3A30
ENGINEERING AND SCIENCES TECHNICIAN TRAINEE

  This is engineering and sciences technician work at the trainee level. Employees in this class learn to perform a variety of assignments in support of various engineering, plant operations, surveying and scientific tasks and projects. Employees are required to participate in a structured City-sponsored Water Department educational program in Environmental or Engineering Sciences, developing knowledge, skills and abilities required to promote to full performance level engineering aide, engineering technician, construction projects technician, surveyor, treatment plant operator and laboratory technician classes. Employees perform basic tasks in the assignment under the guidance of a higher level technician, engineer or scientist. Assignments expand in complexity as employee's training progresses. Satisfactory completion of academic programs and achievement of required minimum proficiencies at designated intervals in the program are required in order to progress to the next level in the series. Work is performed under the close supervision of an engineering, scientific or technical superior.

• Employees must satisfy the educational requirements of a mandated program in Environmental or Engineering Sciences.
• Employees must learn appropriate methodologies for their assignment.
• Employees must perform basic tasks in the assignment under the guidance of a higher level technician, engineer or scientist.

  Participates in a technology training program that includes but is not limited to:

• Attendance at classes to learn about various aspects of a specific technology;
• Regular evaluation of progress and review of progress with technical supervisors
• The use of computer software to document, track and evaluate water quality or operations.
• Performing basic calculations; preparation of written reports on projects, tests results, and basic interpretation for engineers and scientists; distribution of reports to city, state and federal agencies.

  Learns to perform a variety of basic tasks in support of the following functional assignments:

CONSTRUCTION ASSIGNMENT

Learns to:

• Prepare preliminary sketches, designs, plans and specifications;
• Review manufacturers' parts and equipment manuals, industry handbooks and other literature applicable to water engineering and support assignments.
• Maintain a written log of field observations and write reports of relevant findings, including the results of samples.
• Inspect a variety of construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and alteration projects in process, and upon completion, to insure compliance with approved plans, specifications and other contract requirements;
• Conduct testing of construction materials in the laboratory and on site; lays out lines and grades as required.

LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT

Learns to perform:

• Water quality surveys;
• Strategic sampling of watersheds, treatment plants, water distribution systems, reservoirs and large industrial facilities;
• Simple maintenance, adjustments and inspection of equipment used to monitor and evaluate water quality;
• Standardized chemical tests on raw and treated water samples at regular intervals;
• Chemical adjustments to the treatment systems;
• Testing of the operation and condition of plumbing backflow prevention devices.

SURVEYING ASSIGNMENT

Learns to:

• Determine exact field measurements in marking and staking the project area for a variety of surveys assignments;
• Locate, mark and stake survey areas;
• Use survey tools and equipment, including the transit, in taking exact measurements and notes, and in making sketches;
• Take accurate notes at field sites concerning line location and topography on preliminary surveys, contour profiles, slopes and grades on construction surveys, and related information for use in design and construction work;
• Prepare sketches, plans and drawings from field notes and make necessary calculations for revised lines, grades and arcs;
• Perform calculations and drafting of survey data as required.

TREATMENT PLANT ASSIGNMENT

Learns to:

• Monitor and adjust water treatment processes and emergency response systems to maintain a safe and efficient water treatment operation;
• Monitor treatment plant processing equipment and systems to identify malfunctions and their probable cause following prescribed procedures;
• Operate semi-automatic or manual control when the computer control system is not properly controlling the treatment process;
• Calculate the amount of chemicals to be added for the amount of water, wastewater or sludge to be treated;
• Take periodic samples of treated residuals, biosolids processing products and byproducts, clean water or wastewater for laboratory analysis;
• Perform routine mechanical maintenance such as packing valves, adjusting belts and replacing shear pins and air filters.

  Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Basic, high school level algebra and geometry
• Basic, high school level chemistry
• Arithmetic
• Basic computer software packages, such as Word
SKILL IN:
• the use and care of instruments, tools, materials and equipment used in the various assignments
ABILITY TO:
• Learn how to read and interpret technical plans, layouts, charts, diagrams, schematics, maps, estimates, specifications and field and tests reports.
• Learn how to prepare and interpret reports showing test results and analyses.
• Learn to use computer software
• Learn the use of instruments, tools, materials and equipment used in the various assignments
• Communicate effectively with associates, both orally and in writing
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Perform tasks requiring mechanical aptitude

EDUCATION

Education equivalent to completion of twelfth school grade.

AND
EXPERIENCE:

Satisfactory completion of a formal internship program designed by the Philadelphia Water Department and monitored and assessed by Water Department scientific and/or technical personnel.

OR
EDUCATION

One year of post high school training (30 credits) at an accredited technical institute or college with major coursework in engineering, engineering, construction or architectural technology, water technology, biology, chemistry, environmental studies, or medical technology.

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment if required by work assignment.