WATER RECLAMATION OPERATOR I/II

Salary: 

Water Reclamation Operator I:  $27.97 – $33.36/hour

Water Reclamation Operator II:  $32.38 – $38.62/hour

Closing Date: Continuous

The City of Soledad is currently seeking qualified applicants to build an eligibility list for future vacancies.

THE POSITION

Under direct or general supervision, operates equipment, facilities, and related appurtenances as found in a wastewater treatment plant and collection systems; takes periodic samples and performs standardized tests to ensure proper operation within established guidelines; assists with preventive maintenance and makes repairs to plant facilities and equipment; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct or general supervision from the Water Reclamation Chief Operator.  No direct supervision is exercised.  May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Water Reclamation Operator I: This is the first experienced-level class in the Water Reclamation operations series.  Under direct supervision, incumbents operate Water Reclamation treatment plant equipment and appurtenances according to City practices and procedures, as well as State and Federal regulations.  As experienced is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.  Incumbents may advance to Water Reclamation Operator II after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, and certifications that meet the qualifications for, and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of, the higher-level class.

Water Reclamation Operator II: This is the full journey-level class in the utility operations series that performs the full range of duties required to ensure that Water Reclamation facilities and systems operate safely and effectively.  Responsibilities include performing standardized tests on Water Reclamation operations equipment, inspecting and attending to issues in a timely manner, and performing a wide variety of tasks in the maintenance and repair of assigned facilities and systems.  This class is distinguished from Water Reclamation Chief Operator in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of assigned staff involved in Water Reclamation operations.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

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

• Monitors plant operations equipment and processes to ensure compliance with environmental and public health standards, including monitoring and making adjustments as needed to optimize efficiency, making chemical dosage changes, changing pumping rates, and monitoring all equipment daily.
• Reviews and analyzes automated information and control system data and revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary.
• Collects wastewater, sludge, and other samples from various phases of the treatment process; performing standard chemical and physical tests on these samples to ensure that plants are operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met.
• Interprets and may perform laboratory and process tests to optimize plant performance, checks the results, and makes appropriate changes.
• Performs proper usage and handling of chemicals according to industry standards, including performing safety hook-up connections for chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders, and handling dry sodium fluorosilicate.
• Operates and assists in preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment, such as electric motors, engines, gas and electric powered pumps, air compressors, emergency systems, power generation systems, chillers, pressure and flow regulators, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, digesters, bar screens, and blowers.
• Operates and performs preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment, such as pumps, chlorinators, filters, chemical valves, sludge lagoon, bar screens, agitators, and electric motors.
• Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system; operates valves to dispose of wastewater effluent.
• Lubricates pumps, motors, chains, conveyors, and other machinery and equipment.
• Makes minor adjustments on service equipment; maintains tools and equipment in working order.
• May operate heavy equipment such as dump trucks etc., depending on City needs.
• Maintains accurate records, including calculating the daily use of energy and chemicals, and completing required monthly reports.
• Maintains accurate records of gauge and meter readings, chemical test results, and work performed.
• Maintains facilities, grounds, and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Uses a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Responds to complaints and answers questions from public or escalates to supervisor, as necessary.
• Responds to emergency situations as necessary.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, equipment, materials, and tools used in the operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
• The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances.
• Standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines relevant to assigned duties.
• Basic equipment troubleshooting principles and practices.
• Basic record keeping practices.
• Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
• Shop mathematics.
• Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
• Basic computer software related to work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

•  Operate, maintain, and repair a variety of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
• Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
• Read a variety of gauges, charts, and meters, record data accurately and make appropriate process adjustments.
• Conduct standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
• Use and maintain the tools and equipment of the work skillfully and safely.
• Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports, and charts.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

EDUCATION 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:

Water Reclamation Operator I/II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12^th) grade.

Water Reclamation Operator I: One (1) year of experience in the operations of water and/or wastewater treatment plants equivalent to that of an Operator-In-Training at the City of Soledad.

Water Reclamation Operator II: In addition to the above, two (2) years of experience equivalent to Water Reclamation Operator I at the City of Soledad.

License:

• Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

Water Reclamation Operator I:

• Grade I Wastewater Operator Certificate as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Water Reclamation Operator II:

• Grade II Wastewater Operator Certificate as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work primarily indoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must successfully complete Live Scan fingerprinting (background check), pre-employment medical and drug test. May be required to work on evenings, weekends and holidays.  Participates in after-hours emergency response and on-call and callback assignments.