Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I
Date Adopted by City Manager
12/01/02
Comp. Code
9420
SEIU - TC
Classified
Job Title
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I
Definition
Under supervision, to perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift; to perform related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the entry class in the wastewater treatment plant operation series. Incumbents work under the direct supervision of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II or III and perform the more routine operation work that does not require the possession of an appropriate Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State of California. Under this training concept, positions assigned to the class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II which become vacant may reasonably be filled at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I level.
Typical Duties
Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions; interpret meter and gauge readings and test results; operate valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers, centrifuges and digesters; perform routine facility and grounds maintenance work; operate Type A, B and C equipment on plant site to move and transport biosolids and perform related work; operate computer equipment and software; collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses; maintain shift log and record meter gauge readings; perform related assignments as necessary.
Tools and Equipment Used
Motor vehicle, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and a variety of lab equipment.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; talk and hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts is and occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Basic operation and maintenance of plant machinery.
Ability to
Learn the principles and practices necessary in the operation of a sewage treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of sewage plant machinery and related computer software and equipment; learn to use tools necessary in making general repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps and other equipment; learn to read meters and gauges correctly and to act quickly and competently; understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare simple written reports; learn to collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
Experience
Six months of experience in handling of mechanical equipment and tools.
Education
Equivalent to the level required to successfully obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I Certificate.
Additional Requirement
Possession of a valid California Driver License.