Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training, Operator I, Operator 2 (Banded)

JOB SUMMARY: This is a banded series in the Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator family, performing apprentice-journey level operations and testing activities in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

 Under Direct Supervision:                                                                 

Operator-in-Training

• 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 necessary process adjustments. 
• 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 presses, sludge drying beds, cloth filters, and ultraviolet disinfection. 
• Monitor the disposal of dried sludge, collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses for process control purposes. 
• 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 clarifiers, scum box, and related equipment. 
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests for process control purposes. 
• Troubleshoot operational problems with plant process equipment, and perform all plant operations under direct supervision. 
• Operate a tractor, skip loader and various hand and power tools; operate a computer and assigned software. 
• Maintain various records and log books related to wastewater quality and facility operation.
• Enters plant operation data in a computer database. 
• Performs related duties as required 

Operator I

• Performs basic routine duties in the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Checks and monitors plant control systems.
• Cleans filters and air blowers to the aeration system.
• Cleans bar rake and other equipment.
• Measures and records oxygen levels in aeration ponds.
• Collects samples, runs laboratory tests.
• Monitors effluent flow to different percolation ponds.
• Maintains records and files on plant operation and equipment maintenance.
• Enters plant operation data in a computer database.
• Performs maintenance of outside grounds areas around the plant.
• Performs building custodial care in the plant.
• Trains, assigns work and evaluates staff performance.
• Performs related duties as required.

       Operator II

• Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operation 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 boilers; perform routine maintenance work on valves, tanks and related equipment and facilities. 
• Input plant operation data in computer; plot operational trends. 
• Perform routine plant grounds maintenance work, including painting and landscape work. 
• Operate treatment plant vehicles and stationary machinery as required in a safe and efficient manner. 
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses. 
• Assist in the supervision and training of less experienced operators as assigned. 
• 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 

 Operator-in-Training

• Learn the practices, procedures, techniques, regulations and laws pertaining to a wastewater treatment plant.  Learn to operate, clean, and perform minor maintenance, on wastewater treatment plant equipment and facilities. 
• Accurately read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges and recording charts. 
• Learn to interpret mechanical systems and piping diagrams. 
• Learn to observe and accurately record operating conditions and make verbal and written reports, make mathematical calculations. 
• Read, understand, implement and practice safety procedures in plant operations. 
• Learn to recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions and exercise independent judgment within established guidelines. 
• Learn to operate a variety of equipment including tractors, skip loaders, dump trucks, lab instruments, computers and assigned software. 
• Collect samples and perform laboratory tests. 
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions. 
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Meet schedules and time lines. 
• Obtain a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within 18 months from the date of hire. 
• Report to work every scheduled workday. 

Operator I

• Read, understand, implement and practice safety procedures in plant operations.
• Read meters and gauges correctly and to respond to unusual situations quickly and competently.
• Collect samples and perform laboratory tests.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of regulations.
• Establish, maintain effective relationships.
• Operate a computer and related software.

Operator II

• 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 tests.
• Access and interpret data from SCADA computer system and related software.
• Perform all plant operations without direct supervision.
• Monitor and operate facility without aid of other plant operators.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

KNOWLEDGE OF 

• Functions and purposes of wastewater treatment systems.
• Safe work practices around gases, electricity and chemicals.
• Goals, polices and objectives of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Basic chemistry and math.
• Operation of computers and related software.
• Policies and objectives of assigned programs.
• Collection and testing of samples.
• General knowledge of common hand and power tools and personal computer operating systems and software applications. 
• Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of wastewater plant machinery.
• Hazardous gases associated with treatment of sewage.
• City sewage plant operation policies and procedures.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

 High school diploma or general education degree (GED); some experience in wastewater plant operation; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

 Operator-in-Training

• Possession of, or the ability to, obtain a valid Class C California Driver’s license prior to employment.
• Ability to obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training Grade I Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.

      Operator I

• Valid California driver’s license.
• Possession of a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.

      Operator II

• Valid California driver’s license.
• Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. 

 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 taste or 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 frequently works in inside environmental conditions.  The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary : $47,162 - $78,053