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Water Resource Recovery Operator Trainee
Description of Duties
This is a two (2) year trainee position in the Department of Environmental Services wastewater treatment plants and pumping facilities, in which employees (1) learn and master various tasks and safety procedures associated with their operation and (2) are provided training to obtain a Grade III-A Wastewater Treatment Operator (WTO) certification issued under the provisions of part 650 of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations. Upon successful completion of the training period and attainment of the Grade III-A WTO certification, permanent employees are promoted to the title of Water Resource Recovery Operator without further civil service testing. Employees who do not successfully attain the Grade III-A WTO certificate and complete the training within the two (2) year period will be removed from the position. Employees will be given various assignments and training related to preliminary, primary and secondary treatment; solids handling, odor control, sampling, disinfection, wet weather flow handling, aeration process control, energy management, process troubleshooting, pumping systems, safe operating practices, State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit compliance and Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR), supervision, work order entry, and process monitoring. Duties further include manual labor, working in confined spaces, and require shift and weekend work, and remaining on call for emergencies. The employee reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of a Senior Water Resource Recovery Operator or other higher-level staff member.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements on or before the date of the written exam:
Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma plus EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree; OR
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours in math or science**; OR,
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university specifically approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation* with an Associate of Applied Science degree; OR,
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate of Applied Science; plus eighteen (18) months paid full-time or its part-time equivalent**** operating experience at a wastewater treatment plant; OR,
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree with a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours in math or science**, plus eighteen (18) months paid full-time or its part-time equivalent**** operating experience at a wastewater treatment plant; OR,
- Possession of a Grade III-A or IV-A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification*** issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; OR,
- Three (3) years paid full-time or its part-time equivalent**** operating experience at a wastewater treatment plant.
*An approved Associate of Applied Science degree must have included one (1) of the following curriculums:
(1) Ecology and Environmental Technology from Paul Smith’s College;
(2) Water Quality Monitoring from Ulster County Community College
(3) Environmental Technology from SUNY-Morrisville;
(4) Water/Wastewater Technology from Crowder College
**Applicants qualifying under (B) or (E) must submit an official, unofficial or student copy of their college transcript.
***Copy of Certification must be submitted with application.
Anticipated Eligibility – Age and Educational Requirements:
According to Civil Service Law, section 54 which became effective September 4, 2024, applicants who are within 12 months of meeting the minimum age or attaining the minimum educational requirements following the date of examination, may take the civil service exam, but will be restricted from certification until such a time that the minimum age or educational requirements are met. Candidates will be required to provide proof of qualifying education and/or age within 12 months of exam date in order to be eligible for appointment from a certified list.
Special Requirements:
If you are appointed, you will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.
Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test for employment with Monroe County Government.
