Wastewater Plant Operator III/IV/V

Wastewater Plant Operator III, IV, V

The Position: Under general supervision of the Chief Plant Operator or designee, to perform skilled and supervisory work in the operation of all equipment and processes in wastewater treatment plant during an assigned shift; and to do related work as required.

Representative Duties

• Supervise and participate in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Monitor gauges, meters, and control panels.
• Observe variations in operation conditions.
• Interpret observations in operating conditions.
• Supervise and participate in the operation of valves, gates, boilers, compressors, pumps, engines and electric motors to control treatment process.
• Operate valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines, and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers and incinerators; perform routine maintenance work.
• Perform routine maintenance work on equipment and machinery.
• Insure safe work practices are followed; instruct assigned personnel in paper work procedures and use of safety equipment; may use self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Keep facility areas in a clean and orderly condition.
• Perform work outdoors at times in inclement weather.
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses.
• Perform in a leadership role for the more complex projects or assignments.
• Control, monitor and operate wastewater processes and equipment utilizing a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
• Assist in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) system development and upgrades.
• Perform the more complicated operation task and trouble-shoot process problems.
• Assist maintenance in the isolation and removal from service of process equipment.

Qualifications

Knowledge of: Principles and practices necessary in the operation and maintenance of and advanced wastewater treatment plant including operation and theory of Activated Sludge, Anaerobic Digestion, Tertiary Filtration, Disinfection and Nutrient Removal. All regulatory permits basic regulatory agency notification requirements. Modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding wastewater treatment. Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary on the work including working in a confined space, use of self-contained breathing apparatus, equipment lockout/tag-out and personal protective equipment. Use and operation of microcomputers including applicable software programs. City wastewater plant operating policies and procedures. Knowledge of applicable city, county, state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, administrative orders, and other operational guidelines and directives.

Ability to: Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare written reports. Operate a wastewater treatment plant. Perform maintenance of wastewater facility. Use tools necessary in making general repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps, and other equipment. Read meters and gauges correctly and act quickly and competently. Collect samples and perform routine laboratory test. Make logical decisions in a manner consistent with the information available at the time. Perform all plant operations without direct supervision and in a safe manner. Work overtime as requires. Work rotation shifts as required. Ability to work with minimum supervision.

Experience, Education and Licenses

Education/Training: Minimum eighteen (18) years of age. Must possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License and maintain possession of such license during the course of employment, or have the ability to obtain one within one year. License or Certificate: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the Possession of a current, valid, Grade III or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board as issued through procedures established by the board. Physical, Mental, and Environmental requirements: Must be found to be free from any physical, emotional or mental conditions, as determined by a qualified physician and/or psychologist, which with or without accommodation, might affect the ability of the employee to perform essential job functions. The position may require prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. Additionally, the position requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Near and far vision is required in order to read work related documents and use the computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The position requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Incumbent must be willing to work shift work, including nights, weekends, holidays and on call as needed.