the WPC Plant Student Operator will work independently on their assigned shifts.

This position works primarily two weekends on and two weekends off, at which time you will work 2-3 days during the week for two weeks which may include holidays. Typical weekend shifts include 2pm-10pm and 10pm-6am, and may vary due to shifts needing to be filled. Please note that weekend hours may be subject to change.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for practical experience in engineering, chemistry, and environmental science fields. Due to the amount of training provided to the WPC Plant Student Operators, we request all applicants be committed to employment with the WPC Plant for a minimum of 12 months.

Compensation Steps
No License:
Starting Rate of Pay: $21.17/hour
12 Months of Service: $22.22/hour
24 Months of Service: $23.34/hour

With Grade I Wastewater Operator License:
Starting Rate of Pay: $22.22/hour
12 Months of Service: $23.34/hour
24 Months of Service: $24.50/hour

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient. 

Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings in this classification for up to 1 year.

This position is an ongoing, part-time, less than 20 hours per week position that is not benefit or paid leave eligible.

Position Duties

Performs increasingly difficult and skilled work as training and education progresses. Conducts laboratory tests and equipment checks to monitor overall treatment process. Operates a wide variety of pumps, motors, chemical feed equipment, and other related equipment used in wastewater treatment; collects samples and tests for wastewater parameters as assigned; adjusts chemical feed and other equipment to meet prescribed water quality limits; adjusts pumping and plant treatment rates accordingly to maintain adequate wastewater treatment; enters process data into computer system; maintains plant operating records by making calculations and completing operating logs; creates reports; observes mechanical equipment to ensure proper operating condition and performance; attends or provides training as required; provides customer service as required; consults with and receives approval from supervisor(s) before making process changes such as plant start-up and shutdown, mode changes. The WPC Plant Student Operator performs maintenance duties during assigned maintenance shifts; performs extra computer tasks, sampling and laboratory duties in connection with special plant or research projects; drives maintenance vehicles on occasion. Performs related work as required.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: 
Required: Current college student.
Preferred: Student enrolled in a program related to the field of water environmental treatment, wastewater treatment, engineering, environmental science, or chemistry; OR two years of experience with mechanical equipment; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver's license required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Necessary to Perform Essential Functions:
Extensive training will be provided; knowledge of computer systems; knowledge of the principles of hydraulics, chemistry, and electricity; ability to read and interpret data; ability to make mathematical computations; ability to work alone on an operating shift and take responsibility for previously outlined procedures; ability to follow standard operating procedures; ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations on an individual basis; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, supervisors, co-workers and other City employees.

 Physical and Environmental Characteristics
Examples of Equipment Essential to the Job: Computers, software, and peripheral equipment, SCADA equipment, calculator, intercom, two-way radio, variety of printed materials, lab equipment, scale, cleaning chemicals, chemical feed equipment, emergency equipment, switches, pipes and valves; electrical equipment; safety equipment including masks, and gloves; maintenance vehicles.

Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, crawling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

General Physical Characteristics: The work involves sitting 40 percent of the time, standing (but not walking) five percent of the time; standing and walking 55 percent of the time. Requires exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, to move objects.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, computer terminal, extensive reading, operation of machines (including inspection), and use of measurement devices.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin, oils, and working in isolation.

Other Qualifications

Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education, experience, and supplemental questions, a panel interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check and motor vehicle record check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

NOTE: Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

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