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SalaryEssential Function
Under general supervision, will assist the Operations Supervisor to oversee and review the work of assigned operators; control and maintenance functions, including SCADA, Recycled Water Facility (RWF) operation, Incident Command (IC) Emergency Response Coordination; schedule and coordinate plant and pump station shutdowns; must demonstrate the ability to train and mentor subordinate operators; assist in the development of a resource recovery Treatment Plant and processing operating procedures, monitor operational details. Interface and communicate with Plant and Consulting Engineers during pre-design and start-up inspections of plant expansions and process modifications to the plant systems.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is an advanced journey-level (working lead level) classification in the Plant Operator series and is distinguished from the II and III level by having lead responsibility during shift and demonstrated ability to handle the most complex problems that may rise within the resource recovery Treatment Plant operations including, but not limited to, start-up and shutdown of major unit processes. Incumbents participate in the routine day to day operational duties of the facilities as assigned.
The Grade IV/V Senior WWTP Operator is distinguished from the Senior WWTP Operator by level of certification.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
This position receives general supervision from the Operations Supervisor. May receive functional supervision from the Plant Manager and other managers.
The Senior Operator may exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level operators and temporary/contract support personnel. Incumbents will assist the Operations Supervisor in guiding, training and mentoring lower level operators, as necessary, for a safe and productive operations.
Primary Duties
The following is a representative list of essential duties performed by the Senior Operator, but is not inclusive of all essential duties:
Work Scheduling and Quality Control: Assists in scheduling work and ensures individual operator accountability for assignments (inspect and monitoring of work); supervises critical changes to plant/equipment conditions. Assures appropriate staffing level is on duty; calls in personnel as needed. Adjusts work assignments of on-duty personnel as needed. Operates or directs the operation of direct and remote controls to implement Treatment Plant and pump station changes. Makes final determinations on all shift operations matters unresolved by on-duty personnel.
Section Operations: Handles emergency and urgent situations and consults off-duty superiors as appropriate. Reviews and initiates actions needed to respond or comply with memoranda and other instructions provided by superiors. Receives service requests and complaints from service users and handles the public relations situations as required. Investigates and takes actions needed to respond to service needs, odor complaints. Prepares records of service calls and complaints and submits follow-up reports. Monitors and maintains operating supply inventories; places orders to replenish supplies. Records and submits administrative documentation on activity. Identifies and assists in diagnosing existing and potential repair requirements. Prepares maintenance and repair service requests and recommends updates to the preventive maintenance schedules and actions. Assists external contractors and internal repair crews to locate, evaluate, adjust, maintain and replace equipment, systems and facilities. Maintains and oversees the maintenance and proper housekeeping of all central and remote work places including the district maintained pumping stations.
OTHER ASSIGNED DUTIES
General: Provides input to assist immediate superior in evaluating employee performance and other routine personnel matters. Assist with written procedures, instructions and other materials for implementation of shift operations. Responds to information requests and conducts operations tours for regulatory inspectors, members of the public, potential bidders on system projects and District personnel. The Senior Operator assumes the responsibility for covering a part of the work assignments of other operating personnel during absences. Participates in teams engaged with process and customer service improvements, cross-training, and team evaluations. Prepares and presents formal reports and recommendations as appropriate. Participates in District committees and gives input where needed. Performs all other assigned work consistent with the responsibilities of the classification and necessary to maintain an effective system and District operations. Oversees and ensures that proper safety policies are adhered to at all times.
Qualifications
A combination of training and experience which demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed). A person with the following combined training and experience would typically qualify to compete in a selection process:
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent supplemented by such educational points as required by State regulations to qualify for the required Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate.
EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of experience as a Plant Operator III at a comparable Wastewater Treatment Plant, while in possession of a Grade III WWTP certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board.
Knowledge of the following is required to perform the essential functions:
- Current principles, practices and equipment applied to water and wastewater conveyance and treatment systems of similar size and complexity to those of the District.
- Federal, State and local legal and regulatory requirements and related technical terminology used in water and Wastewater Treatment processes and regulatory activities.
- Specific chemical and biological processes and tests applied in water and Wastewater Treatment.
- General intent and specific application of administrative operating policies and procedures common to water and wastewater organizations.
- General design, basic construction, assembly and operational norms of hydraulic equipment, power generators, pumps and controls.
- Specific safety practices applicable to all aspects of treatment and conveyance processing work; specific situations requiring use of protective gear and equipment; and specific regulations applicable to using and handling hazardous materials, chemicals and processes.
Ability of the following is required to perform the essential functions:
- Interpret and apply the general intent and specific provisions of multiple laws and regulations to particular conditions.
- Troubleshoot plant process upsets and provide Incident Command during plant emergencies by having the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally with internal and external parties and emergency personnel.
