WWTP Operator/OIT

City of Pinole•Pinole, CA

About The Position

The Wastewater Division may hire at either the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator level or underfill the position as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training (OIT), with a path to advancement. Both classes receive general supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor. Operators provide direction and work instruction to OITs but do not directly supervise other staff. OIT is the entry-level class in the technical/operations series. Work is initially performed under direct supervision on an assigned shift, becoming more independent and varied as experience is gained. OITs may advance to Operator after acquiring the required knowledge, skills, experience, and certification and demonstrating full operational performance. The Operator is the experienced, certificated level and independently operates the plant, performs routine preventive maintenance and repairs, and conducts standard laboratory analyses. The Operator role differs from the Senior Operator role, which includes scheduling, purchasing, inventory control, and related support for plant supervision and management. The role involves inspecting plant operations; monitoring and adjusting equipment and automated controls; operating and maintaining treatment equipment; cleaning facilities; collecting and testing samples; calibrating analyzers and adjusting chemical feed systems; keeping records; and driving a vehicle to dispose of dewatered sludge. The position works indoors and outdoors and may involve hazardous chemicals, confined spaces, machinery, ladders, standby assignments, off-hours shifts, and emergency overtime.

Requirements

OIT: Education equivalent to graduation from high school.
Operator: In addition to the OIT education requirement, training required by the California State Water Resources Control Board and one year of experience operating and performing routine maintenance on facilities and equipment in a secondary wastewater treatment plant.
Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Must obtain a Class B driver's license before completing the probationary period.
A Grade I Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required for advancement to the Operator class.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment and disposal facility and equipment operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance; piping systems; standard wastewater and sludge tests; tools and equipment; safety practices, including hazardous chemical handling and storage; basic troubleshooting and record keeping; applicable laws and regulations; shop mathematics; basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles; and related computer applications.
Skill in operating, maintaining, and repairing wastewater facilities and equipment; identifying and correcting or reporting unusual, inefficient, or dangerous conditions; interpreting gauges, charts, and meters and making process adjustments; conducting standard tests; safely using and maintaining tools and equipment; handling hazardous chemicals; following directions; maintaining accurate records; performing arithmetic calculations; working independently within procedures; and maintaining effective working relationships.
Must be available for regular standby assignments and off-hours shifts and emergency overtime as required.
Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and conditions.
Must be able to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds and work in a wastewater treatment plant and laboratory setting, including confined spaces, around machinery, and on ladders.
Must have the vision to read printed materials, charts, gauges, and computer screens, and the hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone or radio.

Responsibilities

Inspect plant operations on a regularly scheduled basis and read and record readings from pumps, chemical feed systems, and other treatment, influent, and effluent equipment.
Review and analyze automated information and control system data, revise equipment settings as appropriate, notify the supervisor of unusual situations, and inspect or correct system problems as necessary.
Operate and perform preventive maintenance on treatment plant equipment, including pumps, motors, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, digesters, bar screens, and blowers.
Operate valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate wastewater flow through the plant.
Remove screenings and grit and clean primary, secondary, and other wastewater equipment and facilities.
Lubricate pumps, motors, chains, conveyors, and other machinery and equipment.
Make minor equipment repairs and assist plant maintenance staff with major repairs.
Perform routine maintenance painting of machinery, structures, equipment, and piping systems.
Collect wastewater, sludge, and other samples from various stages of treatment and conduct standard chemical and physical tests.
Use hand and power tools and testing equipment.
Drive a motor vehicle to dispose of dewatered sludge.
Calibrate analyzers, adjust the chemical feed system, and ensure the plant has an adequate supply of chemicals.
Maintain accurate records of gauge and meter readings, chemical test results, and work performed.
For Operators, provide direction and work instruction to Operators-in-Training.