Wastewater Plant Operator in Training

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for Wastewater Plant Operator in Training. There is currently one vacancy in the Water Utilities Department. 

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Examples of Duties

The Wastewater Operators in Training assist in monitoring the operation of wastewater treatment plant pumps, motors, digesters and other equipment; take and record readings of gauges, dials and other instruments that record plant operations including the SCADA system and off-site pump facilities; interpret operating data and make the less complex operating adjustments; make visual inspections of plant operations ensuring that operational problems have been located and corrected; operate valves and controls to feed chemicals according to plant flows; inspect, clean and maintain pumps, motors, valves, filters, meters and related equipment; perform required preventive maintenance and repairs; learn and apply the practices, procedures, techniques, regulations, and laws relating to wastewater treatment; learn and apply safety practices and procedures related to work; collect a variety of samples for laboratory testing; perform basic laboratory tests and analysis; keep records and logs of operations; update information for reporting purposes; establish positive working relationships with staff, other agencies and the public; and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Basic laboratory operations, testing and analysis.
• Elementary repair, maintenance and adjustment procedures for wastewater treatment plant equipment.
• Practices, materials and techniques used in general and grounds maintenance activities.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.

Ability to:

• Learn to operate, repair and maintain a wastewater treatment facility.
• Learn to read and interpret computer control system (SCADA) and other recording devices reflecting wastewater treatment plant operations and make operating adjustments based upon recorded data.
• Learn to take wastewater and sludge samples and perform basic laboratory tests; perform basic calibration of equipment.
• Learn to diagnose a variety of operating problems and take effective corrective actions.
• Deal tactfully with the public and others in providing information, answering questions and providing customer service.
• Work shifts, weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Read, understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; follow oral and written directions; accept constructive criticism from supervisors.
• Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports and charts.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Experience and Training

Experience: One year of work experience in any field demonstrating responsibility and ability to learn and acquire new skills.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade or GED equivalent. Completion of one course (6 educational points) in water/wastewater or related field. 

A water/wastewater certificate, AA degree from water technology program or wastewater experience are highly desirable. 

License, Certificate:

• A current, valid, California driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain an Operator-In-Training certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within sixty (60) days of appointment.
• Possession of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within two (2) years of appointment.

Note: As a condition of employment, the incumbent must obtain the Operator-In-Training certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the sixty (60) days from the date of appointment and the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the two (2) years from the date of appointment.

Internal candidates: Failing to obtain the Operator-In-Training certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the sixty (60) days from the date of appointment will be reverted to their previous classification. Failing to obtain the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the two (2) years from the date of appointment will be reverted to their previous classification.

External candidates: Failing to obtain the Operator-In-Training certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the sixty (60) days from the date of appointment will be terminated without right of appeal. Failing to obtain the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the two (2) years from the date of appointment will be terminated without right of appeal.

 

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Wastewater treatment plant environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical energy, radiant energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather conditions; work in or with water and wastewater. The availability to work different shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking or bending for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral exam, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an Eligibility List and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RÉSUMÉS ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.