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Job Description:

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS ENGINEER TRAINEE

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs sampling and testing in the field to generate datasets for process evaluation by the treatment process engineer.
• Performs aeration basin nutrient profiling and solids settling velocity testing.
• Samples and processes activated sludge from the WRRFs hydrocyclone process to determine particle size distribution.
• Conducts treatment optimization studies in collaboration with Treatment Process Engineer(s).
• Maintains current knowledge of water quality standards health hazards and government regulations pertaining to the WRRF and Lift Station and updates treatment plant staff of regulatory information on a regular basis.
• Compiles results from field sampling experimentation and testing to use in reports or present at meetings.
• Performs data entry in the water information management system.
• Participates in efforts to optimize wastewater treatment process performance.
• Assists with online analytical equipment to ensure continuous verification of water quality and process integrity and may perform some calibration/maintenance in collaboration with Instrumentation and Control Technicians.
• Observes and explores treatment processes at the WRRF to increase personal knowledge of their operation and performance
• Submits regularly scheduled reports to the Treatment Process Senior Engineer and presents findings to the operations group that recommend process adjustments which improve treatment or reduce energy usage.
• Supports treatment process improvement projects studies and designs in collaboration with utilities engineering staff wastewater treatment staff water quality staff and outside consultants.
• Uses process simulation tools to inform wastewater treatment process discussions.
• Assists with process-troubleshooting to identify issues and solutions for the Operations Maintenance and Process Automation Teams to implement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to be a supportive and respectful teammate that is professional in working with others.
• Ability to be well organized related to field data collection organization and conducting time-sensitive follow-up communications and tasks.
• Ability to demonstrate interpersonal skills and desire to interact with all in a cordial and professional manner.
• Ability to find creative solutions that help the team and improve process performance.
• Ability to partner with and support other staff to evaluate needs and provide creative solutions with a positive attitude.
• Ability to plan and reliably execute work in all daily tasks and follow through with special daily assignments.
• Ability to promote a culture of trust and candor to help foster a team environment where how we do our work is as important as the work itself.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and priorities as identified by supervisor
• Ability to read technical reports and effectively synthesize information in a written report.
• Ability to take proper safety precautions to prevent accidents including using all required safety equipment and following all safety regulations policies procedures and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of and basic familiarity with ArcGIS software and basic geoprocessing tools.
• Knowledge of data entry using Microsoft Excel.
• Valid Drivers License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to demonstrate experience with conducting fieldwork to collect data and information.
• Ability to demonstrate experience with interacting with the public in a professional setting.
• Ability to demonstrate experience with processes related to wastewater or water treatment water quality chemistry microbiology civil or mechanical engineering.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plan sets.
• Skilled at conducting mapping in ArcGIS
• Skilled at conducting statistical analyses in Microsoft Excel.
• Masters degree in environmental engineering or related field.
• State of Colorado Class D Wastewater Operators Certification or ability to obtain.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Pursuing a bachelors degree or higher in environmental engineering or environmental or physical Sciences or related certificate program.
• Two (2) years of experience in water or wastewater treatment.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Senior Wastewater Treatment Process Engineer

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Primarily sedentary work with occasional physical exertion including lifting up to 25 pounds carrying walking and standing. Requires frequent hand/eye coordination for computer and office equipment operation as well as visual acuity for reading analyzing and interpreting data. Must have clear speech communication and hearing ability to effectively interact with staff and the public. Routine visits to construction work sites requiring walking over rough surfaces and climbing.
• Work Environment: Works primarily in a clean comfortable office environment. Routine visits to construction work sites and city industrial facilities where there is exposure to open trenches confined spaces moving equipment traffic mechanical and electrical equipment pressurized liquids and gases chemicals and open water.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including computers telephones and copy machines. May be required to use construction inspection equipment including survey meters gages and other specialized inspection devices. Frequently uses equipment for wastewater process analysis including laboratory and field analysis instruments sampling devices pilot and bench-scale treatment equipment. May be required to use operations equipment including hand tools pumps hoses and valves.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: November 2025

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race national origin gender gender identity sexual orientation protected veteran status disability age or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation please send a request to