Senior Water Pollution Control Operator

SENIOR WATER POLLUTION CONTROL OPERATOR The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Senior Water Pollution Control Operator. The ideal candidate will have a journeyman level understanding of wastewater treatment and the associated equipment and controls required to operate those systems. The Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant is a Class V Wastewater Treatment Facility with Recycled Water production. The Plant is undergoing an exciting transition replacing original processes, structures, and equipment with the latest treatment technologies. We are constructing new screening, pumping, grit removal, sedimentation, odor control, power distribution, and SCADA systems, and designing a new secondary treatment process with dewatering and thickening. Responsibilities Assist in the operation of the Water Pollution Control Plant and oversee the operation, inspection, and maintenance of plant equipment and facilities. Provide lead work direction for an assigned shift and participate in plant operations. Operate centrifugal pumps, piston pumps, valves, sluice gates, blowers, mechanical bar screens, chemical feeders, chlorinators, collectors, aerators, channel masters, and grinders. Monitor, read, and calculate flows using meters, gauges, and visual inspections. Inspect and supervise assigned staff to ensure safe, compliant, and effective plant operation. Coordinate emergency response measures and notify the Department of Public Safety as needed. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements. Review plans and specifications for capital improvement projects during design and construction. Act as liaison for contractors and vendors on an as‑needed basis. Operate and make minor repairs to engines, motors, pumps, sedimentation basins, chlorinators, contact channels, and other equipment. Use the plant’s Computerized Maintenance Management System to issue work orders promptly. Certify logbook entries for accuracy and completeness. Perform analytical tests as needed, including confined space entry and boat sampling of outfall channel, sloughs, and ponds. Monitor and control electrical and chemical usage to ensure cost‑effective operations. Regulate primary sludge removal, sedimentation tank skimming, and sludge cycle programming. Review time cards, ensure compliance with vacancy guidelines, and assist in training assigned staff. Act as Designated Operator in Charge when the Water Pollution Control Operations Manager is absent. Working Conditions Position requires sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and repetitive hand movements. The job includes near and far vision requirements, acute hearing, lifting up to 50 pounds, outdoor work in all weather conditions, exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, confined space entries, ladder climbing, power tools, driving motorized vehicles, and heavy traffic. Appropriate personal protective equipment and safety programs are required. Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. Knowledge Chemistry, biology, and operation of primary treatment, oxidation ponds, fixed growth reactors, air flotation tanks, and filtration; polymer, chlorine, and sulfur dioxide additions. Operation of filtration and disinfection for a Water Reclamation Plant. Operation of the Power Generation Facility and related equipment. Regulatory agency guidelines for discharges to receiving waters and water reclamation discharge. Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles. Plant safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals and emergency response. Skill Use of hand, power, mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic tools including proper identification and application. Ability Carry out standard operating procedures and maintenance requirements. Read and interpret drawings, plans, schematics, and specifications. Keep accurate records and prepare clear reports. Supervise and train staff. Operate the plant without direct supervision. Analyze and correct plant operation problems. Perform routine laboratory analyses. Work as an effective team member. Travel to remote locations near the plant. Communicate professionally in writing and orally. Respond to emergencies at any time. Work with influents containing industrial wastes and hazardous materials. Read gauge readings and make complex operational adjustments. Wear a respirator or breathing apparatus. Observe safety principles. Operate standard office equipment. Licenses and Certificates Valid ClassC California driver’s license and a safe driving record. Valid GradeIII Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate issued by the California State Water Quality Control Board. The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, sex (including gender identity, pregnancy, medical conditions related to pregnancy or breastfeeding), sexual orientation, ethnicity or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military status, marital status, family relationship, age, genetic characteristics, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application. #J-18808-Ljbffr