Job Overview
Wastewater Operator Apprentice:
This is an unlicensed entry level class in the Wastewater Operator series. Positions assigned to this class work under supervision on a training basis in the performance of a wide variety of routine unskilled to semi-skilled wastewater plant and sewer collection operations and maintenance tasks that do not require previous wastewater plant or sewer collection experience. General work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion, and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules, are explained in detail as they arise.
Under general supervision of the Utilities Supervisor, will learn to perform a variety of tasks to maintain wastewater plant and sewer collection equipment, machinery and appurtenances, such as monitoring, operating and adjusting controls, valves, motors, pumps, sewer lines, lift stations, and other plant and collection equipment; maintain grounds, buildings and related areas as needed; and perform other duties as assigned.
Wastewater Operator I
Under general supervision of the Utilities Supervisor, operates wastewater treatment plant and sewer collection system. Responsible for maintaining grounds, buildings and other related areas at the wastewater treatment plan and sewer collection facilities.
Wastewater Operator II
Under limited supervision of the Utilities Supervisor, operates the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Performs a variety of tasks including but not limited to adjusting plant and basins levels and flows; maintaining wastewater plant equipment and appurtenances, such as pumps, bar screen, digestor, clarifier, valves and motors; and maintaining grounds, buildings and other related areas. Responds to collection system needs. Oversees, monitors and/or directs the work of lower-level personnel.
Essential duties
NOTE: Examples listed in this class specification represents but is not necessarily exhaustive or descriptive of duties assigned to this position. Each individual in this classification may not necessarily perform all the duties listed. Further, management is not precluded from assigning other related tasks not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment for this position.
Wastewater Operator Apprentice:
- Assists in the operation of wastewater plant equipment and appurtenances.
- Assists in the operation and maintenance of the sewer collection facilities.
- Monitors, operates and adjusts controls for the water and wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery, such as valves, motors, pumps, chemical feed pumps and other plant equipment.
- Obtains wastewater samples for laboratory analysis using standard sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.
- Operates construction equipment for grounds maintenance and other construction projects.
- Lifts and moves heavy objects from time to time during work shift.
- Cleans work and break areas and tools used on the job.
- Carries out daily pre-job inspection of equipment and vehicles; completes other safety, maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.
- Participates in educational and other related courses and on the job training as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Wastewater Operator I:
- Monitors, operates and adjusts controls for the water and wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery, such as valves, motors, pumps, chemical feed pumps and other plant equipment, under the direct supervision of a licensed operator.
- Maintains, cleans, lubricates and adjusts water and wastewater plant equipment and appurtenances such as pumps, chemical feed systems, valves, motors, etc. Maintains and cleans grounds, buildings and other areas as needed.
- Obtains water and wastewater samples for laboratory analysis using standard sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.
- Operates construction equipment for grounds maintenance, pipeline repair and similar construction projects.
- Lifts and moves heavy objects from time to time.
- Maintains and cleans tools used on the job, work areas, break areas, office spaces, etc.
- Performs daily pre-job inspection of equipment and vehicles; and completes regular safety, maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.
- Assists other departments as needed.
- Performs other work as assigned.
Wastewater Operator II:
- Monitors all applicable water quality parameters to ensure that EPA and DHS quality standards are being met at all times in treatment and distribution systems.
- Maintains, cleans, lubricates and adjusts water and treatment and booster pump station equipment and appurtenances such as pumps, chemical feed systems, valves, motors, etc. Maintains and cleans grounds, buildings and other areas as needed.
- Obtains water and wastewater samples for laboratory analysis using standard sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.
- Takes water samples and makes standardized laboratory tests such as tests for pH, turbidity; performs field-testing for chlorine residual, temperature, pH and additional tests as needed.
- Operates construction equipment for pipeline repair, grounds maintenance and similar construction projects.
- Lifts and moves heavy objects from time to time.
- Maintains and cleans tools used on the job, work areas, office spaces, etc. as needed.
