Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II

Job Title:                                 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator – Grade II

Department:                            Asset Management

Reports To:                             Chief Plant Operator 

Location:                                 Pacific Grove, California

Classification:                          Non-Exempt/ Part-Time

Normal Business Hours:         Varies, Approx. 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 30 hours per week

Date Prepared:                       11/14/2025

Job Objective - Reporting directly to the Chief Plant Operator (CPO), the Operator II has responsibility for assisting in the successful operation and maintenance of the Pacific Grove Wastewater Plant and assisting as necessary in the operation and maintenance of other PERC Water projects as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, inspect, clean, maintain, repair, and replace treatment plant equipment and systems associated with an MBR facility, including influent and effluent piping, valves, pumps, blowers, motors, grinders, screens, aeration systems, membrane tanks and modules, permeate pumps, UV disinfection systems, chemical storage and feed systems, and associated instrumentation and controls.
• Conduct routine plant rounds to inspect, monitor, and document process conditions by reading gauges, meters, SCADA screens, trend graphs, and analytical instrumentation; record operational data accurately in logs and electronic systems.
• Monitor MBR-specific process parameters such as transmembrane pressure (TMP), flux rates, air scour performance, dissolved oxygen, MLSS, membrane integrity, and cleaning cycles; make operational adjustments as directed by the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) or Operations Manager.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions, equipment malfunctions, membrane fouling issues, and process upsets; take corrective actions within assigned authority and promptly communicate issues to the CPO.
• Perform preventive maintenance and supervised corrective maintenance on plant equipment, including membrane maintenance activities such as inspections, integrity checks, cleaning-in-place (CIP) preparation and support, and routine cleaning tasks under direction.
• Assist with major repairs, membrane change-outs, and capital improvement activities as assigned.
• Perform general facility, grounds, and housekeeping maintenance, including cleaning process areas, washing equipment, lubricating machinery, maintaining walkways, and supporting landscape and weed abatement activities as needed.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, portable equipment, and maintenance vehicles necessary for wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• Collect wastewater samples and perform basic laboratory testing and analysis (e.g., pH, turbidity, MLSS, DO, chlorine residuals, UV intensity checks); follow approved QA/QC procedures and laboratory safety protocols.
• Accurately prepare, maintain, and update operational records, maintenance logs, laboratory data, and regulatory documentation in compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
• Monitor consumables and chemical inventories (e.g., cleaning chemicals, polymers, reagents, PPE) and notify the CPO when re-ordering is required.
• Inspect and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process systems; assist skilled maintenance personnel and subcontractors by providing operational support, materials handling, and task execution in a safe and efficient manner.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe operating condition.
• Respond to plant alarms, process upsets, and emergency situations during scheduled shifts and after hours as required to protect personnel safety, equipment integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Transport tools, equipment, and supplies to and from work areas to support plant operations and maintenance activities.
• Promote, follow, and actively support PERC Water’s written Corporate Safety Program, including the use of PPE, job hazard analyses (JHAs), lockout/tagout procedures, confined space protocols, and safe work practices.
• Perform duties at other facilities or locations as assigned to support operational needs.
• Maintain regular and acceptable attendance in accordance with PERC Water standards.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned by the Chief Plant Operator or Operations Manager.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

1. General computer skills including good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. Ability to learn CMMS program used on site.
2. Excellent team-working and communications skills to enable effective interaction with other PERC Water personnel, including peers. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
3. Physical:
4. Body Positions:  Standing, sitting for extended periods of time, walking.
5. Body Movements:  Use of hands, eyes, ears, arms and voice.  Must be able to lift, push and pull up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.  
6. Must be able to climb up and down stairs and ladders and climb into process tanks and enclosures
7. Must be able to climb on, or into facility equipment and systems (Confined Space Training required).
8. Must be able to work weekends, nights or holidays as needed. 
9. On call availability as scheduled
10. Must be able to travel from jobsite to jobsite within in the area 
11. Occasional Travel Required
12. Mental:
13. Language ability includes reading, writing, spelling, and the ability to communicate clearly on business topics in English.

Education, Professional Credentials and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent
2. Current California Grade II Wastewater Certification required
3. 1-2 years of previous experience in a similar position 
4. Valid CA driver’s license
5. Degree a plus but not required

Work Conditions

            Jobsite (Wastewater reclamation facility) indoor and outdoor