At East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District (ECCV), we are sustaining our community by providing safe reliable water. We deliver on that mission through people, teams, and departments working together with respect, cooperation, and openness to realize our goals.

Application for the Water System Operator Apprentice position also serves as an application to the Water Systems Operator program sponsored by the Arapahoe Community College ** Please read the program summary below for further information about the program and requirements before applying.

The Water Systems Operator Apprenticeship Program is a 2-year, earn-while-you-learn program that prepares apprentices to become a Water Operator professional qualified to work in the four major disciplines of water utility operations: water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment. The Water Systems Apprentice will gain hands-on experience in different facets of utility operations by working around 1,500 hours a calendar year. Apprentices will also be enrolled in at Arapahoe Community College in a Biology or Chemistry program of study with an objective to earn an Associates of Science Degree (Enrollment in the college program is not required at the time of application for this position but is by Fall of 2023.)

Apprentices will gain required hours of experience and prepare for the water operator certification exams while working in their apprentice position and receiving support from mentors and supervisors. Certification exams will be taken at designated stages in the program, and successful completion will result in wage increases.

• The Colorado Certified Water Professionals - Certifications for Water and Wastewater Small Systems are as follows:

• Water Treatment Class "D" Certification
• Water Distribution Class "1" Certification

• Wastewater Treatment Class "D" Certification
• Wastewater Collection Class "1" Certification

A nationally recognized USDOL Certification of Completion of a Registered Apprenticeship Program will be granted upon successful completion of required work hours and training, Associate's Degree, and professional certifications. (USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Program status pending approval.) Additional program information can be found at www.arapahoe.edu/apprenticeships.

Questions can be directed to:
Jessica Shelton, HR Generalist at ECCV: jshelton@eccv.org / 303-693-3800
Ashley Maloney, Apprenticeship Program Manager at ACC: Ashley.maloney@arapahoe.edu / 303-797-5821

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gain a working knowledge of Water Treatment, Distribution, Collection, and Wastewater processes. Prepare for and pass certifications. Assist in the operation of a public water system which serves 65,000 customers. The operation consists of the operation of a 17 mgd reverse osmosis plant, a 6 mgd iron removal treatment plant, deep aquifer well field, water distribution system, wastewater collection system, and non-potable irrigation system.
• Establish effective and timely communication strategies including verbal, email, text, and phone.
• Acquire the ability to foster, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with all District employees, management, consultants, governmental officials, and the general public.
• Monitor pumps, valves, processes, and equipment to regulate the flow of wastewater through various primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes; maintains maximum efficiency of plant equipment.
• Inspect plant equipment and reports any failures or operating difficulties; stops and starts equipment as required for repairs; operates, adjusts, and maintains chemical feed equipment to ensure compliance with established standards; collects samples of wastewater and other materials at established times for laboratory testing and reporting; performs process analyses as needed.
• Obtain Water Treatment Class D, Water Distribution Class 1, Wastewater Treatment Class D, Wastewater Collections Class 1 certifications.

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a Driver's License with satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record
• Must pass a background check

WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR APPRENTICESHIP OVERVIEW:

Certification Schedule:

• 30-60 Days Small Systems (D Water Certification & Distribution 1 Certification)
• 8 months Collections 1 Certification
• 16 months Wastewater 1 Certification

Certification Cost:

• First test of each certification ECCV will cover 100% of the cost
• Second test of each certification ECCV will cover 50% of the cost
• All other attempts will have to be paid out of pocket by the apprentice

Certification bonuses:

• Small Systems $1070.00
• Collections $520.00
• Wastewater $520.00

Pay Schedule:

• Starting pay $18.00/hr.
• Small Systems Cert $20.00/hr.
• Collections 1 Cert $22.00/hr.
• Wastewater 1 Cert 24.00/hr.

Work Schedule:

• Summer months & School Breaks - up to 40 hours per week
• During School Semesters - up to 25 hours per week

Additional Benefits:

• 50% of ACC tuition paid
• Employee/Apprentice only Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance beginning the first of the month following start date.
• Apparel & Steel Toed Boot Allowance/Reimbursement

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

This position consists primarily of fieldwork with reoccurring office work and requires the frequent operation of a district vehicle to various work sites including remote locations. Office work requires the ability to operate standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines. This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time with hand/eye coordination: for repetitive motion and data entry. Fieldwork includes exposure to all weather conditions and working in potentially hazardous environments which may involve handling and exposure to hazardous chemicals as well as higher than normal noise levels. This position requires full range of physical motion with hand/eye coordination: for frequent standing and walking including on uneven terrain; for the use of tools and equipment; for the ability to access confined dark spaces, including vaults, water tanks and manholes; to climb stairs, equipment, and ladders. Position includes the occasional lifting and/or moving of items up to 100 pounds and regular lifting of 20-50 pounds of equipment and tools. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The omission of specific statements of duties and responsibilities in this job description does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This job description is subject to change by the District as the needs of the District and requirements of the position.