Youth Apprenticeship – Wastewater Operations

The City of Fond du Lac is accepting applications for the position of Youth Apprentice – Operations at the Wastewater Treatment & Resource Recovery Facility (WTRRF). The Apprentice will assist various staff members with a variety of plant operation, maintenance, and lab duties.

Various duties and responsibilities include:

Influent

• Contribute to normal daily maintenance cleaning the influent wetwell, fine screens, grit washer, and/or screening conveyors and raking the roll-off. (Hands-on opportunity)

Primary Treatment

• Scum Pit Cleaning – learn the method of scum pit cleaning under the direction of the operator.
• Pump Activation – learn the primary pumping procedures.

Secondary Treatment

• Mixed Liquor Solids – learn how to use a settleometer and calculate the SVI as well as learn the operation of a microscope for performing microbial analysis on a daily basis to determine the diverse health and activity of mixed liquor.
• RAS/WAS Pump Operation – view methodology of RAS and WAS Pump Operation; make adjustments to the RAS and WAS rates under the direction of the Operator.

Sampling

• Daily sampling for both operation and lab analysis; directly involved with aeration basin profiling for phosphorus, ammonia, nitrates, dissolved oxygen and COD.
• pH Analysis – learn the methods of pH analysis and calibration using the laboratory pH meter; be responsible for performing and recording pH during rounds with an operator including digester, mixed liquor and effluent.
• Sludge Depth Measurement – view methodology of sludge depth measurements and responsible for performing the measurements under the direction of a treatment plant operator both in the primary and secondary clarifiers, and learn how to make operational decisions based off the measurements.

Sludge Handling

• Centrifuge Operations – learn all aspects of centrifuge operation and perform sampling and testing for total solids using a moisture analyzer under the direction of the Operator. Additionally, be involved in polymer preparation and conveying the biosolids into roll-offs for disposal.
• Digesters – assist the Operator with digester rounds including checking digester levels, pH and completing the log sheet.

Biogas Engine

• System Maintenance and Monitoring – There is a 450 kW Biogas Engine on site and monitoring includes checking temperatures, pressures and levels of associated equipment to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
• Gas Cleaning and Monitoring – learn about the biogas cleaning equipment, gas analysis and associated equipment log sheets.

Laboratory

• Learn wastewater laboratory techniques and spend time with the laboratory staff (job shadow and hands on opportunities.)
• Analyses learned will include at minimum total suspended solids, ammonia, total phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand.

Requirements include:

• Enrolled in high school classes pertaining to natural resources, sciences, biology, and/or chemistry.
• Displays interest in considering furthering education with a degree in previously mentioned studies.
• Participate in a physical exam and drug-screening test (City paid).

Equal Opportunity Employer