Wastewater Plant Operator III

Basic Function:

Under the direction of the Wastewater Operations Supervisor, monitor, adjust and test wastewater quality at the Wastewater Quality Control Facilities; maintain proper wastewater quality levels according to established guidelines; perform skilled maintenance of related equipment and systems.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Wastewater Plant Operator III classification is the advanced-level classification in the series. The Wastewater Plant Operator I classification is the entry level position in the series, and monitors, adjusts and tests wastewater quality at the Wastewater Quality Control Facilities. Incumbents work under close supervision while learning job tasks. The Wastewater Plant Operator II is the journey-level class in the series, performs a broad range of duties with minimal instruction or assistance, and performs skilled maintenance of facility equipment and systems.

Essential Duties:

Monitor, adjust and test wastewater quality at the Wastewater Quality Control Facilities; take readings of various meters for pressure, flow and water levels.

Maintain proper wastewater quality levels according to established guidelines; ensure proper procedures for obtaining, handling and transporting wastewater samples; test, record and adjust equipment in response to wastewater quality characteristics; utilize appropriate lab equipment.

Monitor facility equipment and systems including valves, pumps, motors, tanks and gauges; adjust equipment as necessary; perform skilled maintenance and minor repairs as appropriate; refer major repair needs to appropriate personnel.

Monitor and adjust chemical dosages for wastewater effluent; perform maintenance on pumps, including changing oil, lubricating and changing the packing; maintain and service injectors and chlorinators throughout the system; replace filters as needed.

Receive and log phone calls from members of the community concerning wastewater problems; respond to inquiries and provide information; resolve issues as appropriate; arrange for service dispatch as needed.

Maintain the Wastewater Quality Control Facilities in a clean, orderly and safe condition.

Operate a tractor, skip loader and various hand and power tools; utilize welding equipment as necessary; operate a computer and assigned software.

Maintain various records related to wastewater quality, work orders and assigned activities.

Attend meetings and in-service training sessions as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, techniques, equipment and materials used in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Wastewater sampling and testing techniques.
• Wastewater treatment plant instrumentation.
• Applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Operation, maintenance, and repair of various pumps and meters.
• Applicable mechanical and piping systems including valves, line-ups, gauges and meters.
• Requirements of maintaining wastewater treatment plant and related facilities in a safe and proper working condition.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

Ability to:

• Monitor, adjust and test wastewater quality at the Wastewater Quality Control Facilities.
• Maintain proper wastewater quality levels according to established guidelines.
• Perform skilled maintenance and minor repairs on facility equipment and systems.
• Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Operate a variety of equipment including tractors, skip loaders, dump trucks, lab instruments and a computer and assigned software.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain routine records.
• Report to work every scheduled workday.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

Indoor and outdoor work environment.

Regular exposure to fumes and odors.
Subject to noise from equipment operation.

Physical Demands:
Dexterity of hands to operate assigned tools and equipment.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Seeing to monitor systems and test samples.
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects as assigned by the position.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Hazards:
Working around machinery having moving parts.
Exposure to gases, vapors and odors.
Contact with raw sewage and associated toxic fumes.
Infectious materials from wastewater.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by college-level course work in math, chemistry or related field and two years journey-level experience at the level of Wastewater Plant Operator II.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid California driver's license.
Valid California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certification.