SENIOR PLANT OPERATOR

Transcription

1 DECEMBER 2018 FLSA: NON-EXEMPT SENIOR PLANT OPERATOR This class specification indicates, in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the responsibilities of employees in this classification. The job functions described are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive to any specific employee. DEFINITION Under direct or general supervision or direction, oversees and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant equipment including engines, energy steam systems, chiller refrigeration, electrical breakers, motors, generators, boilers, compressors, pumps, and valves to control unit processes; performs the more complex and advanced functions;; ensures waste treatment plant operates within regulatory guidelines; performs adjustments and repairs to plant equipment; collects samples for laboratory testing; and performs minor maintenance such as flushing sludge lines to digesters, adding oil, and cleaning drains. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direct or general supervision or direction from the assigned supervisory and/or managerial staff. Exercises no direct supervision of staff. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to assigned staff. May receive task direction, review and training from a Lead Plant Operator. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This classification is the third of four (4) levels within the plant operations job series. Incumbents oversee the day-to-day work of staff in assigned areas of responsibility, and ensure that equipment, systems, and facilities in District wastewater treatment plants are operated and maintained in a safe and efficient manner. Responsibilities include inspecting and attending to assigned areas in a timely manner and performing a wide variety of tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of assigned facilities and systems. Within the requirements of a 24/7 operation, this class, as with the Lead Plant Operator, may be responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing assigned operations functions of an assigned shift and/or area of responsibility within the plant. The Senior Plant Operator is distinguished from the Lead Plant Operator in that the latter is required to have a Grade IV State of California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator s Certification. The Senior Plant Operator may provide technical training and direction to lower level employees, while the Lead Plant Operator is the leader of the process area/team, responsible for leading, planning, training and reviewing the work of staff and for key performance indicators. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) The following essential job functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed job functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different job functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Oversees and participates in the operation and monitoring of plant equipment including engines, energy steam systems, chiller refrigeration, electrical breakers, motors, generators, boilers, compressors, pumps, valves, and conveyers to control unit processes and power generation facilities. Treatment description includes but not limited to raw sludge pumps and primary clarifiers, digesters, belt presses and truck loading, activated sludge, dissolved air flotation, scrubbers, prime movers and pumping facilities, generation facilities, starting and stopping engines for process and power

2 Page 2 of 5 generation and regulating the flow of wastewater through the treatment plant. Provides technical direction and training to employees involved in the operation and control of wastewater through the treatment plant and other support process such as power generation, truck loading, and odor control; works with supervisors to formulate work plans; delegates tasks to be performed and monitors performance. Ensures established safety precautions are adhered to, corrects unsafe work conditions/practices, and/or reports unsafe work conditions/practices to assigned supervisory or managerial staff. Participates in overseeing the operations of an assigned area; performs assigned rounds including adjusting process controls to daily required parameters, inspecting, monitoring and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs and other instrumentation; ensures that the waste treatment plants and other support processes operate within regulatory guidelines. Participates in the development of goals and objectives for wastewater treatment operation and other associated activities; gathers and analyzes data; develops a variety of reports. Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Oversees and participates in the monitoring and controlling of wastewater flow and other plant processes to ensure efficient and safe operation and compliance with permit requirements; performs sight and sound inspections of equipment; takes readings of meters and gauges; collects wastewater and sludge samples to perform lab tests; conducts boiler analysis, starts and stops engines for process and power generation, adjusts processes within authorized parameters, including plant flow, gas blends for power generation, sludge pumping cycles, chemical addition units. Maintains equipment or working area by conducting cleaning activities of pump rooms, dewatering area, tunnels and other plant facilities. Performs minor operational tasks on equipment such as flushing sludge lines to digesters, adding oil, flushing y-screens and clearing drains; reports malfunctions to appropriate department; performs emergency repair work on plant operation equipment, as directed, or assists other divisions with repairs. Assists supervisors in planning and overseeing the operation of various maintenance, construction projects, and writing lockout/tagout procedures. responds to maintenance and construction requests to facilitate process operation equipment by performing isolations, shut-downs, tag-outs and start-ups of plant operation equipment before and after testing, maintenance and emergency repairs are performed. Oversees the generation and distribution of 12,000-volt power, operates, monitors, inspects, and troubleshoots internal combustion engines, steam turbine generators, chiller refrigeration, energy steam systems and auxiliary support and safety equipment such as pumps, compressors, fans, valves, filters, equipment drives and motors. Monitors and controls electrical switchgear up to 12,000-volt power as needed to maintain reliable power supply to the wastewater treatment facility by either operating high voltage switchgear, making manual adjustments to equipment, or by operating computer control systems designed to monitor trends and start and stop engines; monitors a variety of computer systems including applicable software program designed to control and monitor the electrical system. Records data related to plant operation processes, odor control facilities, power generation equipment, including digester temperatures, sludge density, blanket levels and dissolved oxygen reading; completes daily operating logs of routine and unusual operating or maintenance conditions encountered and any repair work performed; initiates service requests to appropriate work groups for maintenance support; documents operational procedures. Reads and reviews a variety of pertinent data connected with plant operations including logs of previous shifts, lab reports, s, status boards and bulletin boards. Determines chemical ordering levels and inventory requirements; receives and stores chemicals, equipment, and parts necessary for plant operations; may be trained to operate shop mule, forklift or stationary crane to move materials, supplies and equipment. Oversees and participates in general plant maintenance including cleaning, rolling of hoses, sweeping and removal of trash and debris; maintains work area to ensure safety and order.

