Operations Trainee Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Description This position performs semi-skilled technical and unskilled manual work in the daily operation of the City's Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed utilizing standard methods under general supervision. The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, toxic/caustic chemicals, disease/pathogens, confined spaces; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Essential Job Functions Assists in monitoring and performing all daily plant operations (Trainee); Assists with inspection of equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness (Trainee); Assists in troubleshooting technical and mechanical problems (Trainee); Assists with preventive maintenance on equipment; and/or assists with equipment repairs as needed (Trainee); Assists with monitoring and recording readings from meters, gauges and instruments (Trainee); Assists with starts up, shuts down, and assists with regulating and adjusting motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions (Trainee); Assists in adjusting chemical rates as indicated (Trainee); Assists with the collection and preparation of wastewater samples for laboratory analysis; assists with performing lab tests and preparation of laboratory reports (Trainee); Assists with unloading of chemical delivery trucks (Trainee); Monitors and performs all daily plant operations; Inspects equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness; Assists in troubleshooting technical and mechanical problems; Performs limited preventive maintenance on equipment; performs and/or assists with equipment repairs as needed; Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments; Starts up, shuts down, regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions (all Operators except Trainees); Adjusts chemical rates as required (all Operators except Trainees); Collects and prepares wastewater samples for laboratory analysis; performs lab tests and prepares laboratory reports; Unloads chemical delivery trucks; Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment; Alerts supervisors to unusual operating problems; Assists in ensuring plant compliance with City/department policies and procedures, S.C

DHEC regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety; Meets S.C. Labor, License and Regulations' operator renewal requirements; Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to completing forms and reports, attending and conducting meetings, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.; Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills; Is considered essential personnel and is on call 24 hours per day for emergency response; and Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High school diploma or GED; No prior experience required for entry level trainee positions; Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License; Will be required to demonstrate competency and complete the necessary requirements in the Apprenticeship Program for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators; Pay grade will be dependent upon certification, education, and work experience for applicants who possess Class "A, B, C or D" level of certification

Pay grade will be dependent upon certification and work experience for applicants who possess Class "A, B, C or D" level of certification: Level Pay Grade Salary Range Trainee 107 $39,024.00 Operator Level "D" 108 $40,975.00 - $52,243.00 Operator Level "C" 109 $43,024.00 - $54,855.50 Operator Level "B" 110 $46,251.00 - $58,970.00 Operator Level "A" 111 $49,720.00 - $63,393.00 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages (Trainee); Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes; Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office preferred, utilizing Outlook and word processing software programs; skill in doing data entry, spreadsheet and database software programs preferred; Ability to perform all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, contracts, permits, and standards of quality and safety; Ability to operate complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as public utility equipment and systems, heavy equipment and vehicles; may involve installation and testing; involves operations of limited scope; Ability to read routine sentences, instrumentations, regulations, procedures or work orders; writing routine sentences and completing routine job forms and incident reports; speaking routine sentences using proper grammar (Trainee); Ability to perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem-solving. Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form; Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and Ability to take actions of others, requiring almost constant decisions affecting co-workers, customers or others in the general public; works in a moderately fluid environment with guidelines and rules, but frequent variations from the routine.