The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standard. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. Working Conditions: Water and Wastewater treatment plant operators usually work indoors and occasionally work outside for short periods where they are subject to prevailing weather conditions. They are exposed to constant noise, rotating machinery, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area. Water plant operators are subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and bums from chemicals. In addition, they work on catwalks and ladders. Operators at this level follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment such as face shields, gloves, hard-toe shoes, respirators, and protective clothing. Some of these safety items may be uncomfortable to wear and may be worn or used for long periods. Physical Effort: Water and Wastewater treatment plant operators do considerable walking, standing on concrete floors, and climbing stairways and ladders. Light to moderate physical effort is necessary to turn valves and controls. They frequently lift and carry items weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) unassisted and occasionally lift and carry heavier items with assistance of other workers or with lifting devices. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. NOTE: Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume. For a brief video on How to Create a Federal Resume, click here. Current or former FEMA Reservists/Disaster Assistance Employee (DAE): To accurately credit your experience for these intermittent positions, make sure to list the dates (from MM/YY to MM/YY) of each deployment, along with the job title and specific duties you were responsible for during each deployment. Failure to provide this information may result in disqualification.