Trainee Nerc System Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $43,700.65 Annually
Location : Public Works Building, AL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-B WWCSO WW/07 (8/2026)
Department: WASTEWATER
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Central
JOB SUMMARY
The purpose of this position is to repair and maintain the wastewater collection system. Job duties consist of related technical duties. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of system operations. FLSA status is Non-Exempt.
This position can start as an entry-level (trainee) position in the Wastewater department with educational and growth requirements/opportunities. Applicants who currently possess a Grade 1C or higher license/certification would start at a higher level.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or logical assignments for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions in this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for this particular position.
SEWER OPERATION (35%)
Maintains sewer mains.
Operates hydro-vac to clean sewer mains.
Pressure washes and vacuums manholes.
Performs minor hydro-excavations.
Lifts and enters manholes to repair problems and build inverts.
SEWER INSPECTIONS (20%)
Televises sewer main inspections.
Inspects sewer mains using television equipment to look for damage or debris.
Locates laterals.
Performs routine sewer main inspections.
Checks storm drain pipes.
RIGHTS OF WAY MAINTENANCE (20%)
Maintains sewer rights-of-way.
Cleans weeds, brush, and trees from rights-of-way.
Grades and fills rights-of-way to maintain access.
Locates and marks manholes.
GPS DATA COLLECTION & MAINTENANCE (10%)
Collects and maintains sewer system GPS data.
Locates manholes, mains, creek crossings, and hot spots.
Collects data to produce more accurate maps.
LIFT STATION MAINTENANCE (5%)
Maintains lift stations.
Checks lift stations weekly to ensure proper operation.
Pulls pumps; diagnoses problems and corrects deficiencies.
Diagnoses and repairs control panels.
Checks generators for correct operation.
Cleans lift stations to remove grease and debris.
OTHER RELATED DUTIES (10%)
Assists other workers/division.
Logs activities and provides records for supervisors.
Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
High School Diploma/GED is required.
Must test for a Grade 1C Wastewater Intern certification/license within twelve (12) months of employment and receive certification within eighteen (18) months OR currently possess an Alabama Grade 1C or higher Wastewater certification/license.
Must possess a Class "A" Drivers' License with tanker endorsement or obtain within nine (9) months of employment.
Must be able to pass agility test.
Must be able to lift up to eighty (80) pounds repeatedly.
One (1) year experience in heavy manual labor, the operation of trucks and other light-duty automotive equipment and lawn care maintenance preferred.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. The following list was developed through job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.
Job duties are typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping. Employees frequently lift light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell
Job duties are typically outdoors, occasionally in extreme or inclement weather. Employees are exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals.
Job duties require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
Job duties require the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Job duties require the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive the nature of sounds by ear.
Job candidates must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress.
Job duties require regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
City of Prattville employees are required to obtain knowledge of the City of Prattville Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of their specific department rules, policies, and procedures. This job description does not necessarily include all the duties which may be required of individual employees in the classification. Job descriptions may be revised as needed.
Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Knowledge of wastewater system maintenance and repair principles.
Knowledge of areas streets and road.
Knowledge of vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance principles.
Knowledge of work safety principles.
Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles and equipment.
Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
Skill in problem-solving.
Skill in interpersonal relations.
Skill in the operation and maintenance of a variety of mechanical and electronic equipment.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Ability to learn and understand manuals and guidelines.
Ability to analyze a variety of situations and make sound judgments.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Must provide proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Willing to work overtime.
Willing to cooperate with the workload of the department.
Willing to attend continuing education courses.
Willing to comply with City of Prattville rules and regulations.
Must submit to drug screenings for this safety sensitive position.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
EEOC COMMITMENT:
The City of Prattville is committed to maintaining equal employment opportunity by considering job applicants and employees for hiring and advancement on the basis of job-pertinent individual differences and not on the basis of extraneous factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, status as current or former uniformed service member, or any other classifications protected by law.
The City of Prattville offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick, and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and short term disability insurance.
