JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Wastewater Plant Operator performs highly skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift; supervise the operation of plant periodically in absence of Plant Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 This position is distinguished from the Wastewater Plant Operator I/II by its lead function and the degree of technical expertise required in performing the more complex work. This classification is responsible for lead supervision of Wastewater Plant Operators I/II. Specific key duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Operate 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
• Operate valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain blowers; perform routine maintenance work on valves, tanks, related equipment and facilities
• Operate and maintain headwork screening, aeration basins, blowers, pumps, screw press, sludge drying beds, cloth filters, and ultraviolet disinfection
• Monitor the disposal of dried sludge; collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses; take dissolved oxygen readings, and oversee effluent flow to percolation ponds
• Determine system changes to maintain quality control standards
• Maintain and repair air blowers to the aeration system, floats, diffuser assemblies, air hoses, pumps, valves, and bar rake
• Operate and maintain clarifies, scum box, and related equipment
• Perform recordkeeping functions and submit applicable reports
• Train and assign work to plant staff
• Perform related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABILITY TO 

• Clean, clear, maintain, and adjust motors, pump and other equipment; read meters and gauges correctly and to act quickly and competently
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; prepare simple written reports
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests; troubleshoot operational problems with plant process equipment; perform all plant operations without direct supervision
• Read, understand, implement and practice safety procedures in plant operations
• Implement principles and practices necessary in wastewater plant operations
• Train, prioritize, and schedule the work of plant staff
• Operate backhoe, , forklift, trucks, tractors, and other relevant equipment
• Meet schedules and time lines
• Maintain up to date knowledge of regulations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Operate a computer and related software

KNOWLEDGE OF 

• Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of wastewater plant machinery
• Functions and purposes of wastewater treatment systems
• Basic mechanical and electrical systems
• Safe work practices with high pressure piping, vessels, gasses, steam, corrosive liquids, electricity, and chemicals
• Goals, polices and objectives of wastewater treatment plant operations
• Chemistry and math
• Operation of computers and related software
• Policies and objectives of assigned programs
• Operation of heavy equipment around the plant grounds
• Collection and testing of samples
• Chemical applications for wastewater treatment

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

 High school diploma or general education degree (GED); three years experience as Wastewater Plant Operator II.

 Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

-Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Board OR, possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate and be able to obtain a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate within one (1) year of employment for continued employment 

-Possession of an appropriate valid California driver’s license

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.