Water Reclamation Facility Apprentice

Ottawa, KS

Full Time

WRF

Entry Level

The City of Ottawa, Kansas is accepting applications for a Water Reclamation Facility Apprentice. Under the supervision of the Utilities Superintendent - WRF, the WRF Apprentice performs skilled and semi‑skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of the Water Reclamation Facility and lift stations. The WRF Apprentice – Shall be enrolled in the KRWA Apprenticeship Program while working at the Water Reclamation Facility. This is a 2-year program which consists of on the job training, on-line course work, in-person and hands-on course work. Upon completion of the KRWA program it is recommended that the Apprentice complete testing up to a Class II Wastewater Operator license.

Essential Job Functions:

Operate various types of motorized vehicles, equipment, pumps, motors, and related machinery.
Collect samples at sources of supply and perform technical, bacteriological, and chemical examinations of raw, settled, and filtered sewage samples.
Prepare and maintain equipment used for laboratory testing; keep accurate records of lab data.
Inspect and maintain lift stations. Check equipment daily for proper operation, grease bearings, change filters, and troubleshoot/correct malfunctions.
Prepare necessary written documentation and reports. Enter data on computerized spread sheets.
Perform general building and grounds maintenance work; mow grass and remove snow/ice with Bobcat, snow blower, and/or shovel.
Climb ladders/stairs to access remote areas of plant and lift stations.
Maintain ultraviolet disinfection system: clean/replace lamp sleeves, lamps, plugs, ballasts, and sleeve wipers.
Prepare waste sludge for transfer to landfill: reduce water content, convert from liquid to solid form, and set/operate belt press.
Complete requirements set by KRWA for apprenticeship completion

Ancillary Job Functions:

Observe operation of plant equipment and ensure proper treatment of wastewater; make adjustments or repairs as needed.
Notify Superintendent when supplies are needed.
Serve on emergency call-in system.
Comply with all City ordinances and practices.
Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable by City’s carrier
Wastewater Operator Certification by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment up to and including Class II upon the completion of the apprenticeship program is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this position.

Basic knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and biological systems.
Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, chemicals, gases, and laboratory testing equipment.
Ability to operate heavy equipment, pumps, and other related equipment.
Ability to operate computer systems.
Ability and willingness to work rotating and extended shifts.
Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public.
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.

Work Environment: Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places.
May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, potentially hazardous bodily fluids, potentially hazardous or cancer-causing agents/chemicals, or loud noise levels.

Physical Abilities: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)

Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.

Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity.
Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand-eye coordination.
Must be able to lift 100 or more pounds.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Starting Rate: $16.90

Date Open: March 13th, 2025

Date Closed: April 12th, 2025

Residency: Regular full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of the Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire.

E-Mail Confirmation: After your application has been received by the City of Ottawa, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Please check your SPAM filter or JUNK Mail. If you have not received confirmation within 48 hours of submitting your application, please call 785-229-3634 to verify application has been received. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 785-229-3634 or e-mail [email protected].

Anyone with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 785-229-3634 at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Apply for this position

Required*

Apply with Indeed

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Address*

Resume

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Who referred you to this position? Enter their first and last name here.

Do you have a valid driver's license?*

Are you willing to relocate?*

What's your citizenship / employment eligibility?*

What's your highest level of education completed?*

College or University

Are you 18 years of age or older?*

Desired salary

Earliest start date?

Can you work weekends?*

Can you work evenings?*

Can you work overtime?*

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?*

If “Yes”, you have been convicted of a felony, please explain the circumstances around the conviction:*

What is the name, address and phone number of your most recent employer? Please include supervisor's name and email address if possible.*

What was your position title?*

What are the start and end dates at your previous employer?*

Reason for leaving your last position?*

Can we contact your last employer?*

What is the name, address and phone number of your second most recent employer? Please include supervisor's name and email address if possible.*

What was your position title?*

What are the start and end dates at your second most recent employer?*

Reason for leaving this position?*

Can we contact this employer?*

What is the name, address and phone number of your third most recent employer? Please include supervisor's name and email address if possible.*

What was your position title?*

What are the start and end dates at your third most recent employer?

Reason for leaving this position?*

Can we contact this employer?*

Reference #1: Name and contact info*

Reference #2: Name and contact info*

Reference #3: Name and contact info*

Acknowledgement:

I authorize the investigation of all statements I enter on my electronic application and certify that they are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that should investigation disclose material misrepresentation or falsification, my application may be disqualified; or if employed, my employment and all rights and privileges of my employment may be immediately terminated.

I understand that in order to determine my qualifications for the position I apply for it may be necessary to investigate my employment history, educational accomplishments, criminal history, and credit reports. I direct the custodian of these records to release this information to any authorized agent for the City of Ottawa. I release any individual, institution, business or organization from any and all liability for damages which might arise from the release of pertinent information.

I understand that if the position I am applying for requires the operation of either employee or employer-owned motor vehicles, I must maintain personal licensure appropriate to the vehicle and responsibilities of the position. Further, I authorize the City of Ottawa to request and obtain Drivers License Records necessary to confirm my licensure and responsible driving history.

I understand that if offered employment, the offer may be conditional on my passing a pre-employment drug screen and a pre-employment medical/health examination. I voluntarily agree to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and/or medical/health examination upon request. I understand that failure to pass required drug screens or medical/health examination may result in withdrawal of offer. I have read, or have had read to me, the statements above and by my signature agree to these provisions.

*Electronic Signature
*Date and Time **

The following questions are entirely optional.

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.

Gender

Race/Ethnicity

Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran

A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
- a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
- a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran status

I IDENTIFY AS ONE OR MORE OF THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF PROTECTED VETERAN LISTED ABOVE
I AM NOT A PROTECTED VETERAN
I DON’T WISH TO ANSWER

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Please check one of the boxes below:

YES, I HAVE A DISABILITY, OR HAVE HAD ONE IN THE PAST NO, I DO NOT HAVE A DISABILITY AND HAVE NOT HAD ONE IN THE PAST I DO NOT WANT TO ANSWER

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

You must enter your name and date
Name	Date

Human Check*

Submit Application

Thanks for visiting our Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.

Water Reclamation Facility Apprentice

Apply for this position