WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR Series Specification

Transcription

1 WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR Series Specification DEFINITION: This series specification describes three classes which, under supervision on an assigned shift, to perform a variety of routine and skilled technical duties in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant by maintaining and inspecting plant equipment, such as pumps, gauges, tanks, automatic switches and related equipment; and to perform other specifically related work as required. CLASS TITLES: Operator-in-Training (OIT) Wastewater Plant Operator I Wastewater Plant Operator II CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: The OIT is the trainee-level. Incumbents in this class typically have little or no directly related experience and work under direction supervision while learning job tasks. The OIT is differentiated from the Operator I and II by performing the basic tasks and duties assigned, as well as assist in and learn the duties required by a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate. The Wastewater Plant Operator I job class is the entry-level of the series and is differentiated from the OIT by performance of more routine tasks and duties than assigned to the OIT, as well as duties required by a Grade II Wastewater Plant Operator certificate. The Wastewater Plant Operator II job class is the journey-level of the series and is differentiated from the Operator I by performance of the full range of duties assigned, as well as duties required by a Grade III Wastewater Plant Operator certificate. Incumbent at this level receive occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique situations arise. Incumbents may train and exercise technical charge over less experienced staff. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate California Driver's License. Operator-In-Training: Incumbents will be immediately required to obtain a valid and appropriate California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training certification AND will be required to obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board within 18 months.

2 Operator I: Possession of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. Operator II: Possession of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties and/or may be required to perform specific additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Inspects, cleans, repairs, greases and adjusts large pumps and motors; operates pumps, valves, electric motors and filters; utilize SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) computer equipment; track flow of wastewater treatment and processing chemical through the treatment plant and reclaimed water distribution system; change flow-meter chart; washes and cleans bar screens and clarifier troughs; cleans, paints and maintains the wastewater plant equipment, buildings and grounds; assesses condition of plant equipment and provide appropriate follow up; utilizes a variety of work related computer programs; performs routine rotation and exercise of plant equipment; handles hazardous chemicals; and performs related work as required. OPERATOR I: Takes readings of gauges and temperatures; records readings and maintains logs; adjusts and regulates the flow of water and wastewater accordingly; collects samples and performs routine wastewater lab analyses. Tests equipment and warning alarms to insure proper operation. ALLOCATION FACTORS: Extent of knowledge of treatment process and plant operations; possession of appropriate state certification; level of decision making. The classes of Wastewater Plant Operator OIT, I and II are differentiated by possession of appropriate valid operator certification and responsibility for functional charge of the treatment plant on assigned shifts. Positions in this series are flexibly staffed and are filled by advancement upon eligibility and acquisition of appropriate certification and experience. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

3 Physical: Strength: Medium-exert force of pounds occasionally, pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly to lift, carry, push pull or move objects. Constant handling, gripping, grasping. Frequent walking, extension of the neck upward, downward and side to side. Occasional standing, sitting, bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, pushing, pulling, twisting at the waist, fingering, typing, climbing stairs, ladders. On rare occasion, climbs scaffolding. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication. Mental/Psychological: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; utilize complex reading and math skills; utilize simple writing skills; understand, remember and carry out complex job instructions; respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures; communicate effectively in both oral and written manner; work under pressure; and work within deadlines. Train other workers. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Frequently works outdoors; occasionally works indoors. Constantly working around machinery; constant exposure to dust, fumes, gases or odors. Frequent exposure to chemicals, excessive noises, slippery or uneven walking surfaces. Occasional exposure to solvents, grease or oil, electrical energy; occasional use of a computer; occasional driving motorized equipment/vehicles. On rare occasion, exposure to flames/smoke. OIT: Constantly works with others. OPERATOR I, II: Frequently works alone; occasionally works with others. 3

4 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: May be required to work standby hours. Employees in this classification may be required to utilize respirators in the course of their job duties or under emergency circumstances, and thus must be in compliance with General Industry Safety Order Employees shall not wear beards, mustaches, sideburns, facial hair or other conditions in such a manner that may prevent or interfere with establishing and maintaining a proper seal of the respirator face mask. This requirement is implemented in order to insure the safety and health of the employee. Works rotating shifts, at times, with minimal supervision. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: ALL LEVELS: Basic math, formula and methods sufficient to perform duties; Simple record keeping; Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in general construction and electrical and mechanical equipment; Appropriate safety precautions and procedures. OPERATOR I: Basic principles, methods, and practices of wastewater treatment; Procedures involved in operating and maintaining stabilization ponds and primary and secondary treatment; Tools, equipment, and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant facility; Methods and techniques of conducting laboratory tests and procedures related to wastewater treatment analysis; Safety rules, codes, and regulations pertinent to the work; Recordkeeping and reporting procedures. Interpretation and reporting of specific functions of plant components; Normal performance characteristics for commonly used primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes and chlorination; 4

5 Ability to: State regulations regarding water recycling; Public health issues; Routine service and care of equipment; Routine tests for evaluation of plant performance; Specific plant and personal safety procedures. ALL LEVELS: Learn laboratory tests required in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant; Learn record keeping related to wastewater treatment and plant maintenance; Learn proper methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation and repair of wastewater plants and plant-type pumps; Learn appropriate safety precautions and procedures; Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work. OPERATOR I: Read and interpret gauges and devices reflecting plan operations; Read, write and perform mathematical calculations at the level required for successful job performance; Maintain accurate records and prepare reports; Operate and maintain plant equipment. Train personnel; Perform the laboratory tests required in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant; Operate, repair, test, read and maintain wastewater plant equipment and operations. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. State law sets minimum education and experience levels to apply for certification testing. The typical qualifying entrance background is: Operator-In-Training: One year of experience in construction and maintenance work, including experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps and electric motors and a high school diploma or equivalent, OR education minimums necessary to test for Grade I certification. Possession of a Grade I certificate may be substituted for the experience. 5

6 Operator I: Two years of operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, including one year with a Grade I certification. Possession of a Grade II certificate may be substituted for the experience up to a maximum of one year. Operator II: Two years of experience in operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, including one year with a Grade II certification. MANDATORY ADVANCEMENT: With satisfactory job performance, promotion shall be effective the first full pay period following presentation of proof of possession of the appropriate certification. No person shall occupy the position of Trainee for more than the time required by State regulations (Section 3709 of Title 23, Division 3, Chapter 26, Article 6). No person shall occupy the position of Operator I for more than 30 months. POTENTIAL CAREER PATH: Experience gained by incumbents in these classes can provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to qualify for Senior Wastewater Plant Operator. 09/09 jmb 6