Benefits coverage is effective on the first day of the month following a 30 day waiting period for new hires. Late enrollees are subject to approval by the insurance company.
Group Medical Benefits-Through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, benefits provide members with hospitalization, office visits, and Prescription drugs (Administered through Express Scripts). Family, 2 person and individual plans are available. Complete benefits information is available in the plan document.
City of Prattville Health & Wellness Center-The City of Prattville offers an on-site wellness center to employees covered under the group health insurance plan. The Wellness Center offers convenient, co-pay free medical and prescription drug coverage for employees and their dependents.
Group Life Insurance-all regular employees receive a life insurance policy. Employees with less than 10 years of service receive a $10,000 policy and employees with 10 years of service or more receive a $20,000 policy.
Retirement-Through the Retirement Systems of Alabama, this benefit requires mandatory enrollment for all regular employees as of the first day of employment. Employees are classified as Tier I or Tier I (A) with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The employee pays a percentage of all gross income specified by RSA. The City provides a matching amount determined by RSA.
A Tier I employee is an employee who was a member of the Retirement Systems of Alabama prior to January 1, 2013. A Tier I employee may retire if he/she has 25 years of retirement service, or is age 60 with 10 years of service with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. (Regular Members 5% of earnable compensation; Full time, Certified Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers 6% of earnable compensation.)
A Tier I (A) employee is an employee who became a member of the Retirement Systems of Alabama after January 1, 2013, and by local resolution and Act 2019-32 by the Alabama Legislature became a Tier 1 employee. A Tier I (A) employee may retire if he/she has 25 years of retirement service, or is age 60 with 10 years of service with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. (Regular Members 7.5% of earnable compensation; Full time, Certified Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers 8.5% of earnable compensation.)
Deferred Compensation (457 Plans)-Voluntary participation allows the employee to lower taxable income, and pay tax on the deferred income in the year of distribution. The City has 457 Plans through Nationwide Retirement, AIG Valic Financial Advisors, RSA-1, and Alabama Deferred Compensation. The employee may contribute up to the current allowable limits. All regular employees are eligible on the first day of employment.
Supplemental Insurance-Employees may obtain coverage for Dental, Cancer, Disability, Accident, and Life Insurance. The City of Prattville offers payroll deduction for supplemental insurance. The employee pays for all supplemental insurance coverage. You are eligible upon purchasing coverage and meeting eligibility requirements.
Flexible Spending Account-Allows employees to lower their taxable income by placing certain insurance premiums under this plan. Also, offers unreimbursed medical/dental expense benefits, as well as daycare expense benefits.
Vacation Leave-
8 Hour Employees
Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.
Completed 6 months - 40 hours (5 days)
Completed 1 year - 40 hours (5 days)
Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 80 hours (10 days) per year
10 years through 15 years accrues 120 hours (15 days) per year
16 years and over accrues 160 hours (20 days) per year
The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 360 hours for 8-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.
12Hour Employees (Watewater)
Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.
Completed 6 months - 42 hours (3.5 days)
Completed 1 year - 42 hours (3.5 days)
Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 84 hours (7 days) per year
10 years through 15 years accrues 124 hours (10 days) per year
16 years and over accrues 168 hours (14 days) per year
The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 378 hours for 12-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.
24 Hour Employees (Fire)
Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.
Completed 6 months - 60 hours (2.5 days)
Completed 1 year - 60 hours (2.5 days)
Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 120 hours (5 days) per year
10 years through 15 years accrues 180 hours (7.5 days) per year
16 years and over accrues 240 hours (10 days) per year
The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 504 hours for 24-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.
Sick Leave-
8 Hour Employees
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 80 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 360 hours) or converting the leave to service time. The City administers the time and pays for accrued sick leave. You are eligible upon completion of the first full pay period after your hire date.
12 Hour Employees (Wastewater)
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 84 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 378 hours) or converting the leave to service time. The City administers the time and pays for accrued sick leave. You are eligible upon completion of the first full pay period after your hire date.
24 Hour Employees (Fire)
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 120 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 504 hours) or converting the