OIT/Operator I

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY WASTEWATER AUTHORITY

WASTEWATER OIT / OPERATOR I

DEFINITION:

Operator-in-Training

The position reports directly to the assigned Shift Supervisor with general supervision from the Chief Plant Operator. This position assists in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and related facilities while developing further knowledge in the practices and procedures of wastewater treatment. This is an entry-level position.

Operator

Under direct supervision, the Operator I position performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled operating, cleaning, and maintenance duties relative to the continuous safe and efficient operation of the wastewater treatment plant in order to meet all N.P.D.E.S. discharge requirements

Assignments are generally limited in scope, contain fairly routine tasks, and are performed within a procedural framework established by higher-level employees. As experience is acquired, incumbents perform with less immediate supervision.

EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Clean raw, primary, secondary, and sludge processing wastewater treatment equipment and facilities.
• Perform general housekeeping tasks and building maintenance within the Plants.
• Load and unload materials, supplies and equipment; assist in storage and transfer of chemicals.
• Under direction, operate, maintain, and inspect all treatment process equipment; perform/assist in repairs; report faulty equipment.
• Operate various hand and power tools and test instruments.
• Learn and apply all safety rules and regulations.

 Operator-in-Training

• Assist in routine Plant operational duties and learn the practices, procedures, safety practices, techniques, regulations, and laws relating to wastewater treatment by participating in on-the-job training.
• May perform such record-keeping functions such as logging Plant operation, test results, maintenance work performed and unusual operating conditions.

Operator

• Perform routine operational duties and learn to perform more complex or critical assignments.
• Under direction, make necessary adjustments to thickeners, aeration systems, digestion systems and feed pumps.
• Under direction, monitor and regulate flow and addition of chemicals to ensure proper treatment to meet required standards.
• Keep accurate and legible logs and records.
• May perform emergency repairs, respond to emergency calls at irregular hours.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Operator-in-Training

• General knowledge of the following is required: Safety practices and procedures as they apply to wastewater treatment facilities, mechanical equipment, chemical handling, and gas management systems.
• General knowledge is required to perform the essential job functions: Use of equipment used in wastewater treatment processes, such as pumps, motors, valves, filters, engines, meters, blowers, and compressors.

Operator

• Minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance, repair, rebuild and service of mechanical equipment, control valves, pumps, motors, tanks, and piping systems found in a wastewater treatment plant.
• General knowledge of the operation of a secondary treatment plant, anaerobic solids digestion, solids thickening and dewatering, chemical handling, chlorination, and process control.
• Safety practices and procedures as they apply to wastewater treatment facilities, mechanical equipment, chemical handling, and gas management systems.
• Must be able to recognize and use tools and equipment necessary to perform limited repairs to mechanical equipment.
• General knowledge of equipment used in wastewater treatment processes, such as pumps, motors, valves, filters, engines, meters, blowers, and compressors.
• Thorough knowledge of the safe and proper operation of various types of hand and power tools, pick-up trucks, forklifts, and similar vehicles.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid California, Class C, driver’s license in good standing.

Operator-in-Training

• Passing of at least a Grade I Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board within 2 years of becoming an Operator-in-Training.
• Knowledge of a wastewater treatment plant.

Operator

• Graduation from a college or university with an associate of arts degree in business administration or equivalent is desirable.
• Possession of a valid Grade I Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
• Experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, which clearly demonstrates possession of the knowledge and skills stated above.

Some tasks may risk exposure to temperature variations, sewage, toxic agents/chemicals, noise, machinery, vibrations, electrical currents, wetness, and dust.

SOCWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Agency will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.