Wastewater Operations Technician Apprentice

About Us

AlexRenew is one of the most advanced wastewater utilities in the United States, serving over 300,000 customers in Alexandria, VA, and parts of Fairfax County. Each year, our facility processes and treats approximately 13 billion gallons of wastewater received from area homes, schools, and businesses to protect public health and the environment. If you are interested in working for a leader in the wastewater industry, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Wastewater Operations Technician Apprenticeship position. 

What we do and how we do it is driven by our five Goals:

• Operational Excellence: Taking proactive steps to meet current and future challenges.
• Thriving Workforce: Investing in our staff and fostering a culture of belonging.
• Strategic Partnerships: Promoting watershed-level thinking.
• Environmental Sustainability: Being good stewards of our resources to minimize our impact.
• Commitment to the Community: Strengthening connections with the public and providing affordable service.

Summary:

The Operations Technician Apprentice is an opportunity for individuals to gain real world experience and knowledge in wastewater operations.    Apprentices will complete a two-year program consisting of classroom related instruction and on-the-job training (OJT).  Successful completion of the apprenticeship program is demonstrated by completing all required coursework with at least a score of 70% or better on final tests, completing 4,000 hours of OJT as documented in the logbook and passing at a minimum the Virginia Wastewater Works Operator Class 4 license exam.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Successfully complete all requirements of the AlexRenew Apprenticeship Program.
• Perform daily work assignments, projects and tasks under the direct supervision of an experienced Operations Technician, Team Lead, Supervisor or Chief Operator. 
• Effectively communicate by asking questions, seeking answers, receiving and acknowledging feedback and constructive criticism.
• Operate an AlexRenew vehicle as required observing legal and safe defensive driving practices.
• Adhere to AlexRenew’s safety culture and employ safe behaviors in all assigned tasks.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with peers.
• Cross-train with other departments to gain a broader understanding of the business and to perform duties at a higher level.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Key Competencies:

• Accountability
• Decision Making
• Initiative
• Safety Awareness
• Teamwork

 Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) equivalent required.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license required.
• Math skills and an interest in science desired.
• Experience in wastewater or water industry; maintenance or laboratory experience desired.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions.
• Ability to work as an effective team member.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  A detailed Physical Demands Analysis is available in Human Resources and a copy will be provided to all incumbents in this position.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and stand for nine hours a day.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 48 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 82 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception, near and far acuity, color and field of vision. The employee would be required to constantly communicate with management and coworkers, and to listen for emergency sirens and alarms. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs work indoors in a climate controlled environment, with outdoor trips between buildings and some outdoor work required. Some areas of plant are hot and humid at times. Environmental conditions necessitate following strict safety guidelines and use of Personal Protective Equipment.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.