Operations Technician II/III - Wastewater Treatment

THE OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN II / III POSITION IS DEDICATED TO THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) in Eastvale

Western Water Recycling Facility (WWRF) in Riverside

The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge and capabilities to coordinate repairs and maintenance with internal support systems. In addition, the position requires prior hands-on experience and working knowledge of troubleshooting (from an Operator’s perspective): wastewater systems including mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation component of the systems. 

The selected candidate will be placed in the Operation Technician series level which is commensurate with current experience. 

Individuals within the Operations Technician series can expect to perform routine to complex duties related to the operation of Western Water wastewater facilities. Incumbents to the series will be assigned to a department within the Operations function.

Operations Technician II

The Operations Technician II is the intermediate journey-level class in the technician series. Incumbents perform the full range of duties of the class independently or as a member of a crew with limited guidance and direction, applying a thorough knowledge of the assigned section’s systems, facilities, equipment, procedures and standards for the construction, installation, maintenance, repair and operation of assigned equipment and facilities. Assignments vary, encompass a variety of tasks, seldom require detailed instructions, and require sound judgment and initiative. Incumbents work under general supervision while exercising independent judgment within established functions and procedures. 

Operations Technician III

The Operations Technician III is the full journey-level class in the technician series. Under minimal guidance and direction, incumbents carry out duties and assignments requiring full technical knowledge and skill in the work of an assigned unit. Incumbents work under general supervision while exercising independent judgment within established functions and procedures.

Western Water employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to accommodate the Western Water needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker.

Wastewater Treatment Team:

 Members of this team will be assigned to either the WRCRWA WWTP or WWRF WWTP as needed. Also, working hours and schedules may change with operational need. 

 The Wastewater Treatment Plant team is responsible for operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants to ensure compliance of applicable discharge and regulatory requirements. The team spans from the Western Water Recycling Facility (WWRF) in Riverside to the operation of the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) in Eastvale. The performance of this team is essential to protect public health and the environment through the operation of compliant treatment plants. Incumbents in the department can expect to utilize their skills in the areas noted below:

• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters, SCADA and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions; interpret and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Operate valves, gates, pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust the flow and treatment processes, in addition to operating and maintaining boilers and incinerators.
• Inspect plant machinery, equipment, storage ponds, disposal systems and related equipment to determine need for repairs, calibrations, and perform routine preventative maintenance work.
• Calculate loading and flow rates, sets pump rates and make process adjustments in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Read and interpret plant piping and distributing plans; and assists in locating and troubleshooting plant malfunctions.
• Perform lab analysis of process samples, while calculating and verifying results.
• As a member of the Wastewater Treatment team, individual may be required to maintain ability to wear respirator protection and maintain cleanly shaved face in the sealing areas of the mask; in the event that a public health concern is identified, and specific protocols enacted (i.e. a known Ebola patient in the service area).

Typical Qualifications

• Operate a variety of hand and power tools and related equipment, in addition to properly caring for tools, materials, supplies and similar equipment.
• Use modern office equipment including computer software applications related to the field of work.
• Utilize exceptional customer service and communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the ability to cultivate professional business partnerships and inspire team collaboration.
• Operate equipment and materials used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water or wastewater systems and facilities.
• Interpret and apply pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Adherence to District personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions.
• Think creatively and seek alternative solutions in order to produce results that benefit the District and its internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of principles related to the assigned function of the incumbent such as hydraulics, mathematics, water quality, construction, SCADA systems, pipeline construction, meter installation, and industrial electric.
• Working knowledge of water or wastewater systems, including mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation component of the systems.
• Adhere to organizational practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs.
• Use principles of effective safety practices including the use of equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.
• Define and explain key processes and business requirements within the department.
• Assist with implementing department business plans, processes and performance measures, ensuring that they align with the District’s Strategic Plan.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks.
• Coordinate operations of the assigned area of responsibility with other District departments
• Operate computerized telemetry terminals.
• Read and interpret blueprints, construction designs and drawings and electrical schematics.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications outlined below:

Certifications: Wastewater Operator = California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate. 

Highly Desired: Wastewater Operator Grade IV Certification