DESCRIPTION: In order for candidates to be considered for this program, ALL APPLICATIONS MUST be submitted to WWW.JCCAL.ORG/CAREERS Individuals selected for the Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprenticeship program will be temporarily appointed into these positions and will work at a Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), which is a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The program will last for up to twenty-four (24) months. The apprenticeship program will include, but not be limited to, a minimum of 60 hours of classroom instruction generally described below, but subject to change based on the requirements of Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Grade II, III, and IV exams, Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) Need-to-Know Criteria, and other necessary knowledge identified by the Director or Deputy Director of the department: Math for WRF Operators Lab Sampling and Analysis Fundamentals and Maintenance of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment WRF Treatment Processes Safety Procedures in the WRF Environment Classroom attendance will be mandatory. The Apprentice will spend up to 50% of their time in the classroom and self-study, with the balance of their time spent performing related duties of a WRF Operator and under the guidance and mentorship of existing certified personnel. Progression to the next WRF Operator Apprenticeship level will require passing the Apprenticeship program's comprehensive exams to include knowledge-based tests, a satisfactory or better rating on performance evaluations, and successfully passing the required level of the ADEM examination. Participants will receive a minimum of 2 attempts to pass the State of Alabama Certification Exam to be allowed to continue in the program. The cost of the exams is the responsibility of the County. Apprentices continued employment shall be subject to all other applicable County and departmental policies and procedures, and Merit System Rules and Regulations. JOB DUTIES: · Conducts preventative maintenance techniques on WRF operating equipment to ensure proper and safe plant operations. · Maintains plant equipment by replacing, rotating, and cleaning clarifiers, presses, belts, pits, pumps, basins, UV module, sand filter system, etc. · Collects samples, conducts field and lab tests, performs laboratory tests, records calculations and test results and transposes results into monthly operating reports for submission. · Performs detailed inspections of the wastewater flow and the operating equipment and make necessary adjustments to ensure proper functioning. · Regulates plant processes depending on various settings, flow movement and other variables. · Gathers information from plant equipment and gauges, records readings and reports any malfunctions. · Maintains plant grounds by cleaning floors, walkways, buildings, removing trash and debris and performing repairs as necessary. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: · The ability to orally communicate information and ideas so others will understand. · The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. · Skill in working through differences in goals or interests with an individual/group. · The ability to analyze a problem from different perspectives and generate potential solutions that are practical and effective. · The ability to maintain awareness of safety procedures and practices in a variety of novel and everyday work tasks/situations. · The ability to maintain physical stamina over long periods of physically demanding work. · The ability to maintain mental stamina and focus over long periods of work and/or during times of high stress. · The ability to pay close attention to detail in order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of work. · The ability to create an environment that welcomes, values, and includes perspectives from different backgrounds and/or cultures. · The ability to work collaboratively with a group or team in an effort to achieve a common goal. · The ability to manage your time in order to accomplish objectives within given timeframes. · The ability to work in an environment that requires strict adherence to instructions, standards, and/or procedures. · The ability to manage and allocate one's time in order to handle multiple tasks and/or meet pressing deadlines. · The ability to teach or train individuals with regard to new information, procedures, processes, and/or equipment. · The ability to determine safe operation of equipment based on given constraints or conditions. · The ability to determine the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. · The ability to stoop, crouch or crawl. · The ability to climb (e.g., ladders, steps). · The ability to operate a motor vehicle. · The ability to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds. · The ability to perform general labor activities (e.g., digging holes, unloading, and moving materials, cleaning). · Ability to monitor gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. · Ability to perform basic mathematical operations (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, and divide). · The ability to use standard formulas, rules, and equipment to compute various measurements of objects (e.g., length, width, volume, circumference). COMPETENCIES: · Technical Knowledge · Problem Solving and Decision Making · Professionalism/Policies and Procedures · Mathematical/Statistical Skills · Written Communication · Oral Communication · Computer Operations · Researching and Referencing · Adaptability and Flexibility · Vehicle Operation/Driving · Safety Awareness · Physical Abilities · Teamwork · Dependability and Reliability · Comprehension of Mechanical Principles · Interpretation of Data and Written Information · Situational Judgment · Initiative and Self-Leadership · Ability to Learn REQUIREMENTS: The following Minimum Qualifications are required for this job. Candidates must meet or agree to all before being considered minimally eligible to participate in the Apprenticeship program. · Must possess and provide proof of a valid (not expired) Driver's License. *Should you receive an offer of employment for this position, you will be required to provide proof of a valid (not expired, revoked, or suspended) Driver's License during the time of the offer. Your offer may be rescinded if you do not provide a valid Driver's License during the time of employment offer. · Must possess and provide proof of a valid High School Diploma or GED (as required by Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) for all levels of Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Operator certification exams). *Should you receive an offer of employment for this position, you will be required to provide proof of a valid High School Diploma or GED during the time of employment offer or before your first day of employment if graduation is pending. Your offer may be rescinded if you do not provide or obtain your high school diploma or GED before your first day of employment. · Must be capable of stooping, crouching, or crawling, climbing (e.g., ladders, steps), lifting objects weighing more than 50 pounds, performing general labor activities (e.g., digging holes, unloading, and moving materials, cleaning, etc.). · Must be willing to work in various WRF/Wastewater Treatment Plant work conditions. Examples of conditions include sewage, toxic gas (e.g., methane), heat, cold, ice, rain, grass, heights (up to 40 ft), enclosed or confined spaces, heavy (no more than 50 lbs.) and light lifting; around insects, vermin, bodies of water, and walking long distances. · Must be willing to be exposed to loud noises. · Must be willing to work differential shifts, weekends, holidays, and be on-call. ADDITIONALLY, APPLICANTS MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING: All applicants must attend a mandatory Realistic Job Preview (RJP) session at a Water Reclamation Facility, which is designed for applicants to learn more about the job that includes an educational presentation, a walking tour, and a computerized test. This session will occur at a future date and time to be determined. The WRF Operator Apprentice job is a temporary appointment designed for individuals to become a regular, classified employee (i.e., no longer temporary) upon obtaining the Water Reclamation (Wastewater) Grade IV Operator Certification. The temporary appointment of any individual shall not confer on the appointee any rights of status, appeal or related rights set forth under the Personnel Board of Jefferson County Rules and Regulations. If an individual is eligible and is a current Merit System employee, s/he must be a regular Merit System employee (i.e., not in probationary status) in good standing. DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the duties, responsibilities, skills, or abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Human Resources Department of Jefferson County at any time. YOUR RIGHT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: It is against the law for a sponsor of an apprenticeship program registered for Federal purposes to discriminate an apprenticeship applicant or apprentice based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age (40 years or older), genetic information, or disability. The sponsor must ensure equal opportunity with regard to all terms, conditions, and privileges associated with apprenticeship. If you think that you have been subjected to discrimination, you may file a complaint within 300 days from the date of the alleged discrimination or failure to follow the equal opportunity standards with Josh Laney with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship located at One Technology Court, Montgomery, Alabama 36116. Phone number is 334-280-4414 and email address is info@alapprentice.org. You may also be able to file complaints directly with the EECO, or State fair employment practices agency. If those offices have jurisdiction over the sponsor/employer, their contact information is listed below. The EEOC can be reached at 1-800-669-4000. Jefferson County Commission will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER. Jefferson County Commission will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30. Pay: From $18.88 per hour Work Location: In person