What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supervising Plant Operator (Groundwater Well Operations) position at City of Sacramento?
THE POSITION
THIS POSITION IS IN THE WATER DIVISION
The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities is seeking a Supervising Plant Operator (Chief Plant Operator) to join the Water Production Division to oversee the Groundwater Well Team. The team manages 22 groundwater wells, the Shasta Groundwater Treatment Plant and also assists the Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (YPCE) in operation of irrigation wells in City parks.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate will possess the skills necessary to excel in a team environment using multiple communications platforms. Candidate will work under general supervision of the Superintendent, be supportive and engaging of their assigned team, support teams, co-workers, and leadership.
To plan, organize, assign, schedule, direct, review, and participate in the work of skilled and semi-skilled personnel involved in the operation of the City's drinking water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs and distribution system; combined wastewater control system, primary wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A Supervising Plant Operator assigned to water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs and the distribution system serves as Chief Operator and has responsibility for full supervision of the overall day-to-day operation. A Supervising Plant Operator assigned to the wastewater treatment plant, or sumps has responsibility for full supervision and the overall day-to-day operation of wastewater treatment facilities and pumping stations. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Water and Sewer Superintendent in that the latter is an exempt management class responsible for a functional section in either the Plant Services or Field Services Divisions. This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Senior Plant Operator in that the latter is the lead operator level of the series assigned to a shift.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direction is provided by management personnel. Responsibilities include direct and indirect supervision over lower level plant personnel.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Knowledge of:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Four years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a drinking water treatment plant or wastewater facility, at least one year of which was in a lead operator capacity.
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
Special Qualifications
Driver License
Possession of valid Class C California Driver License. Loss of the license is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Certificate
For assignments in surface water treatment plants, a T-5 water treatment operator certificate from the California Department of Health Services is required. Assignment to well operations requires a T-4 certificate. For assignments in wastewater, a T-2 certificate is desirable.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION
Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
Respiratory Protective Equipment
Work in this class may require wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such assignments, individuals must act in accordance with the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf
Union Contracts:https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html
Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf
01
APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment
PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use any combination of education and/or experience as listed to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities. I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position. Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.
EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION: I understand proof of certification, should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment.
CERTIFICATION CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a T-4 certificate from the California Department of Health Services by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
DRIVER'S LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Driver's License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring department's review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.
Describe your experience with managing stress within a team.
09
Describe your experience leading others, including the leadership approaches you have used.
10
Describe your experience serving as a resource to colleagues, including the knowledge or support you have provided.
11
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION: The following questions are the Training and Experience (T&E) Examination. In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, applicants must complete and submit online responses to the T&E questions. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the T&E Exam questions should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. In accordance with the City of Sacramento's Racial and Gender Equity Action Plan (RGEAP), this examination contains non-binary names and pronouns. For additional information regarding the City's RGEAP, please copy and paste the following link into a web browser: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/Divisions/ode/workforce-equity-documents/Full-RGEAP.pdf I understand and agree to the above instructions.
Select the one option that best describes your experience supervising or leading a crew which included assigning and reviewing work tasks.
Select the one option that best describes your experience implementing safety protocols and ensuring staff are properly trained.
Select the one option that best describes your experience with system operations in wastewater/drainage facilities.
Select the one option that best describes your experience troubleshooting problems in plant and well performance and taking appropriate actions to resolve the issue.
Select the one option that best describes your experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with leadership, crewmembers, contractors, and the public.
THIS POSITION IS IN THE WATER DIVISION
The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities is seeking a Supervising Plant Operator (Chief Plant Operator) to join the Water Production Division to oversee the Groundwater Well Team. The team manages 22 groundwater wells, the Shasta Groundwater Treatment Plant and also assists the Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (YPCE) in operation of irrigation wells in City parks.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate will possess the skills necessary to excel in a team environment using multiple communications platforms. Candidate will work under general supervision of the Superintendent, be supportive and engaging of their assigned team, support teams, co-workers, and leadership.
