DEFINITION

Under direct or general supervision, learns and performs a variety of operations, control, and preventative maintenance functions in support of the District's wastewater treatment plant, including SCADA; regulates influent and effluent flows within the system; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies and work methods associated with assigned duties; assists with basic laboratory testing and sample collection; and performs other related duties, as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives direct and general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey-level classification in the WWTPO series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the II-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, exercising judgment and initiative, and ability to serve as a Designated Operator in Charge (DOIC) as defined by state regulations. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed upon completion and for overall results. This class is distinguished from the Senior WWTPO in that the latter provides technical and functional direction to lower-level staff and is responsible for coordinating work performed by the unit. Positions in the WWTPO I/II/III series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II- and III-levels are normally filled by advancement from the I- and II-levels after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, and certification which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. 

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. 

• Operates wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; monitors the operation of a variety of wastewater treatment plant pumps, motors, digesters, biosolids, and other equipment; reads gauges, dials and other instruments that record plant operations including SCADA, off-site pumps, and storage facilities.

• Ensures compliance with environmental and public health standards, including monitoring and adjusting as needed to optimize efficiency, making chemical dosage changes, changing pumping rates, and inspecting and monitoring all equipment daily. 
• Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through plants. 
• Operates and assists in preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment, such as electric motors, engines, gas and electric powered pumps, air compressors, emergency systems, power generation systems, pressure and flow regulators, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, digesters, bar screens, and blowers. 
• Coordinates plant operation activities in a variety of areas including headworks, aeration basins, membrane biological reactors, disinfection systems, thickening systems, digesters, methane gas systems, generators, chlorine, and holding ponds. 
• Cleans process tanks and equipment related to wastewater treatment. 
• Reviews and analyzes automated information and control system data and revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary. 
• Interprets and may perform laboratory and process tests to optimize plant performance, checks the results, and makes appropriate changes. 
• Maintains accurate records, including calculating flow rates and the daily use of chemicals, gauge and meter readings, and completing required monthly reports. 
• Uses a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment. 
• Performs a variety of custodial duties, including sweeping and cleaning in the plant facilities. 
• Provides direction and training to less experienced staff related to plant operations. 
• Participates in emergency response related to wastewater treatment spills, overflows, and equipment failures. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Minimum qualifications & Requirements

Knowledge of: 

• Principles, practices, equipment, material, and tools used in the operation, cleaning and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment. 
• The operation of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances. 
• Basic standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials. 
• SCADA operating systems and other computer applications related to the work. 
• Basic knowledge of membrane biological reactor treatment methods, equipment, and associated process variables. 
• The operation of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment. 
• Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. 
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures. 
• Basic shop arithmetic. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff. 
• The structure and content of the English language sufficient to effectively perform the assignment. 
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination. 
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation. 

 Ability to: 

• Operate a variety of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities equipment. 
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices reflecting wastewater treatment plant operations and make operating adjustments based upon recorded data. 
• Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions. 
• Conduct standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials. 
• Use the tools and equipment of the work skillfully, and safely. 
• Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner. 
• Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports, and charts. 
• Make basic arithmetic computations. 
• Provide training to less experienced staff. 
• Identify and take appropriate action when operating problems occur. 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines. 
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:  

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. and Two (2) years of responsible work experience in a capacity comparable to that of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in California.  

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment. 
• Possession and maintenance of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification issued by the California SWRCB. 

Supplemental information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Must possess mobility to work in standard wastewater treatment plant and related facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work around machines, to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 100 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.  

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 

Employees work partially indoors and partially outdoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Respond to emergencies on an on-call basis, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.