Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee I/II/III

City of Petaluma•Petaluma, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee/I/II/III We currently have one vacancy that we are looking to fill at the Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee, I, II or III level depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. Operators typically work a 4/10 schedule which includes one weekend day, but may be assigned to work a 5/8 schedule. Must be available to work overtime and off-shift hours, including weekends, and/or holidays. Must be available to work standby and be on call. The Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility treats the community's wastewater. This facility uses an innovative blend of mechanical and natural treatment processes, supported by a highly sophisticated computerized control system and a 14,000 square foot operations and maintenance building. Located in a rural setting near the Petaluma River, this 6.7 mgd ADWF facility presents a uniquely pleasant working environment.

Requirements

Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.
Equivalent to graduation from high school.
None (for Trainee/I/II experience).
Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation and maintenance of a water recycling plant (for III).
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
Must be available to work overtime and off-shift hours, including weekends, and/or holidays.
Must be available to work standby and be on call (for III).
Must be able to respond to the Plant within one hour of being called (for III).
Knowledge of principles of and typical operations, services, and activities within wastewater treatment, water recycling plants, and related facilities, including but not limited to high-strength waste receiving stations and compressed natural gas processing and fueling facilities.
Knowledge of standard and various methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment, water recycling plants, and related facilities.
Knowledge of basic principles of hydraulics.
Knowledge of laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to the operation of a wastewater treatment, water recycling plant, and related facilities.
Knowledge of general safety practices pertaining to the use of vehicles, power equipment, and hazardous materials; specific occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for working in a wastewater treatment, water recycling plant, and related facilities.
Knowledge of principles of mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
Knowledge of methods of effective interpersonal communication.
Knowledge of record keeping and documentation practices.
Knowledge of principles and practices of processing digester gas to bio-CNG.
Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Knowledge of practices of operating and maintaining natural treatment systems (for III).
Knowledge of practices of operating a digester gas to Bio-CNG process (for III).
Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training certificate issued by the SWRCB within 30 days of employment (for Trainee).
Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the SWRCB within 18 months of employment (for Trainee).
Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of appointment (for I).
Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the SWRCB within 24 months of employment (for I).
Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of appointment (for II).
Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the SWRCB within four years of employment (for II).
Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of appointment (for III).

Nice To Haves

Technical or college-level course work in environmental science, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, or a related area is highly desirable (for Trainee/I/II).
An Associate’s degree with major course work in environmental science, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, or a related area is highly desirable (for III).

Responsibilities

Monitor, operate, and adjust controls at the City’s water recycling plant and related facilities, including but not limited to high-strength waste receiving stations and compressed natural gas processing and fueling facilities.
Control the operation of treatment, pumping, and recycling facilities to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system as well as achieve proper processing of wastewater and the re-use of bio-solids and recycled water within mandated operation requirements.
Perform plant rounds and inspections and to read and record gauge and instrument information to evaluate the function of pumps, chemical feed, and other equipment.
Monitor and adjust the plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to maintain proper operating conditions.
Collect wastewater, sludge, and other samples from various phases of the water recycling and/or treatment process; perform basic chemical and physical tests on these samples to ensure that the plant is operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met.
Review and analyze operational information and test results, and revise equipment settings as appropriate.
Respond to and control accidental releases of hazardous liquids and gases.
Perform preventive maintenance and cleaning for a variety of plant equipment such as pumps, chlorinators, filters, chemical valves, bar screens, sludge lagoons, agitators and electric motors; remove screenings and grit; clean clarifiers and other treatment-related equipment.
Perform adjustments and troubleshooting for electrical motors and controls.
Change recording charts and ensure that chemical feeders have a constant supply of treatment chemicals.
Notify supervisor of unusual situations and/or significant changes in process or equipment conditions; suggest an appropriate solution to the observed problem.
Receive and store chemicals and supplies; monitor and report on inventory needs as assigned.
Deliver samples to the laboratory for testing as required; conduct regulatory testing as required on the off-shift days when the lab is not staffed.
Maintain accurate records of work performed; make logbook entries and laboratory tracking entries.
Help maintain facilities and grounds in a clean and orderly condition by doing things such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning, sanding, painting, and grounds keeping.
Participate in appropriate safety procedures, including those related to working in confined spaces, the safe handling of chemicals, and lock-out-tag-out procedures.
Assist in the investigation and resolution of customer complaints regarding recycling plant- related matters.
Operate and maintain the natural treatment processes of the facility, including oxidation ponds and wetlands.
Attend and participate in meetings, trainings, and safety sessions; participate on team projects and task forces as required.
May provide training and direction to less experienced employees.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Operate and maintain the City’s sewage pump stations and the production and distribution of recycled water.
Operate and maintain the City’s waste receiving station, storage facilities, co-digestion process, and high-strength waste receiving stations and compressed natural gas processing and fueling facilities.
Populate the appropriate operator actions in the alarm descriptions and evaluate automatic actions to assure proper computer and manual responses.
Assist with chemical inventory use, control, and ordering.
Identify unusual situations and/or significant changes in process or equipment conditions as well as the potential cause of the problem; develop and implement an appropriate solution.
Understand and the follow all regulatory requirements for discharge to waters of the state and recycled water programs (tertiary and secondary).
Make proper log book entries and proper laboratory tracking entries.
Operate and maintain natural treatment systems, including oxidation ponds, wetlands, and vegetation removal projects; may assist in developing wetland management strategies.
Give tours of the plant and related facilities as assigned.
Serve as a Lead Operator as needed on an occasional and intermittent basis.

Benefits

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Choice of a variety of CalPERS Health Plans. City pays ~95% of the Bay Area Kaiser premium for employee & eligible dependents; or alternative option to receive Medical Cash Back (if you have medical coverage elsewhere).
DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: Coverage for employees & eligible family members, paid for by the City.
LIFE INSURANCE: Competitive life insurance & Long-Term Disability benefits. Option to purchase additional life insurance.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Support and benefits, for you & eligible family members, paid for by the City.
WELLNESS BENEFIT: $500 annual allowance (subject to the annual budget approval process and may change in the future)
CALPERS RETIREMENT PACKAGE 2% at 60 for Classic CalPERS members 2% at 62 for PEPRA CalPERS members
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: voluntary participation in your choice of three plan offerings.
Vacation: 80 Hours, increasing with years of service
Sick Leave: 96 hours
Holidays: 12 fixed days
Personal Leave: 8 hours
Paid Parental Leave – up to 8 weeks of paid time for qualifying family bonding
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Employer