3 Page 3 of 5 Maintains, compiles, and updates a variety of plant operations logs, reports and lists including round sheets, spreadsheets, monthly summaries, data sheets, timesheets, overtime reports, spill reports, odor complaint reports, standby lists, emergency notification lists, shutdown lists, and equipment lists; gathers data for Monthly Summary of Operations and submits to supervisor. Maintains security of plant facilities. Attends meetings and trainings as necessary; maintains current knowledge and understanding of treatment plant processes. Provides technical direction to less experienced Plant Operators and may provide supervision in absence of Operations Supervisors, if qualified. Operates a variety of equipment and tools necessary to maintain the wastewater treatment plant system and support equipment. Performs related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a wastewater treatment program. Advanced principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. Advanced Operational characteristics of electrical power generation equipment and components. Methods and techniques of high and low voltage distribution. Operational characteristics of applicable control and monitoring systems. Water chemistry analysis, boiler chemical maintenance, and theory background. Advanced operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, engines, and motors. Advanced methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related system monitors. Advanced methods and techniques of conducting laboratory tests and procedures related to wastewater treatment analysis. Advanced methods and techniques of preventive/autonomous maintenance. Tools, equipment and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant facilities. Emergency maintenance and repair procedures related to wastewater treatment facilities. Operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment plant operations. Advanced principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals. Advanced principles of chemistry, electricity, biology, and mathematics. Mathematical principles and calculations. Principles and practices of record keeping. Principles of training. Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work, including word processing, database, maintenance management, SCADA, and spreadsheet applications. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Principles and practices of customer service and techniques for effectively communicating with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff. Ability to: Plan, schedule, assign, and oversee activities of wastewater plant operations personnel. Operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment, facilities, and systems including power generation facilities.

4 Page 4 of 5 Train lower level plant operations staff. Inspect the work of others and maintain established quality control standards. Operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment, facilities, and systems. Read and interpret gauges, recording devices, and related monitors. Collect a variety of wastewater samples and conduct appropriate tests in accordance with State and Federal regulations and requirements. Diagnose complex operational problems and perform effective maintenance on equipment. Maintaining plant equipment through minor maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, inspections, and data collection pertaining to equipment vibration, thermal conditions, ultrasonic testing, and oil sampling. Minor maintenance tasks may include but not limited to the replacement of pressure gages, light bulbs, air filters, strainers, or minor maintenance repairs. Assist with autonomous maintenance reliability audits, assist with staff training pertaining to tools, or other materials used to ensure autonomous maintenance tasks are conducted within the defined standards. Perform complex inspections and preventive maintenance of treatment plant facilities and equipment. Monitor and adjust plant processes such as flows, chemicals, and fuel blends. Write detailed outage and Lockout/Tagout procedures. Ensure compliance with permit regulations. Compile and record complex data and material. Make accurate arithmetic calculations. Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. Maintain accurate and detailed logs and records of work and laboratory tests performed. Operate assigned equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner. Utilize a computer, relevant software applications and/or other equipment. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations. Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines. Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary. Adhere to safe work practices and procedures in the workplace. Operate a motor vehicle and travel to various District sites, projects and/or meetings. Effectively communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Employment Standards: Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying as determined by OCSD. 1. High school diploma or G.E.D., supplemented by specialized training or coursework in wastewater treatment plant operations or a related field; AND 2. Three (3) years of work experience in wastewater treatment plant operations performing operations and control of plant operations and unit processes including at least two (2) years of experience at a level comparable to a Plant Operator with the District.

5 Page 5 of 5 Licenses and/or Certifications: Valid California Class C Driver s License. Valid Grade III California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator s Certificate. Disaster Service Workers: All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section ). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Standby and Call Back: Employees in this classification may be required to participate in standby duty and are subject to call back, which may include nights, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice. Any employee designated to serve on standby, or report to an emergency, and refuses to do such, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in the plant; ability to travel to various District sites, projects and/or meetings; strength, stamina and mobility to perform moderate to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.