Wastewater Operator

Under immediate, general supervision, or direction, performs semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the District’s wastewater treatment plant, equipment and processes; regulates influent and effluent flows within the system; performs repair work on facilities; performs basic laboratory testing and sample collection; and performs related work as required. Receives immediate supervision (Operator-in-Training, Operator I), general supervision (Operator II), or direction (Operator III) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Operator-in-Training is an entry-level, trainee classification. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn basic working knowledge of the District’s wastewater treatment plant operation in a training capacity. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Operator I is an entry-level classification. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform semi-skilled and skilled duties in the operation and maintenance of the District’s wastewater treatment plant, equipment and processes. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Operator II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Operator II is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the series. Positions at this level are distinguished from Operator I level by the performance of a full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgement and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Operator III in that the latter performs more complex work assigned to the series, such as independently taking actions necessary for the operation and maintenance consistent with mandated certifications required to perform such duties, and which are dependent on the state designated level of the treatment plant; the Operator III level also performs duties including assisting with the planning, coordination, and scheduling of the overall plant operation during assigned shifts and/or providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.

Operator III is the advanced-level classification in the series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties, independently take actions necessary for the operation and maintenance consistent with mandated certifications required to perform such duties, and which are dependent on the state designated level of the treatment plant. The position also performs duties including assisting with the planning, coordination, and scheduling of the overall plant operation during assigned shifts and/or providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy requirements.

Positions in the Wastewater Treatment Operator class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Operator II and III levels are normally filled by advancement from the Wastewater Operator I and II levels; progression to the next level is dependent on:

Management affirmation that the position is performing a full range of duties assigned to the classification;

Satisfactory work performance;

The incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications, and District assessment testing requirements; and

Management approval for progression to the next level in the class series.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to a High School Diploma.

Operator-In-Training: Preferably at least two years of responsible experience in construction or public works, preferably performing wastewater operations and heavy equipment operations; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, to be obtained within 12 months of appointment.

Operator I: One (1) year of experience in the operation, repair, and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, motors or other equipment similar to what is found in a water or wastewater agency. Possession of California State Water Resources Control Board issued Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I or higher is required.

Operator II: Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience performing duties similar to Operator I with the District or similar agency. Possession of California State Water Resources Control Board issued Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II or higher is required.

Operator III: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience performing duties similar to Operator II with the District or similar agency. Possession of California State Water Resources Control Board issued Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III or higher is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a Class C driver’s license required by the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles, to perform the duties of the position. Continued maintenance of said driver’s license in compliance with established District vehicle operation standards, and the ability to be insured for the operation of the vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of the District’s insurance program are conditions of continued employment. The California Sanitation Risk Management Authority (CSRMA) driving standards.

Any licenses and certifications must be maintained during employment.

Have or obtain valid First Aid and CPR certificates within one year of hire.

Operators are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the District needs.

Operator III’s are subject to on-call, which may include rotating-duty schedule, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

Must possess ability to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment; to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to inspect and operate equipment, and color vision to detect alarms, tripped equipment, and hazards. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, which include working on live electrical wires. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communications skills; perform detailed and precise work; read documents or instructions; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data or information; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform detailed and precise work; and meet time-sensitive deadlines.

Work Environment:

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, work at heights, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, exposure to biological and infectious agents, exposure to vermin, inspects, parasites, etc., hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Successfully pass a physical examination that may include drug and alcohol testing.

Depending on the exposure, the employee is required to wear foot, hand, eye, face, respiratory, hearing and head protection equipment.

Employees of the District are, by state and federal law, disaster service workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either at the District or within the local or their own community.