Internal Job Posting

City of Elkins-Internal Job Posting

Job Title: Wastewater Plant Operator In Training (OIT)

Department: Wastewater Treatment Plant

Status: Full-Time / Non-Exempt Hourly

Hours: Generally scheduled 20-40 hours per week; subject to approved overtime and emergency call-outs

Reports to: Wastewater Superintendent/Chief Operator

Salary Range: $12

Posting Date: September 14, 2026

Closing Date: September 21, 2026

Position Overview:

The Wastewater Plant Operator-In-Training (OIT), under close supervision, performs skilled technical and manual work in the daily operation and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Work involves monitoring, adjusting and recording plant operations, performing maintenance on equipment and facilities, and performing related work as required. Work also involves responding to emergencies - required to work weekends/holidays and perform 24 hour “on call” emergency service.  Reports to the Wastewater Superintendent/Chief Operator.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems; initiates corrective action as necessary, including but not limited to cleaning bar screens, checking all moving parts, making routine adjustments to belts, pumps, blowers, pumps, clarifiers, etc.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment; calibrates meters; performs and/or assists with equipment repairs as needed.
• Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments.
• Starts up, shuts down, regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Regulates and adjusts chemical rates as indicated.
• Collects and prepares water/sewer samples for laboratory analysis.
• Operates sludge dewatering process; operates heavy equipment/trucks to load, transport and spread sludge on farm land.
• Receives, unloads and stocks chemicals and supplies.
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Advises and consults with supervisors on unusual operating problems or the need for major repairs to equipment.
• Assists in ensuring plant compliance with City/department policies and procedures, health department regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety.
•  Prepares and maintains accurate and complete operations records.
• Performs general building and grounds maintenance work as required.
• Serves on call 24 hours per day to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.
• Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as flow charts, daily logs, maintenance records, work orders, etc.
• Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as lists and logs, equipment reading reports, various routine reports and records.
• Refers to operations manual, safety manual, policy and procedure manuals, codes/laws/regulations, etc.
• Operates a vehicle, dump truck, trailer, tractor, bucket truck, articulating front loader, manure spreader, belt presses, welding equipment, cutting torches, pumps, mowers, high pressure water hoses; uses a variety of office equipment such as a computer, copier, telephone, fax machine; uses tools such as sampling tools, hand and power tools, sludge judge, grease gun; uses general office supplies, chemicals, and word and data processing software.
• Interacts and communicates with supervisor, co-workers, other City staff, property owners and the general public.
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Assists other departments with equipment operations as requested.
• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing records and reports, completing forms, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.
• Performs related work as required.

 Work Environment- The employee often works in wet or humid conditions (non-weather); usually works near moving mechanical parts; occasionally works in high, precarious places; sometimes works around fumes or airborne particles; or toxic or caustic chemicals; occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions; extreme cold (non-weather); extreme heat (non-weather); may work with risk of electrical shock; with explosives; and/or risk of radiation.

 Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of tools, vehicles, heavy equipment. Applicant must be physically capable of performing strenuous manual labor, work in adverse weather conditions, lift 55# – 80# bags, bend, stoop, squat, climb ladders and stairs, and capable of working in confined spaces.

 Minimum Qualifications:

 Education and Experience-Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent and some experience in the wastewater industry; college or vocational school coursework in industrial technology, mechanical or civil engineering technology or related field is desirable; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

 License, Certificate, or Registration-Must possess a valid driver’s license.  Must possess or obtain a valid Class I Wastewater Certification within one year of employment. May be required to possess or obtain additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the City.

 Application Process:

Internal candidates should apply online no later than 9/21/2026 by submitting their resume to Whitney Hymes at whymes@cityofelkinswv.gov or in person at the Elkins Wastewater Plant (5 Riverbend Park Road). If there are any questions, please contact Whitney Hymes (Wastewater Superintendent/Chief Operator) at (304) 636-1122 or via email at whymes@cityofelkinswv.gov.

 City of Elkins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and join our team.