Collection System Operator I/II

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to providing top-quality municipal service in a prime Northern California location, consider a career with the City of Arcata. We have an opening for a Collection System Operator I/II in our Utilities Division. •3% salary increase in July 2026•GREAT Benefits including: The City currently pays the majority of the medical coverage premium for employees (and their dependents) and 100% of the premium for dental and vision coverage. The City also offfers a $400/month health insurance opt-out option, if applicable. Additionally, immediate City contribution to deferred compensation, increasing with service; longevity pay, vacation accrual increases with service and 13 paid holidays. See more in the "Benefits" tab.

PLEASE NOTE

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026. Under the direct or general supervision of higher-level staff, performs a variety of technical routine to complex duties as they relate to the inspection, maintenance and operation of the City's wastewater collection system and equipment; including the pump/lift station wet wells. Maintain, repair and operate all equipment used to clean, inspect and maintain the wastewater collection system and performs other related duties as assigned. Collection System Operator I ($47,837.99-$61,054.69): This is the entry-level class in the Collection System Operator I/II series. This class is distinguished from the Collection System Operator II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to the position while gaining knowledge and abilities. Collection System Operator II ($50,285.43-$64,178.37): This is the journey-level class in the Collection System Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Collection System Operator I by the performance of the full range and more complex duties. This class is flexibly staffed and normally filled by promotion from the lower class of Collection System Operator I, or when filled from the outside, requires satisfactory demonstration of ability to meet the requirements established for promotion to the position. Cleans, maintains, and inspects City wastewater and stormwater collection systems. Clears blockages in wastewater collection system; insures proper decontamination and containment during and after wastewater upsets to prevent public health hazard and protect the environment. Cleans, maintains and inspects City manholes, keep manholes and easements clear of debris and accessible, locating and exposing sewer cleanouts and manholes, preparing written reports on manhole conditions and recommendations for referral to supervisor, and removing accumulated debris, grease, concrete etc. which may result in potential blockage in manholes and other drainage structures. Operates and maintains equipment used to clean and/or inspect the City's wastewater and stormwater collection systems. Inspects and makes routine maintenance repairs to related equipment including rods and couplings on sectional power sewer rodding machines, high pressure hose and fittings on high velocity sewer cleaner for damage and/or wear; maintenance and diagnosis of hydraulic pumps, water pumps, hydraulic motors, blowers, electronic and video equipment; replaces fluids, filters, high pressure hoses, and vacuum tubes; maintains replacement equipment and parts inventory; performs occasional simple repair of other equipment, tools, and parts on accessory items; researches and prepares requisitions for repair/replacement parts and materials as necessary for referral to supervisor; maintains an accurate record of all repairs made and recommended in the wastewater collection system for referral to supervisor. Performs preventative maintenance of the wastewater collection system. Identifies, maintains, records (manual and computerized), and reports wastewater collection system problems. Collects and maintains chain of custody for water and wastewater samples; uses simple field water test kits to determine if a water source contains chlorine. Performs basic skills in carpentry and masonry to construct/adjust concrete grade rings, rehabilitate/improve sewer manholes, and various other appurtenances in the collection system. Assists supervisor in the design of bypass pump systems; installs, operates and maintains bypass pump systems. Reads, uses and interprets City infrastructure plans and maps. Prepares accurate written and televised maintenance, inspection, and cleaning records of wastewater collection system. Communicates with Caltrans regarding controlled access right-of-way on state highways; assists in setting up and maintaining safe controlled traffic and work zones. Prepares and maintains a computer database of CCTV video logs and reports; performs data entry and organization. Provides accurate information to supervisor following sewer upsets; interacts with the public, insurance company representatives, and local and state regulatory agencies relating to sewer upsets. Calculates, estimates and records flow, volume, capacity, and velocity of water and wastewater at various City locations within the City's collection system. Interprets and practices occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) regulations and safe work practices in all maintenance and investigative work per City and OSHA requirements conducts safety checks and routine maintenance to gas detectors, blowers, fall protection equipment and respiratory equipment. Assists co-workers in proper confined space entry, use of gas monitoring equipment, tripod and safety harness, use of combination jetter and vacuum truck, sewer rodder, sewer video camera, video equipment, computer and video equipment vehicle, smoke testing equipment and flow monitoring equipment. Adheres to and complies with all State, Federal, and local regulations, policies and procedures as it relates to safe work practices and maintaining, cleaning, inspecting and recordkeeping of wastewater collection systems. Performs all other related duties as assigned. For full example of duties, please refer to the job description

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

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:

Collection System Operator I and II:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Collection System Operator I:

At least one (1) year related experience in the maintenance, inspection and cleaning of wastewater collection systems.

Collection System Operator II:

Satisfactory demonstration of at least two (2) years of experience independently performing the duties of Collection System Operator I, and the ability to perform the specific tasks established for promotion to the position. Please note the following are "typical" qualifications, if you possess a portion rather than all, please apply.

Knowledge of :

Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the construction, maintenance, cleaning, inspecting and documenting of the stormwater and wastewater collection system; pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, including those regarding requirements pertaining to sewer upset notifications and traffic control plans; safe work practices, including proper methods of locating underground utilities, confined space entry, respiratory protection, climbing, lifting and carrying techniques, tools and equipment; purchasing policies and procedures; methods of maintaining inventories and supplies; common hand and power tools used in basic carpentry, construction and vegetation removal; principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting; basic computer skills; techniques for dealing effectively with those contacted in the course of work, both in person and on the telephone. Ability to : operate and maintain; tools used in the construction, maintenance, cleaning, inspecting, and documenting of wastewater collection system; interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions; read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, blueprints, etc.; operate a fork lift, lift truck and dump truck; use small tools and machinery, physically perform frequent heavy lifting; safely transport equipment, supplies and materials; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; operate a personal computer and related applications; prepare reports and maintain written records of work performed; and establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, vendors and suppliers, and the general public.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A

valid California Driver's License. Obtain a California Class B Driver's Permit within six (6) months of employment, including participating in the federally mandated drug and alcohol testing program. Obtain a California Class B Driver's License (with Airbrake Endorsement) within twelve (12) months of employment, including participating in the federally mandated drug and alcohol testing program. Obtain a Grade I Collection System Maintenance Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association within eighteen (18) months of hire. Obtain 40 hour

HAZWOPER

Training Certificate within eighteen (18) months of hire and maintain ongoing certificate requirements. When on standby, must be ready to report to work, fit for duty, within thirty (30) minutes of notification. A commitment to understand and support diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Willing and available to work extended and/or varying hours as necessary, including nights, weekends, on-call and responding to emergency calls as needed. Other certificates or licenses specific to functional area of assignment may be required. Collection System Operator II (in addition to the above): Possess a California Class A Driver's License (with Manual Transmission and Airbrake Endorsement), including participating in the federally mandated drug and alcohol testing program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job, including working in raw sewage and cramped and confined spaces; working around solvents, fuels, compressed gases, toxic gases, strong odors; climbing up to 15 feet; lifting, pulling, dragging, and carrying up to 50 pounds, with assistance up to 150 pounds; standing or performing heavy physical labor on a sustained basis; and working outside in all weather conditions; wearing a positive pressure, full-face piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA, as warranted by conditions and tasks.