Note: The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.

Note: Applications/resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. First consideration will be given to applications/resumes received by 5/20/2023.

Full-time City employees will receive preference in the following order: major division first, then department, then all other full-time City employees. Part-time/year-round City employees will receive preference next. If there are no qualified full-time City employees or part-time/year-round City employees, external applicants will then be considered.

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

Plant Operator Trainees are operators learning water treatment. They are responsible for inspecting and monitoring assigned areas of water treatment plant processes to ensure established procedures are followed in the proper treatment of water processes and for performing maintenance as may be needed. Attention to detail is paramount when conducting tests, performing calculations, and entering and retrieving test data and sample collection information into the laboratory’s computer system. As a result, computer software skills are required to successfully perform in this position.

JOB SUMMARY

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

This posting will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Water Quality Division of the Utilities Department within the City of Oklahoma City. However, an eligibility list will be established or supplemented for filling future vacancies in the department, per provisions of the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement. This job is under the supervision of an immediate supervisor. The Plant Operator Trainee receives on-the-job training from a Plant Operator I or other more experienced individuals and works closely with other plant personnel in performing tasks during initial training. The work performed is standardized in nature but requires a functional knowledge of plant facilities, as well as skills in operating plant equipment and machinery. The employee is responsible for inspecting and monitoring assigned areas of plant operations to ensure established procedures are followed in maintaining the proper treatment of water and for performing maintenance as may be needed. Essential job functions include: accurately recording and compiling data for operating logs and reports; collecting samples and performing certain laboratory tests in compliance with regulatory and department requirements; and other special assignments as delegated by the supervisor. Other duties may include, but are not limited to: operating, inspecting, and maintaining plant, equipment, and facilities; information exchange; data collection/reporting requiring intermediate level mathematical calculations and computer skills; monitoring and troubleshooting treatment processes to ensure the delivery of potable water to the distribution network consistent with health and environmental requirements required by federal, state, and department drinking water standards; and functionally supervising less experienced staff. The employee must be willing to assume responsibility for work performed and related decisions made. Assignments are reviewed by the immediate supervisor through visual inspection of recorded data. Due to direct occupational health, safety and environmental concerns associated with performing both routine and non-routine water operations, maintenance, and production tasks, the Plant Operator Trainee is a safety sensitive classification. Therefore, current and prospective employees are required to meet and maintain specific physical standards and guidelines.

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of and skill in performing general plant operations and processes.
• Knowledge of and skill in performing minor and major mechanical repairs of plant, machinery, and components.
• Skill in recording information accurately in written form using logs, spreadsheets, or other technology.
• Skill in utilizing latest computer software/technology and recordkeeping information tracking systems.
• Skill in accurately communicating verbally, in writing, or by physical demonstration.
• Skill in following instructions and plant procedures.
• Skill and willingness to exercise established environmental safety precautions for the work performed for self, co-workers, and public.
• Ability to supervise performance of work activities.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability and willingness to make work-related decisions.
• Ability and willingness to meet and maintain physical health standards and guidelines for the work performed.
• Willingness to assume responsibility for work performed
• Willingness to functionally supervise performance of work activities.
• Willingness to perform semi-hazardous and hazardous tasks.
• Possession or ability to obtain an Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Class “D” Waterworks license.
• Possession or ability to obtain an Oklahoma State Class “C” Waterworks license.

NOTE: The Plant Operator Trainee incumbent must possess or obtain an Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Class “D” Waterworks license within six (6) months from date of hire/promotion/transfer/demotion and will have a period of eighteen (18) months to acquire an Oklahoma State Class “C” Waterworks license from date of hire/promotion/transfer/demotion.

