About the Department

DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, learns and performs unskilled and limited manual and equipment operation in the maintenance and operation of the District wastewater collection system. The hands-on experience will give the intern the basic knowledge of how a wastewater collection system and pump stations operate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision from the Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor and/or Wastewater Maintenance Manager and functional and technical direction from the Wastewater Maintenance Worker I, II, III, or Wastewater Maintenance Lead Worker.  Exercises no direct supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Wastewater Maintenance Intern is a temporary, part-time, non-benefited position. The incumbent works under close supervision of the Wastewater Maintenance staff. Incumbents with basic maintenance experience learn District infrastructure, systems, and facilities, use of tools and equipment. Incumbent may participate in District activities such as installing, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing collections system facilities and equipment, including main sewer lines, laterals, pumping stations and mobile equipment.  

Position Duties

(Illustrative Only)

• Works as a member of the wastewater team in the maintenance and operation of the wastewater system.
• Assists with routine maintenance and cleaning of wastewater collection lines.
• Assists with maintenance and operation of the wastewater pumping stations.
• Learns to set up traffic control and safety equipment when using vehicles on a street or other roadway; uses safety equipment and observes all safety procedures as specified by the District.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:
 

• Basic principles, practices, tools, equipment, and supplies required to maintain and repair a wastewater collection system, including underground sewer lines and laterals and pumping stations.
• Basic computer applications related to the work.
• Basic mathematics.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

 
Ability to:
 

• Learn to safely use hand and power tools related to the work. 
• Make accurate mathematical calculations.
• Read maps, manuals, and specifications.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12^th) grade. College-level coursework with public wastewater systems and infrastructure preferred. 

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.   The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.   Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment.  Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 75 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.