What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Lead - Internal position at City of Davis?
DEFINITION
Under general supervision plans, assigns, leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of an operations crew responsible for performing wastewater treatment plant operations functions; inspects, operates, and maintains the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant facility and treatment processes; treats wastewater to protect the public health and environment before discharge; performs corrective and repair work on plant systems; performs general maintenance work at plant facilities; provides technical and specialized assistance to assigned management and supervisory staff; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the WWTP Operations Supervisor. As Lead, works closely with a small crew, providing technical and functional supervision while working in the field; provides training to less experienced staff. May serve as acting supervisor in the absence of assigned supervisor.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level classification responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks that are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Incumbents lead a field crew and are required to operate and train others in the operation of a variety of treatment processes, equipment operations and work duties. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to ensure the City Wastewater Treatment Plant facility is operated and maintained in a safe and effective working condition. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. Positions in this class are distinguished from supervisory classes in that they do not perform direct supervisory duties.
Under general supervision plans, assigns, leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of an operations crew responsible for performing wastewater treatment plant operations functions; inspects, operates, and maintains the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant facility and treatment processes; treats wastewater to protect the public health and environment before discharge; performs corrective and repair work on plant systems; performs general maintenance work at plant facilities; provides technical and specialized assistance to assigned management and supervisory staff; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the WWTP Operations Supervisor. As Lead, works closely with a small crew, providing technical and functional supervision while working in the field; provides training to less experienced staff. May serve as acting supervisor in the absence of assigned supervisor.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level classification responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks that are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Incumbents lead a field crew and are required to operate and train others in the operation of a variety of treatment processes, equipment operations and work duties. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to ensure the City Wastewater Treatment Plant facility is operated and maintained in a safe and effective working condition. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. Positions in this class are distinguished from supervisory classes in that they do not perform direct supervisory duties.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Provides technical and functional supervision to assigned staff responsible for operations, maintenance, repair, and installation work in the City’s wastewater facilities; reviews and controls quality of work; troubleshoots and performs the more complex operations, maintenance and repair activities.
- Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and assigns operations, maintenance and repair work in consultation with supervisor; communicates status of assigned tasks to appropriate personnel, coordinates assigned services of operations with those of other divisions and outside agencies, working cooperatively to schedule assigned tasks in accordance with established and special operational priorities; instructs staff in work procedures.
- Provides performance related feedback to division supervisor as requested.
- Trains employees in process control, work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions.
- Operates and adjusts controls on wastewater treatment facility equipment and machinery such as valves, pumps, chemical feed pumps, electric motors, filters, programmable control systems, and other plant equipment to ensure all equipment is running at optimal performance; checks and calibrates chemical feed equipment and analyzers.
- Visually inspects all plant processes and equipment ; troubleshoots and resolves causes of plant upsets, plant equipment problems, or when permit limitations are exceeded.
- Operates the City’s wastewater treatment system using the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer control system; corrects routine and complex system faults and alarms; monitors trends using SCADA regarding flows, pump and valve operation, chemical residual and supply levels, whether equipment is running effectively, and if chemicals are being utilized properly.
- Safely handles, transports, stores, monitors, and releases chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite, polymer, alum, ferric chloride, sodium hydroxide, and aqueous and anhydrous ammonia into the wastewater treatment system; maintains accurate records of chemicals used; submits orders for purchase of chemicals.
- Maintains operating logs and process control and lift station data.
- Operates and maintains and regulates flows through the wetland and pond systems; checks gate operations.
- Operates a variety of construction and maintenance equipment such as power tools, hand tools, and vehicles including trucks, tractors, backhoes, loaders, forklifts, and other related vehicles and equipment.
- Collects wastewater samples; performs laboratory tests and interprets results for plant control purposes.
- Performs preventive maintenance and repair work on plant equipment such as changing oils and greases, and cleaning equipment.
- Instructs assigned personnel in plant operations.
- Participates in all safety programs required to effectively perform associated job requirements
- Ensures staff compliance with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Maintains air compressors, auxiliary engines, and equipment at lift stations, drainage pump stations, drainage ponds, and ditches.
- Receives work orders electronically; prepares, maintains, and inputs detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via mobile and stationary digital devices into automated software systems.
- Performs routine facility maintenance work such as sweeping, cleaning, and hosing down equipment or work areas throughout the plant.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Principles of providing functional direction and training
- Principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the installation, repair, operation, inspection, and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems and equipment including pumps and electric motors.
- Tools, equipment, and methods used in maintaining stationary power equipment, pumping systems, and electrical systems.
- Wastewater treatment processes and the tests used to check the effectiveness of such processes.
- Safe storage, handling, and usage of chemicals and compounds used in the course of employment.
- Principles and methods of wastewater treatment, including basic chemistry and hydraulics as applied to wastewater treatment.
- SCADA telemetry components and computer software operation.
- Federal, State, and local statutes, codes, and regulations governing wastewater treatment systems including the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and related waste discharge requirements.
- Mathematical formulas used in wastewater treatment.
- Purposes and uses of tools and equipment used in the overhaul, repair, adjustment, and modification of plant equipment.
- Chemical and biological tests used in monitoring wastewater treatment plant processes, chemical reactions, and laboratory operations.
- Operation and maintenance requirements of a variety of light and heavy power-driven equipment.
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
- Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
- Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
- Inspect the work of others and maintain established quality control standards.
- Inspect, troubleshoot, and adjust equipment and treatment processes at a wastewater treatment plant.
- Read and interpret gauges and recording devices reflecting plant operations.
- Perform routine to complex mechanical maintenance work and repairs, maintenance work, and modification to equipment and facilities used in a wastewater treatment plant.
- Troubleshoot and respond to operations and maintenance problems.
- Understand and observe work safety rules, identify and address safety hazards, and train others in proper and safe work procedures.
- Operate a a variety of heavy equipment, power tools, hand tools, and vehicles including trucks, loaders, forklifts, backhoes, and other related vehicles.
- Interpret work orders, and explain jobs to other employees.
- Calculate and adjust chemical doses.
- Participate in the department stand-by program as assigned.
- Operate SCADA controls; correct faults and alarms.
- Clean and de-rag sludge pumps.
- Accurately calculate mathematical formulas used in wastewater treatment.
- Collect wastewater samples for testing.
- Respond to chemical leaks.
- Perform technical procedures in plant operation.
- Perform chemical tank changes while using appropriate safety equipment.
- Learn and perform standard laboratory tests in plant monitoring.
- Maintain records accurately and neatly.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- 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.
- 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:
Education:
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by courses in wastewater treatment, chemistry, or biology.
- (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater maintenance and operations, or one (1) year of experience equivalent to a WWTP Operator III.
- Possession of a valid Class “C” California Driver's License to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Forklift Operator certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid CPR and First Aid certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid HAZWOPER certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Other certifications as required by OSHA/CalOSHA to perform assigned duties (such as confined space, etc)
- Possession of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of a valid California Class “A” Driver’s License is desirable.
- Possession of a valid California Class “B” Driver’s License, is desirable. (Class B may be required in in the future if operational needs change at which time it will become a requirement applicable to new WWTP Operators hired after need is determined.)
- Possession of a valid Grade III or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
Must possess mobility to work in standard wastewater treatment plant and related facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confining spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; 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 averaging weights of up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work partially indoors and partially outdoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Employees may need to wear protective clothing when using chemicals. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be required to be on-call/stand-by and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Salary : $102,261 - $124,299