Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce to ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 400,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are accepting applications for an  Apprentice Water Plant Operators to join our Water Operations department.

Responsibilities

• During the Apprenticeship Program: The Apprentice Water Plant Operator assists the Foreman, Water Plant Operators as required, or other experienced and qualified personnel while training to acquire the experience and develop the skills necessary to advance to a journey level Water Plant Operator. In order to gain experience for advancement, the apprentice may be required to work alone or under direct supervision on jobs for which training or instruction has been provided. State of Nevada Grade I Water Distribution and Water Treatment certifications will be required for progression to the one-year rate of pay. State of Nevada Grade II Water Distribution and Water Treatment certifications will be required for progression to the two-year rate of pay. The apprentice’s education and general qualifications must be such that he/she is considered capable of attaining journey status.
• After Completing the Apprenticeship Program: Water Plant Operators qualified by experience, training and knowledge are responsible for the production of safe and clean drinking water in compliance with all Federal, State, and Local regulations and restrictions and work under general supervision of the Working Foreman. Duties include: operating pumps and valves; coordinating the rate of flow with demand, storage and other operating needs; operating the overall distribution system through the company’s SCADA system; taking appropriate action to help resolve customer complaints when necessary; performing such record keeping functions as log of plant operations, test results, maintenance work performed, unusual operating conditions and special reports as required; taking samples of water at regular intervals and making control tests required to ensure the efficient production of a safe product for public consumption; performing tests and adjusting chemical feed equipment to ensure optimal performance of treatment plant process; making limited repairs and adjustments based on provided training; receiving supplies delivered during shift and ensuring that they are properly stored.

Term of Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship

The Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship is described as a three year apprenticeship program, which uses a “Hybrid” approach.

Generally, apprentices will complete the Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship no later than three (3) years from the date they start the program. Successful completion of the Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship is defined by the attainment of all competencies of the trade, which would be expected to occur between approximately 5,000 and 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning, supplemented by a minimum of 492 hours of related instruction during the term of the apprenticeships.

Qualifications of Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship
Section 3 of TMWA’s Apprenticeship Program Standards, outlines qualifications for apprenticeship, which include:

Age: Minimum qualifications required by the sponsor for persons entering the apprenticeship program, with an eligible starting age not less than 18 years.

Education: A minimum of a high school diploma, General Educational Degree (GED) equivalency or other high school equivalency credential is required. Applicant must submit the GED certificate or other high school equivalency credential if applicable.

Physical: Applicants will be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without a reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others.

Upon accepting the apprenticeship, the individual will be scheduled for a physical exam. The health care provider will be provided with the essential functions and demands. The purpose of the physical is to determine if the individual is physically capable of performing the duties of the apprenticeship with or without reasonable accommodation(s).

The exam will be conducted using the Company’s occupational health provider; or an applicant may go to their own healthcare provider. If an individual goes to their own provider, the company will not reimburse for the physical.

Applicants will be required to have passed a substance screening as required by the Company upon acceptance into the program or prior to being employed.

Aptitude Test: Each applicant (internal and external) must pass the required WorkKeys Assessments with the following minimum scores to be accepted into an apprenticeship program. Any aptitude test required by TMWA will be used as one factor in the selection process. The apprentice must have attained the minimum required scores prior to the completion of their job shadow for internal candidates or prior to commencing work if hired externally. The scheduling of the job shadow will generally be within 7 calendar days of the posted close date but can occur later due to scheduling or operational needs. In no case will the dates for job shadowing or hire be extended to accommodate those who haven’t attained the required minimum scores and are attempting to test or re-test.

ACT WorkKeys exams are administered by Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). For assessment scheduling or for more information, contact the TMCC Proctor Testing Center at 775-673-8241.
Water Plant Operator:

Applied Math Minimum Score = 6
Graphic Literacy Minimum Score = 5
Workplace Documents Minimum Score = 5
Applied Technology Minimum Score = 5

Driver License: – Obtain and maintain required driver’s license within 30-days of acceptance into an apprenticeship.

Others: As deemed appropriate by TMWA and the JATC.

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.

All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

TMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@tmwa.com or 775-834-8294.

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.