WWTP OIT/I/II/III

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, learn and perform a variety of operations, monitoring, maintenance, and repair work on the City's wastewater treatment facility, including pumps, lift stations, and associated equipment; and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITICS WWTP

Operator Trainee This is the entry level in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator class series. Incumbents learn and perform a variety of monitoring, maintenance, operations, and repair work on the City's wastewater treatment system and facilities. Employees in this classification are hired at the entry level and, under direct supervision, are trained to perform the full range of duties. As experience and certification are gained, incumbents are expected to perform with increasing independence of action and judgment. This is a specialized training classification in which the incumbent may be promoted to WWTP Operator I when meeting minimum training and certification requirements. WWTP Operator I This is the first working level in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator class series. Incumbents learn and perform a variety of monitoring, maintenance, operations, and repair work on the City's wastewater treatment system and facilities. This position is distinguished from WWTP Operator Trainee by the complexity of work and certification required.

REPORTS TO

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor, Public Works Manager - Wastewater, or designee.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory classification.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Monitor wastewater treatment system operations, reading charts and gauges, noting operational problems and recommending adjustments to maintain system balance. Inspect pumps, sump pumps, ventilators, and air supplies. Gather samples at appropriate sampling points, using proper procedures and recording information for records; clean and monitor the operations of automatic samplers; and perform basic laboratory tests, as needed. Check and maintain proper oil levels in equipment; read and adjust pressures and flows for seal water. May assist with raising and lowering influent gates. Clean strainers; change charts. Bleed off compressed air reservoirs. Fill oil reservoirs to proper levels; prime pumps. Check flow patterns of water and sludge; ensure proper operation of stand-by generators. Measure sludge depths and trouble shoot the sludge pumping system; check sludge temperature before and after circulation through heat exchangers. Check gas traps and drains accumulated liquids. May assist in taking primary and secondary digesters out of service, cleaning, and placing back in service. Inspect and clean lift stations facilities and grounds. Operate a variety of equipment and hand and power tools. Maintain a variety of records and reports related to wastewater system operations. Perform preventive maintenance and repair in and around plant facilities. May operate computers for process control and monitor Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; maintain daily operational log book. Learn to perform calculations for process control and process optimization. Under the supervision of licensed operators, perform inspections of tertiary filters, including start up, shutdown, and daily housekeeping duties. Under supervision operate all solids separating equipment, including start up, shutdown, and daily housekeeping duties. Under supervision, will assist in polymer testing on digested sludge to determine chemical dosage and for the proper operation of polymer metering equipment. Under supervision, assist in the loading of active solar dryer cells to ensure proper depth of application and for the correct operation of all sludge drying equipment. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Basic operations, services, and activities of a wastewater treatment facility. Basic principles, methods, and practices pertaining to the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant facilities and systems. Record keeping and reporting procedures. Practices, tools, equipment, and materials used in maintenance and repair work. Principles and methods of preventive maintenance programs. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Basic principles of customer service.

Ability to:

Learn and perform a wide scope of assignments in the operation, maintenance, adjustment, and repair of the City wastewater treatment system. Learn and inspect wastewater treatment facilities and systems for proper and safe operating conditions. Learn to collect samples and conduct basic laboratory tests. Learn to skillfully use a variety of hand and power tools in the maintenance, testing, monitoring, adjustment, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and systems. Learn and maintain detailed and accurate operational logs. Learn and operate specialized computer programs. Learn and operate testing equipment. Maintain accurate records and reports. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public. Learn laws, rules, regulations, and environmental requirements applicable to operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and systems. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

WWTP Operator Trainee Education/Training :

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:

One year of responsible experience in public works operation, maintenance and construction work.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. Possession of a Grade I Certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board within eighteen months of initial employment, or employment may be terminated.

WWTP Operator I Education/Training :

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:

Two years of responsible experience in public works operation, maintenance and construction work.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. Possession of a Grade I Certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein 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 these essential job functions.

Environment :

Work is performed in a plant facility and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions; some assignments may be performed in a shop or office; exposure to hazardous materials, smoke, gasses, and fumes; exposure to hazards such as moving machine parts and electrical current; work around water or wastewater; work on slippery surfaces; regularly work near moving mechanical parts; continuous contact with other staff; and incumbents may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, restricted stand-by, and overtime as needed for emergencies.

Physical :

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a wastewater treatment plant and field environment; to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, twist, bend, crawl, climb, and crouch for prolonged periods of time; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; perform duties assigned while wearing respiratory protection equipment; to see in the normal range with or without correction; to hear in the normal range with or without correction; verbal communication; use a variety of hand and power equipment, and testing equipment used in the wastewater treatment system monitoring, maintenance, adjustments, and operations; and use a computer and telephone.