Wastewater Plant Operator III

City of Lodi•Lodi, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Inspects, operates, and maintains the wastewater treatment facility. Assists with or is responsible for daily operational controls and monitoring of plant processes. Performs corrective and repair work on plant systems; performs general maintenance work at plant facility. Positions in this class rotate shifts. This facility is staffed seven days a week. This is a flexibly staffed class series in that I level positions are required to progress the II level with training, experience, appropriate certificates, and satisfactory performance, within specified time frames. Receives general supervision from the Wastewater Operations Supervisor.

Requirements

Equivalent to the completion of high school.
Completion of courses on wastewater treatment.
Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, similar in size and complexity of the City of Lodi.
Possession of a California Grade III Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Possession of a valid California driver's license issued from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of mechanical equipment, including pumps and electric motors; Basic tools, equipment and methods in maintaining stationary power equipment, pumping systems and electrical systems; Basic wastewater treatment processes and the tests used to check the effectiveness of such processes; Principles and methods of wastewater treatment, including basic microbiology, chemistry, and hydraulics as applied to wastewater treatment; Mechanics of pumps and motors; Purposes and uses of tools and equipment used in the overhaul, repair, adjustment, and modification of plant equipment; Chemical and biological tests used in monitoring wastewater treatment plant.
Ability to read and interpret gauges and recording devices reflecting plant operations; Perform mechanical repairs, maintenance work, and modification to equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant; Use various mechanic's tools with skill and accuracy; Maintain and repair plant facilities and equipment; Learn standard laboratory tests; Perform lab tests in plant monitoring; Exercise sound judgment in response to operational problems; Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; Communicate clearly and concisely. Perform technical procedures in plant operation; Inspect plant operations and detect problems; Maintain records accurately and neatly.

Nice To Haves

Persons assigned in this class must possess a grade III Wastewater Plant Operator certificate and the ability to perform the most technical and complex duties with a high degree of independence of action and judgment.
Employees in the Operator III class may be assigned to oversee the plant when necessary in the absence of higher level classifications, exercising functional and technical supervision over other plant operations personnel.

Responsibilities

Inspects plant operations daily; operates and checks the operation of wastewater equipment, such as pumps, valves, electric motors and filters; Oils, greases, and cleans equipment; Cleans, adjusts and repacks valves and pumps; Cleans and adjust bar screens and comminutors; Regulates operation of aeration tanks, including return sludge recirculation pumps transferring sludge to digester; Operates lagoons; Reads gauges and makes adjustments to operating controls in order to maintain proper condition of digesters in accordance with prescribed procedures; Maintains, operates, and adjusts chlorination/dechlorination equipment; Checks and adjusts wasting rates; Performs some lab tests and interprets results for purposes of plant control; collects samples for tests; Monitors delivery of chemicals and materials; Performs preventative maintenance and repair work on plant equipment; Maintains grounds and plant building; Checks treatment and storage ponds; Maintains safety checklists; Instructs subordinate personnel in plant operations; Sets and monitors alarm systems; maintains plant security; Performs other related duties as required.
Exercises technical supervision over less experienced staff.

Benefits

All Wastewater Plant Operators shall receive compensation at straight time pay when said employees are in standby status, as shown below. ~On work days 3 hours ~On non-work days 4 hours ~On observed holidays 8 hours
Overtime work is available
An average of 13 paid holidays per year.
2 weeks paid vacation annually, increasing with length of service depending upon the appropriate labor agreement.
10 days per year depending upon the appropriate labor agreement.
Management/Mid-Management positions receive 80 hours per fiscal year, and specified professional/technical positions receive 40 hours per fiscal year (Pro-Rated).
Medical, Dental and Vision plans are available for employee and dependents. A portion of the premiums may be the employee's responsibility.
The City pays the full premium for employee and dependent life insurance, and offers a long-term disability plan that provides up to approximately 2/3 of an employee's salary.
The City of Lodi is a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (P.E.R.S.). Lodi is not a member of the Social Security System except for the required medical contribution.
Employees may participate in a 457 Deferred Compensation program.
Employees may participate in a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.