Department of Environmental Services

Duties Summary:

            Receives training and performs as an assistant in a trainee capacity to higher level operators in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater plant equipment and processes; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

            This class represents an unlicensed entry level trainee for the wastewater treatment plant operator series. Under the immediate supervision of higher-level operators, the work involves formal and informal training to develop the required skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary in the operation, maintenance and repair of a wastewater plant processes and equipment. 

            This class is distinguished from the Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in that the Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee does not possess experience and/or training of sufficient scope and quality to show competence in assisting in the operation and/or maintenance of pumping plant, marine engine room, power plant or related industrial-type equipment. The Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee represents a transitory classification for persons interested in pursuing a career in wastewater treatment plant operation, but who do not yet meet the experience requirements for becoming an Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

Illustrative Examples of Work:

            Participates in operating and maintaining various wastewater treatment plant processes and equipment for the purpose of acquiring entry level competence in operating/maintaining industrial-type equipment; removes dried digested sludge from sludge drying beds for disposal; cleans and maintains sludge drying beds; drains and cleans process tanks and channels which is not limited to wastewater clarifiers, aeration tanks, sludge digestion tanks and wet wells; conducts visual checks for proper operation of equipment and processes; performs housekeeping cleaning of process equipment which is not limited to weirs, launders, baffles, conveyors and screens; performs minor repair and preventive maintenance work on process equipment; assists in the removal, cleaning, and replacement of air diffusion equipment from the aeration tanks; conducts collection and analysis of wastewater samples; performs cleaning, maintaining and organization of hand tools, power tools and process meters; monitors and registers wastewater haulers at septage handling facilities; operates a motor vehicle to transport tools and equipment to various worksites; attends training classes at the wastewater treatment plant to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the certification/license exam for Grade I license.

Minimum Qualification Requirements for the Class:

• Training and Experience:  None.
• License Requirement:  Possession of an appropriate valid Hawaii State driver’s license, as required.
• Knowledge of:  Arithmetic.
• Ability to:  Learn the operation and maintenance of common wastewater plant equipment; read meters and gauges, record readings, and maintain operating records; read and comprehend written materials; use hand and power tools; understand and follow written and oral instructions; handle weights and loads.

Physical Requirement:

            Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties.

• Physical Effort Grouping: Heavy