When the Plant Operator Trainee acquires or obtains the Class “C” Waterworks license, the incumbent will career progress to the Plant Operator I classification without a competitive selection process. Continued employment is contingent upon the trainee obtaining the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Class “D” Waterworks license within six (6) months from the date of hire/promotion/transfer/demotion and the Oklahoma State Class “C” Waterworks license within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire/promotion/transfer/demotion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Inside and outside, exposed to heat, cold, humidity, adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Subject to working in and around standing or flowing water or exposed to pressurized water and equipment.
• Subject to working on or around slippery surfaces.
• Subject to climbing portable ladders to heights up to 45 feet and climbing fixed ladders to heights up to 265 feet above ground level to work on tanks, platforms, grating and equipment.
• Subject to climbing down portable ladders to depths of 45 feet and climbing down fixed ladders to depths of 72 feet when working on equipment or in pits below ground.
• Subject to working in confined spaces and cramped positions where limited or restricted means of entry or exit exist.
• Subject to working near moving objects such as motor vehicles and plant machinery or equipment.
• Frequently exposed to constant noise at low levels and occasional loud noise for extended periods.
• Possibility of burns when working near or around heated metals and equipment.
• Frequently exposed to chemical vapors or fumes, dust, and natural respiratory hazards.
• Occasionally exposed to insects, plants, and other natural agents that cause allergic reactions.
• Occasionally exposed to potentially hazardous wildlife, such as, muskrats, beavers, boars, raccoons, birds, snakes, etc.
• Occasionally exposed to toxins and irritants, such as, corrosive chemicals, acids and cleaners, fuel, and other otherwise harmful substances.
• Possibility of electrocution, electrical shock, fire, or burn when working with electricity and electrical machinery.
• Possibility of chemical or thermal explosions.
• Frequently exposed to large concentrations of noxious odors.
• Possibility of exposure to blood borne pathogens, raw sewage, and other infectious agents.
• Subject to working irregular work hours, overtime, and on weekends and holidays.
• Frequently required to work rotating shifts.

Note: Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Strength enough to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds frequently and/or up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Stamina enough to exert oneself physically throughout the workday.
• Flexibility enough to bend, twist, and reach while loading and unloading materials and equipment.
• Mobility enough to continuously move oneself from place to place.
• Gross body coordination and balance enough to perform work while standing on ladders, scaffolding, catwalks, tanks, etc.
• Arm-hand steadiness enough to perform tasks such as repairing pumps, motors, valves, piping, chemical feeder, etc.
• Manual and finger dexterity enough to use hand tools and replace small equipment or components.
• Near vision enough to perform tasks such as inspecting equipment and reading gauges, schematics, blueprints, etc.
• Far vision enough to observe co-workers at ground level, while working on tanks, in pits, and to identify warning signs at a distance of 20 feet etc.
• Visual color discrimination enough to identify red, green, and yellow items.
• Speech and hearing enough to communicate clearly and distinctly in person and by two-way radio, understand conversation in a noisy environment, and locate malfunctions in machinery.
• Pulmonary function sufficient to use a self-contained breathing apparatus and respirator.
• Maximum body mass, including equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, not to exceed 310 pounds.

OTHER DETAILS

Note: An eligibility list will be established from this posting consisting of applicants who receive a score of 70 percent or better. Multiple selection procedures may be utilized; a minimum of 70 percent or better will be required on each; and the results of multiple selection procedures will be equally weighted. The eligibility list will be in effect for 180 days from the date of the final selection procedure and will be used to fill future vacancies.

Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees: If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at (405) 297-2530. If your rehire status has been coded “Not Eligible,” “Eligible 3,” or “Conditional,” you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department’s Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants.

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination.

Note: Completion of the supplemental questions is required. Applicant responses to supplemental questions must specifically answer the questions asked. Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume. Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to supplemental questions have not been provided.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling 405-297-2530. The City of Oklahoma City is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression), age, genetic information, disability or political affiliation.

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments–delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people.

Join our team and build a fulfilling career of public service in a diverse and inclusive workplace, alongside talented, hardworking, and dedicated coworkers who provide essential services to thousands of residents and visitors every day. As a City of Oklahoma City employee, you will earn competitive pay, have job stability, grow personally and professionally, and make a difference in your community. To learn more about our departments and the services they provide, go to okc.gov.