Utilities Plant Operator I/II - Water

City of Modesto•Modesto, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Utilities team as Utilities Plant Operator I/II — the entry point to a rewarding career in public utilities. The Utilities Plant operation I/II is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants. This recruitment is for the Water Division. Salary Incentives: 2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's degree 5% Education Incentive - Master's degree DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Positions allocated to this series are typically flexibly staffed to the next level. Generally, employees may promote upward to the next level as they meet the qualifications/certifications required by the higher-level class and have demonstrated proficiency in performing work at that level, subject to approval by management. Utilities Plant Operator I - This is the entry level in the Utilities Plant Operator series. Positions in this class typically have little related work experience and lack the ability to perform the full range of duties independently. The Utilities Plant Operator I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Incumbents work under direct supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to the general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Trainee level. Utilities Plant Operator II – This is the journey level class in the Utilities Plant Operator series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment/production plants, depending upon assignment.
Knowledge of operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, and motors.
Knowledge of standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology.
Knowledge of safe work practices in a variety of situation such as confined spaces.
Knowledge of laboratory analysis techniques and standards for water and/or wastewater.
Knowledge of safe handling techniques for materials and equipment used in water/wastewater treatment.
Knowledge of operational and safety regulations pertaining to water and/or wastewater treatment/production plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage.
Knowledge of sampling methods and techniques.
Knowledge of basic plumbing and electrical principles.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computerized pump control systems.
Ability to analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports.
Ability to respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries.
Ability to respond to emergency situations and make appropriate decisions.
Ability to identify malfunctions with pumping capacities, pneumatic controls and computerized controls.
When assigned to Water: Ability to spray pesticides, herbicides and insecticides in a safe manner and handle chemicals accordingly, as required.
Ability to perform standby duty as assigned.
One year of increasingly responsible experience performing duties in water or wastewater treatment, production or distribution.
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test.
When assigned to Water: Must obtain a Grade I Water Treatment certificate from the State of California within eighteen (18) months of appointment.
Must have a Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificate at time of appointment.
Must obtain a Water Sampling certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO), is required within six (6) months of assignment.
Must obtain and maintain a valid Class B Commercial California Driver’s license with specific endorsements within ninety (90) days of appointment.
When assigned to Wastewater: Must have a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate from the State of California at time of appointment.
Must be a minimum 18 years of age at time of application.
During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including first aid and CPR.
In addition to the qualifications of the Utilities Plant Operator I:
Knowledge of water disinfection and chemical dosage requirements.
Ability to complete the more complex work with minimal supervision.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions with pumping capacities, pneumatic controls and computerized controls, and determine effective course of action for correcting them.
Two years of experience performing increasingly responsible duties in water or wastewater treatment, production or distribution.
High School diploma or GED equivalency.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
When assigned to Water: Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Operator certificate from the State of California at the time of appointment.
Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificate at the time of appointment.
Possession of a Water Sampling certificate at the time of appointment.
Possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO), within six (6) months of assignment.
Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver’s license with specific endorsements within ninety (90) days of appointment.
When assigned to Wastewater: Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate from the State of California at the time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's degree
5% Education Incentive - Master's degree

Responsibilities

Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations.
Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes.
Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary.
Check Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) parameters through onsite and remote interfaces in order to monitor and operate systems and to identify maintenance needs; maintain, adjust, and repair SCADA system; enter data into the system at remote sites using micro-computer or other devices.
Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water and wastewater process laboratory tests; record and monitor results.
Maintain accurate records and documentation of all plant activities; record mathematical calculations related to operational activities; compile data and prepare reports on plant operations, distribution systems, and chemical use.
Respond to and investigate public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality problems.
Perform general plant maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Perform related duties as assigned.