- Performs daily pre-job inspection of equipment and vehicles, and completes regular safety, maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.
- Guides individuals or groups of visitors through the plant discussing plant operations and functions and all applicable EPA, DHS, SWRCB and Health Services regulations governing the operation of water and wastewater treatment plants.
- May serve as a shift operator; may assist in the training of new operators.
- Under limited supervision, operates, repairs and maintains Wastewater Treatment Facility.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
ATTITUDE
Characterized by initiative, commitment to teamwork and quality performance, and a customer-service orientation; must interact in a positive manner with City employees and the public.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job, on a case-by-case basis.
Work is performed in wastewater treatment plant and in a typical office and outdoor environment. Ability to read small print, gauges, instruments and computer monitors; see distances sufficient to spot oncoming traffic, read signs and hazards; ability to detect unusual odors; sufficient mobility to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat, push, pull, reach, rotate neck and/or upper extremity from neutral position while sitting or standing; dexterity to use small tools, to grasp with simple or firm grip, to perform fine manipulation with dominant/non-dominant hand or both hands; ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; and work in all weather conditions. Employee is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for job assignments and must comply with respiratory protection program and Cal OSHA standards.
Minimum qualifications
Wastewater Operator Apprentice:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: One (1) year of general experience involving maintenance and repairs to pumps, motors and/or distribution lines, preferably in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant.
Licenses: Valid State of California Drivers License; must be insurable under the City’s insurance policy without any additional premiums or costs being incurred by the City.
Certifications: None. Apprentice shall apply for OIT (Operator in Training) immediately upon hire.
Additionally, MUST successfully meet requirements to promote to the Wastewater Operator I within one (1) year of appointment as a Wastewater Operator Apprentice.
Wastewater Operator I:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: One (1) year of responsible experience in work involving operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants.
Licenses: Valid State of California Drivers License; must be insurable under the City’s insurance policy without any additional premiums or costs being incurred by the City.
Certifications:
Possession of the following certifications issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board:
- Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate
Additionally, MUST successfully meet requirements to promote to the Wastewater Operator II within one (1) year of appointment as a Wastewater Operator I.
Certificate Incentives:
After successfully obtaining all required certifications, eligible for the following certification incentive pay if applicable:
- 2.5% Pay Incentive for DI Water Distribution Certificate or 5% Pay Incentive for D2 Water Distribution Certificate
- 2.5% Pay Incentive for T1 Water Treatment Certificate.
Wastewater Operator II:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Three (3) years of responsible experience in work involving operations and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
Licenses: Valid State of California Drivers License, Class B preferred; must be insurable under the City’s insurance policy without any additional premiums or costs being incurred by the City.
Certifications:
Possession of the following certificates issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board:
- Possession of a Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Certificate Incentives:
After successfully obtaining all required certifications, eligible for the following certification incentive pay if applicable:
- 2.5% Pay Incentive for DI Water Distribution Certificate or 5% Pay Incentive for D2 Water Distribution Certificate
- 2.5% Pay Incentive for T1 Water Treatment Certificate or 5% Pay Incentive for T2 Water Treatment Certificate
- 5% Pay Incentive if designated as Chief Plant Operator of Wastewater Plant.
Required Materials:
- City of Coalinga Employment Application on Government Jobs website at www.governmentjobs.com
- Resume
- Applicable certificates, degree, etc.
Minimum Qualifications and required material must be met/received by the last day of the filing period. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that all required material has been received.
Faxed applications will not be accepted.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Resumes submitted in lieu of a completed City of Coalinga Employment Application will not be accepted.
Applications must be submitted online on the Government Jobs website at www.governmentjobs.com
All communication and correspondence from the City of Coalinga will be sent to the applicant via electronic communication to the email address provided by the applicant on the submitted employment application.The City of Coalinga is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, or covered veteran’s status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
Pay: $18.87 - $24.09 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
