Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/Ii/Iii

Description

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Under direct or general supervision, learns and performs a variety of operations, control, and preventative maintenance functions in support of the City's wastewater treatment plant, including SCADA; regulates influent and effluent flows within the system; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies and work methods associated with assigned duties; assists with basic laboratory testing and sample collection; and performs other related duties, as assigned.

Essential and Marginal Duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I /II/III
Receives direct (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (WWTPO) I) I and general (WWTPO II/III) supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I: This is the entry-level classification in the WWTPO series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic experience learn City systems, operations, practices, and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Assignments may vary with the skill and training of the incumbent. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II: This is the first experienced-level classification in the WWTPO series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of a broader range of duties as assigned, working with greater independence, and exercising greater judgment and initiative. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. This class is distinguished from WWTPO III in that the latter performs the full range of wastewater plant operations and maintenance duties at a greater level of independence not expected of this class level and may be assigned as the designated Shift Operator.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III: This is the full journey-level classification in the WWTPO series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the II-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, exercising judgment and initiative, and designation as the Shift Operator. Positions at this level 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. Work is normally reviewed upon completion and for overall results.

Positions in the WWTPO series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II- and III-levels are normally filled by advancement from the I- and II-levels after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Minimum Qualifications

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB 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.

• Cleans process tanks and equipment related to wastewater treatment.
• Ensures 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 inspecting and monitoring all equipment daily.
• Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through plants.
• Participates in emergency response related to wastewater treatment spills, overflows, and equipment failures.
• Operates wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; monitors the operation of a variety of wastewater treatment plant pumps, motors, digesters, biosolids, and other equipment; read gauges, dials and other instruments that record plant operations including SCADA, off-site pumps, and storage facilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Provides direction and training to less experienced staff related to plant operations.
• Interprets and may perform laboratory and process tests to optimize plant performance, checks the results, and makes appropriate changes.
• 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.
• 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, pressure and flow regulators, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, digesters, bar screens, and blowers.
• Uses a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment.
• Performs a variety of custodial duties, including sweeping and cleaning in the plant facilities.
• Coordinates plant operation activities in a variety of areas including digesters, primary and secondary clarifiers, generators, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia processes; chemical storage, trickling filters, and holding ponds.
• Maintains accurate records, including calculating flow rates and the daily use of chemicals, gauge and meter readings, and completing required monthly reports.

Additional Information

QUALIFICATIONS
Some knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed by positions at the entry (I) and first experienced (II) level in a learning capacity:

Knowledge of:

• The operation of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances.
• The operation of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• SCADA operating systems and other computer applications related to the work.
• Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• The structure and content of the English language sufficient to effectively perform the assignment.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Basic standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
• Basic shop arithmetic.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles, practices, equipment, material, and tools used in the operation, cleaning and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.

Ability to:

• Use the tools and equipment of the work skillfully, and safely.
• Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
• Guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Operate a variety of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities equipment.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural
• Make basic arithmetic computations.
• Identify and take appropriate action when operating problems occur.
• Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports, and charts.
• Provide training to less experienced staff.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Conduct standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices reflecting wastewater treatment plant operations and make operating adjustments based upon recorded data.
• Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. College level course work or trade school training in mechanical repair, wastewater treatment technology, or a related field is highly desirable.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I: One (1) year of responsible work experience in mechanical maintenance working with pumps, electric motors, and other mechanical equipment.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II: Two (2) years of responsible work experience comparable to that of a WWTPO I with the City of Tracy.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III: Two (2) years of responsible work experience comparable to that of a WWTPO II with the City of Tracy.

Licenses and Certifications:

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III:

• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I:

• Possession and maintenance of California SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certification is required within twenty-four (24) months of employment.
• Possession and maintenance of California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training certification is required within thirty (30) days of employment.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II:

• Possession and maintenance of California SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certification is required.
• Possession and maintenance of California SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certification is required within twenty-four (24) months of employment.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III:

• Possession and maintenance of California SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certification is required.

The City of Tracy provides a generous benefit package to employees in the Teamsters Unit. A summary of key benefits is listed below. More information can be found in the Benefit Summary (Download PDF reader) and in the Memorandum of Understanding (Download PDF reader)between the City of Tracy and General Teamsters Local No. 439, IBT.

Health Benefits - Choice administered through Teamsters Benefit Trust - Kaiser or United Healthcare health insurance plans available after a 3 month waiting period with generous City contribution.

Dental and Vision Plans - Choice of United Healthcare, Liberty Dental, or Delta Dental plans available (Delta Dental is available after completion of 12 months of eligibility in the Trust Fund in addition to a 3 month waiting period). VSP is available for Vision coverage.

Life Insurance - Individual coverage of $30,000. Premium is fully paid by the City.

Retirement Program - CalPERS (formula dependent on hire date and member status in CalPERS). Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation programs available (MissionSquare & AIG/VALIC). The City participates in Social Security.

Paid Leave and Holidays - General vacation accrues at the rate of 96 hours per year the first year and progresses up to 192 hours per year at 16 years of service. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year with unlimited accrual. There are 14 paid holidays per year ( includes 2 floating holidays).

Dependent Care and Medical Spending Accounts - (IRS Section 125): Available to eligible employees on a voluntary basis.

Uniform Allowance - Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works Department: Provided and maintained by the City. Fire Inspector: Shirt provided, jacket provided as needed. Crime Scene Technician, Animal Services Officer, Crime Prevention Specialist, Community Service Officer, and Property/Evidence Technicians shall be paid an annual uniform allowance in the amount of $800 per year. Safety Boot Allowance: Limited reimbursement up to $190 per fiscal year.

Additional Benefits - Employee Assistance Program, AFLAC, Tool Replacement, Employee Credit Union, Direct Deposit, Scholarshare529 and Tuition Reimbursement.