Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Salary

$18.78 - $30.04 Hourly

Location

126 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan, AL

Job Type

FULL TIME

Job Number

472-26-02

Department

Dothan Utilities

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

7/15/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position is responsible for assisting in the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities as a trainee under the direction of a Class IV Operator.

Major Duties

• Operates wastewater treatment machinery and equipment under the direction and supervision of a Grade IV Operator; assists in the maintenance and repair electrical, mechanical, and other systems; assists in installing plant equipment.
• Collects samples and performs laboratory tests.
• Monitors plant operations and records a variety of meter and gauge readings.
• Performs preventive and reactive maintenance under the direction of a Class IV Operator; services screens, aerators, clarifiers, ultraviolet bulbs, etc.; maintains and repairs blowers, pumps, valves, etc.
• Participates in sludge watering processes; adjusts polymer feed rate to optimize solid waste removal.
• Transports grit trailer to landfill for grit disposal.
• Performs plant security checks on gates, doors, fencing, etc.
• Maintains treatment plant grounds.
• Operates equipment such as loader, forklift, skid steer, tractor, dump truck, backhoe, etc.
• Completes required classes and training sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment system maintenance and repair principles.
• Knowledge of wastewater plant operations principles and processes.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment rules, regulations, standards, and principles.
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater sample collection and analysis.
• Skill in the mechanical maintenance and repair of treatment plant equipment.
• 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 oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Wastewater Treatment Chief Plant Operator or the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include NPDES permit requirements, OSHA regulations, EPA and ADEM regulations, other relevant state and federal regulations, industry standards, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related technical duties. Frequent condition changes contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to assist in the operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities as a trainee under the direction of a Class IV Operator. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment operations and ensures compliance with rules and regulations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, vendors, contractors, representatives of state and federal agencies, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally 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.
• The work is typically performed in wastewater treatment facilities and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and

• Six (6) months recent working experience in the repair and maintenance of piping, motors, pumps and related equipment and controls used in water or wastewater treatment and collection facilities, or related field.

NOTE: Graduation from an accredited* college with a degree in a relevant field waives the six (6) months experience requirement.

• An accredited agency is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER:

Employees are required to complete/sign the Certification & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer form(s). [See condition(s) for details.]

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid operator's driver license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 9/10/01)
• Employees in this position are required to take the ADEM Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade II test (1st attempt) within nine (9) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer to this position and further required to obtain/pass ADEM Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade II certification within twelve (12) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer to this position. (See Condition for details.)
• An employee in this position must progress to ADEM Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade IV within twelve (12) months after obtaining ADEM Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade II operator certification. (See condition for details.)
• Employees are required to obtain a Class B, Commercial Driver License (CDL) within 120 days of employment/promotion/transfer/demotion to this position. (See condition for details.)
• In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion /demotion/transfer.
• An employee in this position must be available to be contacted via phone within 30 days of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer, due to call out requirements.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and ransom tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 8/13/12)
• Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing.

Application / Examination

Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing jobs@dothan.org.

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year

• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year

• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected

• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama

• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees

• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders

• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account

• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.

02

Which best describes what your highest COMPLETED level of education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.

• None
• High School Diploma / GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

03

Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.

• Engineering or Engineering Technology
• Biology, Chemistry, Environmental, or Mathematical Science
• Industrial Systems Technology with Applied Science
• Other / Related
• Other / Non-related
• No degree

04

If you checked "Other" in question #3 above, please list your degree/major/field of study, etc. If not applicable, list "N/A"

05

Which best describes your recent (within the past five years) work experience in the repair and maintenance of piping, motors, pumps and related equipment and controls used in water or wastewater treatment and collection facilities, or related field?

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 2.9 years
• 3 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

06

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. Do NOT list "See Resume."

07

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. Do NOT list "See Resume."

08

Do you have a current Wastewater Operator Grade II certification?

In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your registration by the closing date of this advertisement.

You may fax it to (334) 615-3189, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have a current Wastewater Operator Grade IV certification?

In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your registration by the closing date of this advertisement.

You may fax it to (334) 615-3189, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have any other certifications in wastewater or a related field?

• Yes
• No

11

If yes, list the certification(s). If no, list "N/A".

In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your registration by the closing date of this advertisement.

You may fax it to (334) 615-3189, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

12

Do you have the ability to read and write, and accurately perform mathematical, chemical, and biological science computations?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you able and willing to commit to a schedule that may require working nights, overtime, weekends, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

14

Are you able and willing to commit to working up to 10-hours per day?

• Yes
• No

15

The starting pay for this position is $18.78/hour. Are you willing to work for $18.78/hour?

• Yes
• No

16

In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing/able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

17

Do you have a valid operator drivers license and an acceptable driving record?

Click here to view the City of Dothans Motor Vehicle Policy.

• Yes
• No

18

Do you currently possess a State of Alabama issued CDL?

• Yes
• No

19

If yes, please indicate which Class of CDL you possess. If no, please indicate by "N/A"

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C
• N/A

20

Do you possess a State issued CDL other than Alabama?

• Yes
• No

21

If yes, please indicate which State, Class, and expiration date. If no, please list "N/A". Ex. GA 1234567; Class E; 10-05-2010

22

This position requires a Wastewater Operator Grade II certification within twelve (12) months of employment.

NOTE: Employees in this position are required to take the ADEM Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade II test (1st attempt) within nine (9) months of employment/ promotion/demotion/transfer to this position. Are you willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes, I agree/understand
• No, I disagree

23

This position requires a Wastewater Operator Grade IV certification within twelve (12) months after obtaining the ADEM Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade II operator certification. Are you willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes, I agree/understand
• No, I disagree

24

This is to certify that I have read and understand the three (3) Condition of Employment forms and Certification of Understanding of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/ Transfer for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama.

Click here to view form.

Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)

• I Agree/Understand
• I Disagree

25

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply. Should I desire to have updated information included for this specific position I should contact the Personnel/Human Resources office at (334) 615-3180 for assistance.

• Yes
• No

26

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your examination score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and this supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.

27

Personnel Use Only

Required Question

Employer City of Dothan

Address 126 North Saint Andrews Street

Room 116

Dothan, Alabama, 36303

Phone 334.615.3180

Website http://www.dothan.org