Water Operator I

DEFINTION
Under supervision, performs a combination of semiskilled and unskilled work in the operation of a water treatment plant on an assigned shift involving responsibility for the operation, maintenance, servicing and care of a variety of water treatment plant equipment such as pumps, electric motors, gas, engine, valves, vacuum pumps, and other equipment; and performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Operator I is the entry level class in the Operator series. Under supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties in the operation, maintenance and repair of a water treatment plant.  Operators in this classification are responsible for the operation of the more routine treatment units and processes within the treatment plant.  A fully trained and competent Operator I may be assigned as a “lone” operator during certain shifts.

MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS

Driver License: Possession of a responsible driving record and a valid California Class C Drivers License is required at the time of appointment and is a condition of continued employment.  Loss of the Class C License is a cause for discipline.  Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  A California Class B Driver License is desirable.

Certificate: Possession of a Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 Certificate at time of appointment, and obtain within one year of appointment a Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certificate.

Experience: One year experience operating a water or wastewater treatment plant.

Education: Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent and the ability to read and write at a level required for successful job performance.

Respiratory Protection Equipment: Work in this class requires wearing respiratory protective equipment at times.  When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Strength:  Heavy Work – Must possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

Must be willing to be on a 24 hour emergency call-out list.  May be assigned a pager during non-working hours and holidays.  Must be willing to work in all weather conditions and confined spaces, climbing ladders to service lift stations and sewer lines as necessary with exposure to unpleasant odor and potentially hazardous conditions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operates a water or wastewater treatment plant during a shift.
• Checks gas meters, flow meters, and blower meters.
• Adjusts equipment pumping capacity to ensure proper flow.
• Insects and lubricates engines and pumps.
• Checks clarifiers, skimmers, grit collection systems.
• Performs procedures to assure on-going proper water or wastewater treatment.
• Takes periodic clarifier sludge depth readings.
• Adjust sludge pumping equipment.
• Obtains water or wastewater samples for the plant laboratory or the health authorities.
• Reads meters, takes temperatures, completes daily logs, including meter readings.
• Performs routine maintenance and cleaning work on buildings and equipment as assigned.
• Maintains plant premises.
• Operates tractors, trucks and other equipment involved in maintaining the plant site and facilities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:  (depending upon assignment, may require knowledge of some or all of the
    following)

• Safe work practices.
• Methods, tools, and equipment common to maintenance work.
• Basic math.
• Operation and servicing requirements of plant machinery and equipment including pumps, motors, valves, engines, piping and blowers.
• Hazards relative to industrial plants.
• Safety equipment, practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Detect operating deficiencies in plant machinery and equipment.
• Read meters and gauges correctly and properly record readings.
• Follow oral and written instructions work independently without continuous supervision.
• Perform physical labor.
• Maintain records.
• Learn to work safely with chemicals and power equipment.
• Operate equipment safely and effectively.

Applications for this recruitment must be submitted online only. Failure to complete the job application or failure to follow the application instructions (such as the formatting of education or work experience) will result in the disqualification of the applicant. Applications must be complete and received prior to the filing deadline. Amendments will not be accepted after the filing deadline. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. All statements made on the application are subject to verification; false statements will be cause for disqualifications or discharge. 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WOMEN, MINORITIES & HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS ARE

ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

SELECTION PROCESS: The qualifications of each applicant, as set forth in the application, will be continuously reviewed by the Personnel Department. Applicants whose applications clearly demonstrate they meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral and/or performance exams. A score of 70% or above is required to advance through each phase of the process.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the City of Sanger Personnel Department 559-876-6300 extension 1310.

Salary : $45,420 - $55,212