Under direction of the Chief Plant Operator, the Water/Wastewater Operator will operate, repair, and maintain the District’s water and wastewater treatment facilities, including water treatment and distribution systems and wastewater treatment facilities.
Essential Duties:
• Monitors the operations of District water and wastewater treatment plants and facilities for proper, efficient, and safe function. • Adhere to all operational requirements stipulated by Regional, State and Federal regulatory agencies. • Schedule and test operating and auxiliary equipment. • Record readings from meters, gauges, and recording charts. • Make necessary system adjustments to maintain proper operating conditions. • Make visual inspections of plant operations to ensure that operational problems have been located, evaluated, and adjusted. • Operate valves and controls to feed chlorine and other chemicals into treatment systems, according to flows and volumes. • Inspect pump stations, pumps, motors, valves, filters, meters, and related equipment, and perform repairs and regularly scheduled preventative maintenance. • Collect samples for laboratory tests and perform the appropriate analysis for the operator’s grade level. • Check safety precautions and maintain safe working conditions.
• Keep accurate records and logs for submission of operations reports and input data into the plant computer systems. • Assist, as needed, personnel in other Groups and Departments with major repairs. • Perform a variety of maintenance on treatment plant, plant equipment, and plant grounds. • After demonstrating appropriate knowledge, skill, and ability, may be assigned weekend and on-call duties.
Qualification Requirements:
Methods, materials, procedures, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants and facilities.
Water and wastewater treatment methods, principles, and practices.
Federal, state, and county regulations pertaining to water and wastewater treatment plant operations.
Methods and precautions for handling and storing potentially hazardous chemicals.
Standard water quality tests.
Standard water and wastewater laboratory testing procedures.
Plant measurement and recording equipment.
Correct application and usage of the English language, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Safe work methods and safety precautions as related to the job.
Ability To:
Perform a variety of operations and maintenance assignments.
Operate automatic control systems.
Read system measurements and recording equipment, interpret results to make adjustments to operations.
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and correct a variety of operating problems.
Use proper safety precautions in working with chemicals.
Perform standard water and waste water quality tests.
Maintain and update lift station/pump station records and logs.
Read and interpret plant piping and distribution diagrams, system maps.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Safely work with heavy construction equipment.
Safely perform repair and replacement of system infrastructure.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Read and write at the level required for successful job performance.
Perform algebraic and geometrical calculations.
Perform metric conversions.
Physical Demands:
Operators at all levels are required to stand and walk for extended periods of time; carry, push, pull, and lift equipment and parts weighing up to 50 pounds; regularly stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal and written communication skills; use a variety of tools and repair equipment; operate a computer and office equipment.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Outside: Drive a vehicle and perform tasks in a variety of weather conditions ranging from snow to 100°+F; confined workspace; heights, such as ladders.
Inside: Work performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
Fumes/Gasses: Exposure to various vapors and/or airborne particles from powder and liquid chemicals; gasoline fumes.
Noise/Vibration: Exposure to generators, air compressors, air blowers, heavy construction equipment, and jack hammers.
Other Requirements:
Education/Certification:
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED). • Must possess a valid Wastewater Treatment Operator I Certificate issued by the State of California State Water Resources Control Board. Must obtain a Grade I Water Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board within 18 months of assignment. • Must possess a Grade I Distribution Certificate issued by the California Department of State of California State Water Resources Control Board. • Must possess a valid California Class C driver’s license, have a satisfactory driving record, and be insurable by the District to operate District vehicles.
Experience:
One year experience in the operation of water and wastewater treatment plants and related facilities.