Field Operations Technician Trainee

Class Characteristics

Under close supervision, to learn and assist in the inspection, repair, operation, and maintenance of sewer lines, pump stations, remote package treatment facilities, stormwater systems, machinery and instruments; to learn to participate as a member of a self-directed work team overseeing the sanitary and stormwater systems; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) produces clean water, protects water quality, and recovers renewable resources. WES provides wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education, which protects public health and supports the vitality of communities, natural environment, and economy. WES operates and maintains five resource recovery facilities, 23 pumping stations, and more than 360 miles of pipes within Clackamas County.

The Field Operations Technician Trainee is an entry-level, training classification. Incumbents receive instruction and assist higher-level technicians responsible for the operation, maintenance and general repair of the wastewater collection system which transports wastewater from residences and commercial facilities to the treatment plants. The Field Operations Technician Trainee also receives instruction and assists higher-level technicians responsible for the operation, maintenance and general repair of the stormwater collection system and water quality facilities, which capture, convey and filter stormwater runoff. Trainees are typically expected to progress to the next level of the Field Operations Technician series within 18 months of hire. The Trainee may be assigned to rotate to multiple crews and projects as part of their training.

The Field Operations Technician Trainee differs from the Field Operations Technician 1 which is fully trained and qualified in wastewater and stormwater collection system operations and maintenance and possesses a Grade 1 collection system operator certification.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Assists the wastewater and stormwater collection systems teams; learns and assists in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of sewer/stormwater lines and infrastructure.
2. Learns and assists in examining sewer and storm infrastructure for defects, debris, condition of materials, as-built map verification, smoke and dye tests, infiltration and inflow; learns and assists with the mechanical removal of debris, protruding taps and blockages; learns how to adjust access holes to specifications; learns and assists with the inspection and documentation of as-builts on new construction.
3. Learns how to document service requests, responses and work orders in WES' asset management system.
4. Learns and assists in the operation, maintenance, and inspection of pump station equipment, machinery and instruments; assists technicians with investigating and assisting in the correction of system failures and malfunctions; learns and assists with cleaning wet wells and pressure mains.
5. Learns and assists in the installation, calibration and maintenance of flow monitoring and sampling equipment; learns and assists in collecting, recording, and reporting data for billing, investigative and research purposes; learns how to collect samples and perform field tests.
    

Required Knowledge and Skills

Some knowledge of: Basic methods, machinery and equipment used in construction; occupational and health safety practices, rules and regulations; basic math; English grammar, spelling and punctuation; standard office equipment, use of computers, computer applications and mobile devices.

Skill to: Receive direction and continuous feedback; establish and maintain professional effective working relationships with customers, contractors, County employees and the public; communicate professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing; apply training and education to the safe operation, maintenance and repair of combination vacuum truck, closed circuit television inspection equipment, grouting equipment, hydro cleaner, front end loader, sewer rodder, pipe saws, tappers, pumps, motors, generators, utility locators, air blowers, flow monitors, sampling equipment, electronic systems and telemetry systems; learn how to diagnose and repair malfunctions in pumps, generators, compressors and blowers; read and understand record drawings, maps, and construction plans; prepare and maintain accurate records; learn and use computer software applications.

Working Conditions

Incumbents are exposed to bacteria, viruses and toxins in wastewater. Positions require strenuous physical labor, including frequent walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, standing for long periods of time and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push/pull and carry heavy objects up to 70 pounds. Some duties involve exposure to adverse weather conditions and hazardous locations such as streets, live sewers, confined underground areas and on elevated platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated in the job announcement.

Experience: None required.

Education: High School Diploma, GED certificate or equivalent.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test (DOT Regulations for CDL)

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Possession and maintenance of an acceptable driving record in accordance with the County's Driving/Vehicle Policy.

Post-Employment Requirements

Within twelve (12) months of hire:

• Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a tanker endorsement and removed airbrake restriction.

Other Information

The Field Operations series is part of a promotional career path in Clackamas Water Environment Services. Incumbents in the Field Operations Technician Trainee classification may be promoted to a Field Operations Technician 1 upon completing an approved training and development plan. Possession of the required certification, knowledge, skills and abilities at the higher level must be documented in an approved promotional evaluation and the established training plan.

Classification No. 861
Established: 5/24
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 7