Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee/I/II

County of Shasta•Redding, CA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is within the Shasta County Department of Public Works, Water-Wastewater Division, which operates eight small, independent water and wastewater systems. The role involves learning to perform, or performing, activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems. The Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee is an entry-level position requiring close supervision, while the Operator I is a journey-level class assisting with operations, and the Operator II is a full journey-level class responsible for operating one or more systems. The ideal candidate is internally motivated, self-sufficient, able to work independently, possesses strong prioritization skills, and has extensive knowledge of water and wastewater system operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Experience coordinating multiple systems is desirable.

Requirements

Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: One (1) year of work experience in water or wastewater treatment plant operations or maintenance, building utility construction, or equipment or utility maintenance; OR Three (3) months of experience as a wastewater treatment plant Operator-in-Training (OIT) certified by the California Water Resources Control Board.
Water/Wastewater Operator I: One (1) year of experience in the maintenance and operation of water and wastewater systems.
Water/Wastewater Operator II: Two (2) years of full-time experience in the maintenance and operation of wastewater systems AND one (1) year of experience in the maintenance and operation of water treatment systems.
Knowledge of basic construction, electrical, and mechanical principles.
Knowledge of basic methods and practices of maintaining machinery and equipment in good working order.
Ability to learn to operate equipment necessary to perform duties.
Ability to observe plant operations and take appropriate action.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
Knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in operating and maintaining a water and wastewater treatment plant.
Knowledge of hydraulic and electrical controls and supervisory sensory controls used in the operation of water and wastewater treatment.
Knowledge of basic chemistry in the field of water purification and treatment.
Knowledge of regulations of the State Health Department and the State Water Quality Control Board pertaining to water quality standards and the prevention of pollution and contamination.
Ability to operate independently and act in all types of situations and emergencies relating to the water supply and wastewater systems.
Ability to read engineering drawings.
Water/Wastewater Operator II: Knowledge of laboratory analysis procedures and recordkeeping.
Water/Wastewater Operator II: Ability to perform laboratory analyses.
Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Must obtain a valid Grade I certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board within one (1) year of entering the classification.
Water/Wastewater Operator I: Possession of a valid Grade I certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
Water/Wastewater Operator II: Possession of a valid Grade II certificate as a California Water Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.
Water/Wastewater Operator II: Possession of a valid Grade II certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating the operation of multiple water and/or wastewater systems at the same time is desirable.

Responsibilities

Learns to operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and disposal facilities.
Operates, maintains, and repairs valves, pumps, electric motors, chlorination equipment, and other related equipment.
Troubleshoots hydraulic, electrical, and supervisory sensory control systems.
Collects samples from selected sites throughout the county and performs lab analysis as required.
Records readings and lab results, and maintains daily plant logs.
Installs water services.
Repairs and flushes water and sewer mains.
Monitors and collects samples at landfills and septage ponds throughout the county.
Inspects new water distribution and collection system installations.
Gives direction and training to workers in all aspects of operations (Operator II).
Acts for Utility Operations Superintendent in the latter's absence (Operator II).
Assists in the timely requisition of supplies, materials, and equipment (Operator II).
Responds to after-hour calls.