Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Lebanon. Applicants must use their own personal email address when applying. If you are using someone else's email address, your application will be rejected. A completed application is required for your application to be considered and reviewed by the hiring manager. Do not leave blanks and do not skip the application questionnaire. Please sure to fill out your full work history to be considered for the position.
GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK
Under close supervision, the Wastewater Operator Intern performs routine tasks and receives hands-on training in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility. The internship is designed to develop foundational knowledge and skills in wastewater treatment processes, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance. Interns assist with sampling, testing, data recording, and routine maintenance, while participating in structured training programs aimed at eventual certification as a Grade 1 Wastewater Operator.
This internship offers practical experience in a professional, safety-focused environment and provides exposure to various plant systems, including mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control processes. The intern is expected to follow established procedures, develop technical skills, and gain a thorough understanding of wastewater operations in preparation for a future career in the water and wastewater industry. This is a temporary six-month position designed to prepare candidates for future employment and potential certification as a Grade 1 Wastewater Operator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Learns and assists in operating wastewater treatment processes and equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and repair tasks.
• Collects and records wastewater samples.
• Conducts basic laboratory tests and analysis.
• Assists in monitoring and controlling the treatment process.
• Performs manual labor, housekeeping, and groundskeeping tasks.
• Participates in training and development programs.
• Works under close supervision, following established procedures and guidelines.
• Assists in documenting plant operations, maintenance, and testing results.
• Develops knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, processes, and regulations.
• Operates skid steer and telehandlers.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this role.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or trainer.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge:

• Basic principles of the wastewater treatment process
• Familiarity with industry regulations and standards.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures.
• Understanding of plant equipment and instrumentation.
• Basic chemistry and biology concepts.
• Conceptual understanding of hydraulics, mechanics, electrical, I&C, process control, laboratory, and microbiology.

Skills:

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate equipment.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Basic laboratory skills and testing procedures.
• Data collection and recording skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with software applications.

Abilities:

• Ability to learn and adapt quickly.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain records.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Effective communication skills:

• Verbal and written.
• Follows and provides clear instructions.

Basic reading skills:

• Understand technical documents & instructions.
• Interprets safety data sheets and operating manuals.

Basic writing skills:

• Records data and test results accurately.
• Completes routine reports & logs.

Comprehensive skills:

• Understands industry-specific terminology and concepts.
• Follows safety protocols and procedures.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Basic math operations:

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Decimals, fractions, and percentages.

Measurement conversions:

• Length, weight, and volume units (e.g., gallons to pounds)

Algebraic concepts:

• Basic formulas and equations.
• Solving for unknown variables.

Data analysis:

• Interpret charts, graphs, and tables.
• Basic statistical concepts (e.g., mean, median, range)

Calculations:

• Flow rates, dosing rates, and chemical concentrations.
• Wastewater treatment process calculations.

The above mathematical skills are essential for a WWTP trainee to perform such tasks as:

• Calculating chemical dosage and flow rates.
• Interpreting data and test results.
• Understanding and adjusting the treatment process.
• Completing reports and records accurately

EDUCATION
A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D) is required.
EXPERIENCE
None or minimal experience required (entry-level position)
REQUIRED CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE
None required for hire; however, a wastewater license operator license is preferred.
DRIVER LICENSE
A valid driver's License with a clear driving record is required. If a candidate does not have a valid Tennessee driver's license, they must acquire one in 30 days of hire.
A CDL license is preferred.
AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Given the critical infrastructure role of the facility and the need to maintain essential staffing during events such as severe weather, power outages, or other emergency conditions, employees in this position must be available to work rotating shifts, including 24/7 assignments. This position is subject to on-call and call-back requirements, which may include work outside of normal business hours, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The employee must be available to participate in a rotating on-call schedule and may be required to report to duty or remain onsite during emergency operations.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
Due to the on-call and emergency response nature of this position, the ideal candidate should reside in Wilson County or in one of the surrounding counties that border Wilson County, including Cannon, Davidson, DeKalb, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, or Trousdale Counties.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The City of Lebanon will provide training for this opportunity. We are accepting applications for both experienced and entry-level candidates.
Read here for more information to this job description: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/water-and-wastewater-treatment-plant-and-system-operators.htm
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT
Promotions: Career ladder promotion for Grades 1-4 WWTP Operator Certifications in conjunction with on-the-job demonstration of capability.
Training: Professional development opportunities, including training, certification programs, and continuing education credits.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is required to walk; sit; use tools; operate controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and listen, observe, or smell. The employee must frequently lift, move, push, pull or carry up to 50 pounds. May occasionally push, pull or move 75 to 100 pounds, with assistance. Must be able to use tools such as breaker bar, pipe wrench, and hand truck.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to hot, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Must undergo required physical examination and complete vaccinations.
It shall be the responsibility of the City of Lebanon Utilities Director to assess the type(s) of reasonable accommodations which may be necessary to allow the individual to perform the essential functions of this position and to provide such necessary reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a disability, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to require the provision of reasonable accommodations if doing so will impose an undue hardship on the employing agency or a direct threat to the safety of himself/herself or others.