Job Details

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs the full range of operations, control, and maintenance functions during assigned shift at the Agency's wastewater treatment and water reclamation facilities; performs basic laboratory testing and sample collection; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs shift supervisor responsibilities when working as the designated operator-in-charge; and performs other job related duties as required. 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey-level class in the Operator series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned including providing lead supervision on assigned shift, independently making decisions related to control, operations, and maintenance duties, and independently performing the full range of duties.

 Essential Functions:

• Trains lower-level staff in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions.
• Operates and monitors Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary.
• Monitors plant operations equipment and processes to ensure compliance with environmental and public health standards, including monitoring and making adjustments as needed to optimize efficiency, making chemical dosage changes, changing pumping rates, and monitoring all equipment daily.
• Reads, records, and calculates readings of meters and gauges; interprets information into operational characteristics; makes process adjustments according to information gathered, samples collected, readings, and records.
• Makes visual inspections of plant operations and ensure that operational problems have been located and corrected.
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains pumps, motors, valves, filters, meters, and related equipment.
• Performs required preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs.
• Collects a variety of samples for laboratory tests and performs basic laboratory tests and analyses.
• Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system.
• Operates and maintains a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Performs a variety of general and ground maintenance activities around plant facilities.
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Responds to complaints and answers questions from public or escalates to supervisor, as necessary.
• Accepts deliveries and handles other known hazardous chemicals.
• Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergency situations as required; ensures power to plant facilities during emergency power conditions.
• Maintains records and logs of daily activities; prepares reports as necessary.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Operates heavy equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Monitors cogeneration facility.
• Cleans, calibrates, and maintains a variety of instrumentation equipment.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

When acting as the Designated Operator-In-Charge duties include: 

• Ensures Agency compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program and Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR).
• Performs the full range of operations, control, and maintenance functions during assigned shift at the Agency's wastewater treatment facility, pump stations (PS) and recycle water facilities; performs basic laboratory testing and sample collection; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Operates and monitors all SCADA systems at the Agency's wastewater treatment facility, pump stations (PS) and recycle water facilities; revises equipment settings as appropriate; makes inspections and corrects or controls system problems as necessary; documents problem and actions taken to address problems.
• Instructs staff in work procedures.
• Communicates, organizes, and directs staff efforts in response to emergency situations.

 Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Principles used in providing work direction and training to assigned staff
• Advanced principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Advanced procedures used in the repair, maintenance, and adjustment of wastewater treatment plant equipment.
• General maintenance and repair work.
• Traditional and advanced technologies used in the treatment and recycling of wastewater.
• Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
• Arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Principles and practices of record-keeping methods.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Basic computer software related to work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff.

Ability to:

• Operate the Agency solids handling equipment.
• Provide training and work direction for assigned staff.
• Perform the full range of operations, repair, and maintenance work at wastewater treatment facilities.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices reflecting wastewater treatment plant operations and make and direct others in making operating adjustments based upon recorded data.
• Collect wastewater and sludge samples and perform basic laboratory tests.
• Diagnose the full range of operational problems and take effective corrective actions.
• Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports, and charts.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Effectively communicate in person, over the telephone, two-way radio, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Pass Agency physical examination, which may include pre-employment assessment of safe work capacity in comparison to the essential job functions for the position.

Required Education and Experience: 
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and one (1) year of experience in the operation and preventative maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
 
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's license and be insurable with the Agency's insurance at the standard rate, and continue to meet the established driving standards as a condition of employment for this position.  Job incumbents must acquire a class B license within 24 months of date of hire. Continued maintenance of the valid driver's license necessary to perform the essential duties of the job and compliance with established Agency vehicle operation standards are conditions of employment for this position.
• Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.  Continued maintenance of a valid certificate is a condition of continuing employment.
• Persons employed in this classification are required to participate in Agency provided training to acquire basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates during the initial 12 months of employment and continued maintenance of valid certificates as  a condition of employment for this position.
• Ability to obtain a valid California 40-hour Hazwoper certification during the initial 12 months of employment and continued maintenance of a valid certificate as a condition of employment for this position.
• Employees in this classification are also required to participate in training for confined space entry, incident command procedures, and spill prevention.

 Physical and Environmental Demands:

Physical Demands 

• Standing & Walking - Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles): 15 minutes up to 6 hours per day.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds overhead and 70 pounds to waist level; both these requirements include bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques:  1 minute up to 45 minutes per day.
• Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more up ladder(s), manhole rungs and stairs: 10 minutes up to 60 minutes per day.
• Pulling - The ability to safely pull, hand over hand, up to 60 pounds attached to a rope (retrieval of equipment from tanks, vaults and manholes): 1 minute up to 30 minutes per day.
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as handling emergency situations; trouble shooting Operational equipment and repairs; accurate field measuring; repair and calibration of instruments; computer keyboard; writing: 1 hour up to 8 hours per day.
• Visual - Acuity to monitor computer screens for long periods; reading pertinent literature for long periods; industry warning signs and instruments; reading O&M manuals and diagrams, computer screen: 30 minutes up to 8 hours per day.
• Job requires a good deal of the following activities: instruct, research, sitting, reaching, stooping, bending, and squatting: 15 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations: 1 minute up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to function in confined spaces and/or hazardous environment: 10 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to don and carry on back a self-contained breathing apparatus weighing up to 45 pounds for extended periods: 10 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to work various shifts as scheduled: 8 hours up to 12 hours per day.

Environmental Elements
Wastewater treatment/tertiary plant environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, computer screens, waste and infectious materials; work in or with water and on slippery or uneven surfaces.

To Apply, Please go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/m1w/