To plan, organize, assign, schedule, direct, review, and participate in the work of skilled and semi-skilled personnel involved in the operation of the City's drinking water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs and distribution system; combined wastewater control system, primary wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A Supervising Plant Operator assigned to water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs and the distribution system serves as Chief Operator and has responsibility for full supervision of the overall day-to-day operation. A Supervising Plant Operator assigned to the wastewater treatment plant, or sumps has responsibility for full supervision and the overall day-to-day operation of wastewater treatment facilities and pumping stations. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Water and Sewer Superintendent in that the latter is an exempt management class responsible for a functional section in either the Plant Services or Field Services Divisions. This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Senior Plant Operator in that the latter is the lead operator level of the series assigned to a shift.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direction is provided by management personnel. Responsibilities include direct and indirect supervision over lower level plant personnel.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assign, schedule, direct, and review, through lead operators, the work of drinking water treatment or wastewater facility operations in accordance with Federal, state and local laws and regulations.
- Troubleshoot and resolve problems in plant and well performance and take appropriate corrective action.
- Provide technical assistance and advice on plant operations and related processes.
- Supervise the operation and maintenance and operate a wide variety of equipment, such as large capacity pumps, heavy duty motors and engines, compressors, generators, chemical feeders, large valves; specialized equipment such as residual chlorine analyzers, fluoride analyzers, auto-samplers, computer-based telemetry recorders and indicators, computer control systems, electrical equipment and various kinds of hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and electrical systems.
- Inspect assigned facilities and make evaluations of work performed by subordinates and performance of equipment.
- Maintain surveillance of the operating efficiency and performance of all plant mechanical and electrical systems and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
- Maintain inventory and written and/or computer-generated data including historic equipment records, facility condition, pumping rate, chemical usage and inventory, water quality reports, and equipment lubrication requirements.
- Assist in the design of and serve as system administrator of SCADA or computerized maintenance management systems.
- Interpret and make required adjustments to specialized instruments such as recorders, gauges, meters, charts, and dials.
- Survey facilities on a regular basis to insure that plants or stations and equipment are clean and in good operating condition.
- Perform water quality tests and direct necessary chemical dosage and related adjustments.
- Participate in the development and review of plans and specifications for water, wastewater, well, reservoir, pump and distribution/collection systems; suggest methods for improving plant efficiency.
- Order supplies and materials; prepare cost estimates, assist in development of equipment specifications and assist in the preparation and administration of operations and maintenance budgets.
- Maintain work time, equipment, and material records; make reports of work performed.
- Select, train, supervise, and evaluate subordinate personnel.
- Respond to emergencies on an on-call basis 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
- Work in confined spaces on temporary scaffolding and on high structures; using breathing apparatus and/or Level I Hazmat suits
- Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.
Knowledge of:
- Methods, principles, practices, construction techniques and standards of operation and maintenance of drinking water treatment or wastewater treatment and pumping facilities, or potable and non-potable water wells and pumping facilities.
- Equipment, supplies, and materials used in the combined wastewater control system, drinking water treatment plants, wells and outlying pumping stations and reservoirs.
- Control and measuring devices, gauges, meters and instruments necessary to properly evaluate and determine the status of the control systems.
- Principles of mathematics, algebra, chemistry and hydraulics as they apply to plant operations.
- Mechanical principles and practices relating to plant equipment and machinery.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in water and wastewater facilities.
- Hazardous materials related to plant operations and appropriate response and mitigation measures.
- Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
- Principles, theories and operation of process control SCADA and computerized maintenance management systems.
- Federal, state and local laws and regulations related to drinking water quality and treatment, wastewater treatment, plant operations and safety.
- Plan, assign, schedule, coordinate and direct the work of subordinates.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates.
- Identify system problems and/or potential problems and take effective corrective action in an efficient manner.
- Write and update standard operating procedures and manuals.
- Read and interpret plant diagrams, charts, blueprints, specifications and operations and maintenance manuals.
- Understand and apply the principles, theories, and operations of process control computers and serve as SCADA or computerized maintenance management system administrator.
- Prepare reports and develop and maintain accurate and up-to-date records and operation logs.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors.
