Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under direction of the Water Quality Control Manager to perform skilled and lead supervisory work in the operation of all equipment and process control in the wastewater treatment plant. This position is assigned to the Miscellaneous Bargaining Unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, standby and call back assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Water Quality Control Manager. General supervision is exercised over Plant Operators.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Supervise and participate in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Supervise and participate in the operation of valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers; perform routine maintenance work.
• Supervise and participate in the collection of samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses.
• Oversee the maintenance of shift logs and the recording of meter and gauge readings.
• Calculate loading and flow rates and set pumping rates; input and retrieve operational data from a computer.
• Operate treatment plant vehicles and stationary machines as required.
• Supervise and train subordinate operators which includes directing day-to-day assignments, evaluating performance, insuring conformance to safety policies and regulations and fulfilling goals and objectives established for the treatment plant operations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge Of:

• Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a sewage treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of sewage plant machinery.
• Hazardous gases associated with sewage.
• Sewage plant operating procedures and policies.
• Safe work practices around gases, electricity, chemicals and machinery.
• Basic data processing applications for the input, retrieval and analysis of operational data.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.

Ability To:

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Prepare written reports and maintain records.
• Use tools necessary in making general repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps and other equipment.
• Read meters and gauges correctly and act quickly and competently in emergencies.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Perform all plant operations without supervision.
• Supervise, train and evaluate subordinate operators.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized academic training in the areas of chemistry and biology and specialized training in the operation of a wastewater plant.

Experience:

Four years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, including some supervisory experience.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board at the time of appointment. Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read and write and make observations and to operate hand and power tools, vehicles and heavy equipment; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; bodily mobility to walk, bend, stand, crouch, or climb for extended periods of time and to operate assigned equipment and vehicles and perform heavy, manual labor for extended periods, able to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions, be able to lift equipment as necessary, and be able to climb ladders with a height of forty (40) feet.