Find & Apply For Water Treatment Specialist / Waste Water Operator Jobs in Geneva, Ohio

POSITION TITLE

Wastewater Operator in Training

DEPARTMENT

Village of Geneva-on-the-Lake Public Works Department, Wastewater Section

REPORTS TO

Public Works Superintendent SALARY:

$18.50 per hour, including medical and OPERS benefits

FSLA STATUS

Non-exempt (Full-time, hourly)

LOCATION

Village of Geneva-on-the-Lake

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Wastewater Operator-in-Training (OIT) is an entry-level position designed for individuals seeking to enter the municipal utility and environmental sector. Working under the direct supervision and technical mentorship of the Public Works Superintedent, the OIT learns to perform daily plant operations, laboratory testing, preventive maintenance, and collection system repairs. The employee in this position is required to acquire the necessary operating hours, sit for, and successfully pass the Ohio EPA Class 1 Wastewater Treatment Operator examination within eighteen (18) months of employment pursuant to Ohio EPA regulations (OAC 3745-7).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate in the work for the operation and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system, wastewater treatment plant, sanitary collection infrastructure, sewage pump stations and related equipment Performs daily physical plant inspections alongside licensed operators, learning to read gauges, flow meters, digital control panels, and SCADA monitoring systems Learns the mechanics of biological wastewater treatment, including activated sludge systems, aeration basins, secondary clarifiers, disinfection processes, and sludge holding tanks Assists with daily process adjustments under explicit instruction from the Operator of Record, including chemical feed setups, pump operations, and flow diversions. Learns and performs basic laboratory bench tests; collects daily raw influent, mixed liquor, and final effluent samples at designated NPDES permit discharge points under direct supervision Performs routine preventive maintenance on machinery, including greasing bearings, changing oil in blowers/pumps, checking drive belts, and cleaning bar screens Cleans, pulls, unclogs raw sewage pumps and check valves under safety supervision Maintains plant grounds and facility cleanliness, including lawn mowing, weed trimming, snow removal around tanks and walkways, painting, and general shop housekeeping Participate in sewer collection system maintenance; clean and inspect sewers as required; Accompanies staff on inspections of municipal sewage lift stations; Assists with high-pressure sewer jetting to prevent blockages Provides secondary assistance to the Street Department during severe winter weather, snow plowing emergencies or municipal road projects Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work area. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Maintain inventory of chemicals, lubricants and spare parts/equipment necessary for pumping and treatment operations;

Mandatory Licensing Condition Condition of Employment:

Must successfully pass the Ohio EPA Class 1 Wastewater Treatment Operator examination and apply for Class 1 certification within eighteen (18) months of hire date. Failure to obtain licensure within the 18-month timeframe may result in re-assignment or termination of employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. (Basic coursework in math, chemistry, biology, or algebra is helpful).

Experience:

No prior wastewater experience required. Mechanical aptitude, hand tool familiarity, or exposure to manual labor/construction is preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Strong work ethic, punctuality, and ability to follow precise verbal and written instructions from supervisors Interest in learning biological water treatment processes, chemistry concepts, and environmental regulations Operate modern office equipment including computers to manage data and control the operation of automated equipment Ability to learn basic wastewater mathematical formulas (calculating volumes, flow rates, averages, and chemical feed dosages Ability to learn the safe operation of hand tools, power tools, light utility trucks, pumps, and lawn maintenance equipment Maintain accurate and detailed logs and records of work and laboratory tests performed Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions. Work is performed in both indoor laboratory environments and outdoor field conditions under all weather extremes (heat, freezing cold, rain, snow) wastewater environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, electrical energy; work in or with water. Lifting; walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds Visual acuity to operate assigned machinery and equipment. May be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and to travel outside municipal boundaries to attend trainings or meetings. Availability to assist with emergency high-water calls, severe winter weather, or utility equipment failures following initial training

Pay:

$18.50 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person