Wastewater Operator

Class Characteristics

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of skilled tasks involved in the monitoring, regulation, maintenance, and operation of the District’s wastewater treatment facilities and collection system; performs laboratory tests on various water processes; performs preventive maintenance and makes repairs to plant and collections systems facilities and equipment; facilitates production of Title XXII recycled water; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from Chief Plant Operator or Operations Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of wastewater operations. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, 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.

Essential Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Inspects treatment plant and equipment to ensure its proper functioning to minimize interruptions in the treatment process; adjusts operating equipment as instructed; reports the need for major or specialized repairs to equipment, machinery, and electrical and electronic systems.
• Monitors and controls wastewater treatment system operations; participates in the periodic maintenance of a variety of process equipment such as valves, sluice gates, pumps, blowers, samplers, dissolved oxygen sensors, chlorine injectors, wastewater analyzers, and related equipment.
• Performs a variety of construction, repair, preventive maintenance, operation, and restoration of all wastewater collection systems and auxiliary components, as directed.
• Inspects and cleans the interiors of collection systems, sewers, maintenance holes, and pump stations; conducts routine tests of sewer pipes; cuts and removes roots, grease, and other obstacles from sewers; conducts or coordinates CCTV inspections.
• Operates wastewater treatment equipment, machinery, and facilities by using manual, electronic, and computer control systems to regulate and control processes; collects toxicity and other samples and inspects and tests overall quality of reclaimed water by using various types of laboratory test equipment, as needed.
• Analyzes SCADA information and historical trend data to ensure proper operation and regulatory compliance; reads gauges, meters, charts, and graphs, and operates pumps, valves, electric motors, and related equipment.
• Cleans facilities, including tanks, process areas, filters, and control rooms; ensures buildings and grounds are clean and orderly. 
• Participates in the containment and clean-up of spills emanating from the collection system; participates in fact gathering to respond to liability claims.
• Performs regular compliance sampling, field testing, and laboratory analysis; maintains accurate operational and regulatory logs, records, maps, and operational, compliance, and performance reports.
• Removes and inspects maintenance hole covers and maintenance holes; mixes, pours, and finishes concrete to raise maintenance holes to street surfaces.
• Assists maintenance personnel and contractors in the servicing, maintenance, repair, and upgrades of equipment, electrical and electronic devices, machinery, and related appurtenances; writes work orders for malfunctioning or failing equipment or for desired plant improvements.
• Calculates or determines chemical feed and dosages; adjusts chemical dosages or pump rates as necessary; monitors chemical inventories and usage; orders chemicals as needed to maintain inventory.
• Maintains a variety of records, logbook entries, and reports; enters daily and weekly plant process data into automated systems; supports a variety of reporting requirements.
• Sets up traffic barricades and control equipment; observes safety precautions regarding traffic control, sewer entrance, trenching, excavating, and power equipment operation.
• Performs a variety of custodial and groundskeeping duties to ensure facilities are maintained in clean, orderly, and safe condition; performs duties in confined spaces, utilizing departmental safety equipment and following District policies and procedures; reads gauges, meters, charts, and graphs.
• Observes and complies with District and mandated safety rules, regulations, protocols, and best practices.
• Supports the compliance of all applicable NPDES and State discharge permit requirements.
• Supports the production of Title XXII recycled water from wastewater treatment process.
• Responds to alarms or emergency situations, as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operational principles, practices, methods, functions, and servicing requirements of the equipment of a wastewater facility.
• Operational principles of pumps, valves, electric motors, blowers, diesel engines, and electronic, computerized, and manual control systems.
• Principles of wastewater treatment and water reclamation processes including conventional activated sludge, enhanced primary treatment, extended aeration, dewatering, biosolids drying, and ditch processes.
• Methods of operation of Aeromod or comparable extended-aeration processes
• Relevant chemicals used in wastewater treatment and water reclamation.
• Supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA).
• Principles and practices of installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of collection systems.
• Current practices and procedures in chemical, bacteriological, and biological analysis, and water chemistry analysis.
• Fundamental scientific principles governing wastewater treatment including mean cell residence time, sludge retention time, and detention time.
• Common laboratory techniques used in wastewater treatment, water reclamation, biosolids handling including settleability, ammonia/nitrate concentration, microscopy analysis, and solids concentration.
• Discharge requirements pertaining to respective wastewater facilities and discharge permits.
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices including confined space entry.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures regarding wastewater processes and treatment.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Traffic control and appropriate job-site safety setup
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Operate and maintain all aspects of the District’s wastewater treatment system and related facilities and equipment.
• Operate treatment and blending facilities, monitor trends, and pull water samples.
• Operate a wide variety of pumping, treatment, control, and transmission equipment, including remote operation via SCADA equipment.
• Calculate chemical dosages, pumping rates, and other wastewater treatment related metrics.
• Analyze facility processes and equipment and lift station performance data to identify inefficient or malfunctioning operations and discern possible causes.
• Independently assess treatment facility and lift station process conditions, make responsible judgements, and take corresponding actions to increase process efficiencies, correct performance issues, and ensure permit compliance.
• Troubleshoot issues with facility performance based on established wastewater treatment principles.
• Diagnose inefficient or faulty operation of facility equipment through physical examination in field based upon operative clues such as vibration, noise, heat, or smell.
• Detect and resolve unsafe working conditions independently or by notifying supervisors and stopping unsafe work when detected.
• Read and interpret collection system maps, plans, and GIS data to determine basic flow characteristics and construction details.
• Safely operate or coordinate the operation of CCTV inspection systems, hydro-jetting units, or vacuum trucks.
• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work related to the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of collection system lines and equipment.
• Accurately read meters, gauges, valve books, blueprints, and schematic drawings.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures governing various facility equipment and associated treatment processes.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment including front loader and forklift, as well as power and hand tools.
• Make accurate mathematic computations.
• Establish and maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Prepare clear and concise records and reports.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Complete required safety training, including but not limited to confined space and fall protection.
• Wear personal protective equipment, including respirators which may require facial hair restrictions.

Education and Experience

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience working in wastewater treatment facility operations involving primary, biological, secondary, and tertiary phases of treatment.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within six (6) months of appointment, a valid Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within six (6) months of appointment, a valid Grade II Collection System Maintenance Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), to be maintained throughout employment.