Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

DMV printout required with application. 

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under general supervision, operates and maintains a variety of equipment and machinery in the wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities. This job class performs other related duties in the Wastewater Division as assigned. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

This is the first working-level class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the general supervision of a higher-level Operator and/or a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent independently performs the more routine duties associated with operating and maintaining the City’s wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, while still receiving direction and supervision as needed from a more experienced Operator. To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).  The incumbent will be required to obtain a Grade II certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board within 24 months.

This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee because incumbents in the latter class must possess an Operator-in-Training certificate and are trained to perform the most routine plant operations and maintenance activities. This class can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade II certificate and are expected to perform duties that require a higher level of skill and independent judgment. Incumbents at the Operator I level shall promote to the Operator II class when they meet the requirements of the higher-level class and have demonstrated sufficient proficiency at that level.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Monitors, operates, and adjusts controls at the City’s wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities
• Controls the operation of treatment, pumping, and water recycling facilities to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system as well as achieve proper processing of wastewater and the re-use of biosolids and recycled water within mandated operational requirements
• Conducts facility rounds and regular inspections of all plant equipment located at the wastewater treatment and water recycling facilities to assure proper operational efficiency
• Monitor and adjust the facility Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Lubricates pumps and other technical apparatus for proper operation
• Adjusts valves and controls as necessary to maintain proper flow and treatment of wastewater
• Conducts periodic readings of meters and gauges and records data in the plant operating logs; maintains detailed and accurate operation and maintenance records
• Adjusts and regulates chemical feeds in wastewater treatment, and water recycling processes
• Works in an assigned area and is responsible to operate chemical, biological, mechanical, and physical treatment process
• Operates sludge dewatering technology, and uses heavy equipment to dry biosolids
• Performs a variety of manual tasks involving the handling of equipment exposed to raw sewage including the cleaning and maintenance of clogged pumps, wet wells, sump basins, and others
• Performs laboratory sampling and analyses as assigned
• Performs a wide variety of preventative maintenance work and minor mechanical repairs in connection with the repair and upkeep of the plant’s facilities
• Attend and participate in meetings, training, and safety sessions; participate in team projects and task forces as required
• May provide training and direction to less experienced employees.
• Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace
• Participate in appropriate safety procedures, including those related to working in confined spaces, the safe handling of chemicals, and lock-out-tag-out procedures.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in the scope and function required
• Works shifts as required
• Works holidays and weekends as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

•  Principles of and typical operations, services, and activities within wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities. 
• General safety practices pertaining to the use of vehicles, power equipment, and hazardous materials; specific occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for working in wastewater treatment, water recycling plant, and related facilities. 
• Principles of mathematics, including algebra and geometry. 
• Basic principles of hydraulics. 
• Laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to the operation of wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities.
• Methods of effective interpersonal communication.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as email, calendar, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively perform a variety of duties pertaining to the operation and maintenance of equipment, instruments, and structures used within the wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities. 
• Recognize and report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions and recommend solutions.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices.
• Make proper logbook entries and maintain accurate logs, records, reports, and charts.
• maintain good public relations with people contacted during work assignments and in the performance of required duties
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Work in confined spaces
• Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner
• Operate a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment
• Operate heavy equipment such as a forklift, loader, or crane truck.
• Operate light and heavy vehicles
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Work shifts as required.
• Work holidays and weekends as required.
• Respond to emergency situations in an appropriate manner

Salary : $67,122 - $89,960