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Four years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a drinking water treatment plant or wastewater facility, at least one year of which was in a lead operator capacity.
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
Special Qualifications
Driver License
Possession of valid Class C California Driver License. Loss of the license is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Certificate
For assignments in surface water treatment plants, a T-5 water treatment operator certificate from the California Department of Health Services is required. Assignment to well operations requires a T-4 certificate. For assignments in wastewater, a T-2 certificate is desirable.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION
Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
Respiratory Protective Equipment
Work in this class may require wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such assignments, individuals must act in accordance with the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
- Application: (Pass/Fail) – All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline;
- Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
- Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
- If applicants do not list current and/or past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
- If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
- Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
- Proof of certification and/or license should be submitted online with your application. Proof of certification and/or license will be required at time of appointment.
- Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
- If you’re requesting Veteran’s credit, a copy of your DD214 must be submitted online with your application or emailed to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline. Information regarding the use of Veteran’s credit can be found in the Civil Service Board rules under rule 4.9C.
- Applicants are responsible for attaching a copy of their DD214 to each position for which they apply.
- Training and Experience Exam: (Weighted 100%) – The questions located at the end of the application are the Training and Experience (T&E) Exam. Responses to the T&E questions will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. The exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. When completing the T&E questions, please note:
- Responses to the T&E questions must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
- A resume will not substitute for the information required in the T&E questions.
- Eligibility: Candidates who pass the Training and Experience Test will be placed on the eligible list. The hiring department may contact candidates for interview at any time during the life of the one-year list. Candidate’s eligibility expires one year from the date of notification of a passing score for the Supervising Plant Operator examination.
- Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)– All candidates that pass the examination and are in one of the top three ranks will have their application forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.
- Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
- Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
- For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
- Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment;
- Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org; or
- Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf
Union Contracts:https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html
Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf
01
APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment
- Yes
PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use any combination of education and/or experience as listed to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities. I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position. Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.
- Yes
EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
- No units from an accredited college or university
- Less than 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
- 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
- 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university
- Associates Degree
- 90 semester or 135 quarter units from an accredited college or university
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Doctorate
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION: I understand proof of certification, should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment.
- Yes
CERTIFICATION CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a T-4 certificate from the California Department of Health Services by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
- Yes
- No
DRIVER'S LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Driver's License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
- Yes
- No
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring department's review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.
- Yes
Describe your experience with managing stress within a team.
09
Describe your experience leading others, including the leadership approaches you have used.
10
Describe your experience serving as a resource to colleagues, including the knowledge or support you have provided.
11
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION: The following questions are the Training and Experience (T&E) Examination. In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, applicants must complete and submit online responses to the T&E questions. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the T&E Exam questions should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. In accordance with the City of Sacramento's Racial and Gender Equity Action Plan (RGEAP), this examination contains non-binary names and pronouns. For additional information regarding the City's RGEAP, please copy and paste the following link into a web browser: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/Divisions/ode/workforce-equity-documents/Full-RGEAP.pdf I understand and agree to the above instructions.
- Yes
Select the one option that best describes your experience supervising or leading a crew which included assigning and reviewing work tasks.
- Two years or more
- At least eighteen months, but less than two years
- At least one year, but less than eighteen months
- At least six months, but less than one year
- Less than six months
Select the one option that best describes your experience implementing safety protocols and ensuring staff are properly trained.
- Six years or more
- At least five years, but less than six years
- At least four years, but less than five years
- At least three years, but less than four years
- Less than three years
Select the one option that best describes your experience with system operations in wastewater/drainage facilities.
- Six years or more
- At least five years, but less than six years
- At least four years, but less than five years
- At least three years, but less than four years
- Less than three years
Select the one option that best describes your experience troubleshooting problems in plant and well performance and taking appropriate actions to resolve the issue.
- Six years or more
- At least five years, but less than six years
- At least four years, but less than five years
- At least three years, but less than four years
- Less than three years
Select the one option that best describes your experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with leadership, crewmembers, contractors, and the public.
- Six years or more
- At least five years, but less than six years
- At least four years, but less than five years
- At least three years, but less than four years
- Less than three years
- Required Question