Plant Operator in Training - EXAM

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for learning to operate all areas of a water treatment or water reclamation plant; performs related duties as required. (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Learns to operate a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) to monitor the flow and processing of water or reclaimed water;
• Monitors treatment and processing equipment such as pumps, motors, air compressors, blowers, thickeners, valves, and gates as instructed;
• Monitors control panels and computer terminals; makes adjustments or changes manually or by remote control to regulate flow of water or reclaimed water as instructed;
• Learns to observe variations in operating conditions; logs and interprets readings from computer, meters, gauges, charts, tests, and instruments; observes and reports variations in visual appearance, sounds, or smells;
• Learns to start and stop pumps, engines, and generators to control the flow and processing of water or reclaimed water via computer or operator interface terminals;
• Maintains legible, accurate records and logs of shift operations; records meter and gauge readings;
• Assists in the monitoring, controlling, supplying, changing, unloading, and application of chemicals or other materials to the treatment and processing of water or reclaimed water;
• Communicates with others performing operations or maintenance tasks via phone, two-way radio, and log books;
• Assists in preparing maintenance repair requests; performs minor equipment maintenance including lubrication and light painting as instructed; uses tools in the performance of maintenance functions;
• Learns to operate an incinerator by performing inspections and operational tasks as necessary to maintain burner control;
• Learns to backwash filters by reversing the flow of water;
• Cleans work area including stairs, equipment, floors, conveyor belts, and plant machines; picks up trash;
• Learns to perform field tests in compliance with internal regulations such as ammonia concentration-
  level assessment, percent total solids, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and other related tests; collects water or reclaimed water samples;
• Learns and demonstrates performance of duties in all operational areas of a plant.

Possession of a high school diploma or GED.

Possession of a valid drivers license

The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE , eligible list, and will replace the names on the current list. If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at ....

The examination process will consist of a multiple-choice exam weighted 85% covering Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Science, Information Ordering, Recordkeeping, and Problem Sensitivity, and a computer exam weighted 15% covering 2016 and 2019 Outlook and Excel.

Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidate's name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test.

The certification process will be: Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants may inspect and acquire a copy of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities EEO Plan by visiting the DPU website at