The City of Fond du Lac is accepting applications for the position of Youth Apprentice at the Wastewater Treatment & Resource Recovery Facility (WTRRF). Various duties and responsibilities will include the following:

The Apprentice will assist various staff members with a variety of plant operation, maintenance, and lab duties.

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 taking high school classes pertaining to natural resources, sciences, biology, and/or chemistry. Must display interest in considering furthering education with a degree in the previously mentioned studies. Scheduled hours up to 450 total are allowed. Facility Operational Hours: M-F 7:00 am – 3:30 pm and 7:00 am – 12:00 pm S/Su.

The pay rate is $12.50/hour. Applications and/or resumes reviewed upon receipt.

A physical exam and drug-screening test (City paid) is required prior to employment.

EOE