Wastewater Reclamation Plant Operator III

Coachella Valley Water District•Palm Desert, CA

3d•$7,142 - $9,803•Onsite

About The Position

Under immediate or general supervision to direction, performs semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a District wastewater reclamation plant facility, equipment, and processes; regulates influent and effluent flows within the system; performs repair work on facilities; performs basic laboratory testing and sample collection; and performs related work as required.

Requirements

Equivalent to a High School Diploma.
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in performing duties similar to a Wastewater Reclamation Plant Operator II with the District or other similar agency.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
Knowledge of principles and practices of wastewater reclamation plant operations.
Knowledge of operating principles of valves, pumps, and motors.
Knowledge of principles and practices of bacteriological and chemical sewage sample collection and analysis.
Knowledge of principles and practices of mechanical, maintenance, and electrical systems.
Knowledge of safe application, operation, and maintenance of tools and equipment used in course of work.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work including confined space requirements.
Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
Knowledge of principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting.
Knowledge of District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
Knowledge of modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Knowledge of operational characteristics, and the safe and proper use of, machinery, tools, equipment, and materials necessary to perform assigned duties.
Ability to perform a variety of complex technical tasks in the installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment including pumps, motors, valves and related equipment and appurtenances.
Ability to troubleshoot maintenance problems and make effective corrections; recognize and report unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating situations.
Ability to read and interpret gauges and other recording devices found in wastewater treatment plant operations.
Ability to take wastewater and sludge samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
Ability to use a diverse range of diagnostic tools to identify maintenance needs.
Ability to skillfully and safely operate a variety of equipment, vehicles, and power and hand tools used in the mechanical maintenance field.
Ability to estimate necessary materials and equipment to complete assignments.
Ability to prepare records and basic reports.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply a wide variety of technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and electrical schematics.
Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations.
Ability to maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Responsibilities

Monitors the operation of wastewater reclamation plant pumps, motors, and other equipment.
Reads gauges, dials, and other instruments that record plant operations; locates malfunctions in electrical control circuits, terminals, and switches.
Observes variations in operating conditions; interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements; makes necessary adjustments.
Computes plant flows; utilizes a calculator and accurate samplings of influent, effluent and mixed liquor.
Calibrates meters and makes corrections; regulates pressures and flow rates in accordance with demand.
Makes visual inspections of plant operations; locates and corrects operational problems; maintains appropriate records and logs.
Inspects, cleans and maintains lift stations; inspects pumps, valves, motors, filters, meters, and related plant equipment.
Collects various water and sewage samples for laboratory analysis and performs basic water quality analysis tests.
Changes chlorine cylinders and checks for chlorine leaks.
Wastes digested sludge in drying beds and removes dried sludge from beds.
Operates mobile cranes and other hoisting equipment; assists other departments in crane operations.
Maintains plant premises; sweeps floors, removes cobwebs, and hoses down specific areas; keep areas near equipment free from debris; washes assigned work vehicle; performs general grounds maintenance outside plant facilities.
May assist in the training of less experienced operators.
Assists the Shift Supervisor with the planning, coordinating, and scheduling of the overall plant operation during assigned shifts.
Maintains work, time, and material records.
Provides recommendations regarding needed parts and suppliers.
Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.