- Apply professional principles and water and Wastewater Treatment and service practices.
- Exhibit and instill in subordinates a high customer service priority.
- Provide and present verbal and written direction and advice to a wide variety of people.
- Communicate ideas and assert a point of view in complex or controversial situations.
- Establish and maintain open and honest communications with co-workers at all levels of the organization.
- Evaluate, plan and establish a sequence of action for multiple work projects to progress simultaneously.
- Read, write and clearly speak the English language.
- Perform mathematical, statistical, geometric and algebraic calculations common to treatment quantification, laboratory analysis and budget work.
- Operate automobiles and electric carts, office computers and field communications equipment.
- Operate safety devices and equipment and apply proper safety procedures in hazardous environments.
- Ascend and descend ladders and stairs.
- Tolerate physical presence at heights of up to 75 feet on outdoor catwalks and exterior walkways of large structures.
- Withstand periods of physical exposure to the presence of fumes, odors, dust and pollen without incapacitating adverse effect.
- Safely enter and leave confined spaces.
- Safely transport, lift and handle objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Exposed to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold including rain, ice, fog, wind and various terrains
Exposed to confined spaces; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals.
Risk of electrical shock or mechanical hazards.
Risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
Exposed to power and noise producing tools and equipment. The noise level in the work environment (Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities, pump stations, field and maintenance shop) varies from moderate to loud.
Occasional work in office buildings with controlled lighting and ventilation and moderate noise levels.
STANDING
Estimated Duration: Up to 2 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to10 minutes, at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Up to 6 hours, per shift.
Cumulative Duration: Up to 6 hours, per shift.
Surfaces: Office – tile, carpet; field/plant – asphalt, concrete, metal grating, gravel, mud, grass, sloped terrain, all possible.
Description: Performs while monitoring the operating of Wastewater Treatment Plant motors, digesters and other equipment, reading gauges, dials and other instruments that require plant operation, pressure washing, cleaning, working in a confined space, removing or replacing a manhole lid, opening or closing valves, operating valves and controls, inspecting, cleaning and maintaining pumps, motors, valves, filters and other related equipment, making visual inspections, collecting a variety of samples, retrieving trash, utilizing a variety of hand and power tools, utilizing a water hose to wash equipment.
WALKING
WALKING
Estimated Duration: 4 ½ to 5 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 15 minutes, at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Estimated duration is per shift
Surfaces: Office – tile, carpet; field/plant – asphalt, concrete, metal grating, gravel, mud, grass, sloped terrain, all possible.
Description: Performs while walking within the plant, to and from sites, relocating tools, supplies, equipment, pressure washing, cleaning, making rounds within the plant, inspecting and monitoring equipment, relocating a water hose.
SITTING
SITTING
Estimated Duration: Up to 2 hours, in varying intervals between 15 minutes and 1 hour at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Up to 7 hours, per shift.
Surfaces: Cushioned vehicle seats, desk or office chair.
Description: Performs while working at a desk station, reading, writing, utilizing a computer, operating a pickup truck, golf cart, forklift, during trainings.
KNEELING/CROUCHING/SQUATTING
KNEELING/CROUCHING/SQUATTING
Estimated Duration: Up to 15 minutes, of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 1 minute at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 1 to 2 hours, per shift.
Surfaces: Office – tile, carpet; field/plant – asphalt, concrete, metal grating, gravel, mud, grass, sloped terrain, all possible.
Description: Performs while inspecting or accessing equipment, reading gauges, opening or closing valves, repairing and servicing pumps, valves, deragging equipment, retrieving or setting items on and off lower shelves or ground level, cleaning.
CLIMBING/BALANCING
CLIMBING/BALANCING
Estimated Duration: 8 to 10 times of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 1 minute at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Up to 20 times, per shift.
Surfaces: Ladder or stair steps.
Description: Performs while ascending or descending a fixed vertical ladder up to 10 feet to access pump station equipment or chemical storage facilities, stair steps up to 75' at the plant location or pump station equalization storage tanks, ascending or descending 1-2 steps to enter or exit a vehicle or forklift cab.
REACHING
Above Shoulder Level:
Above Shoulder Level:
Estimated Duration: 1 to 2 times of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 2 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 15 minutes to 1 hour at a time, per shift.
Description: Performs while opening or closing valves including circular valves or chains, repairing valves, replacing gauges in conjunction with utilizing a variety of hand or power tools. Unilateral or bilateral upper extremities from a less than full-to-full extensions at each occurrence.
Between Waist and Shoulder Level:
Between Waist and Shoulder Level:
Estimated Duration: 4 to 5 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 15 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 5 to 6 hours, per shift.
Description: Performs while operating equipment, plant motors, digesters and other equipment, dials and other instruments that require plant operation, pressure washing, cleaning, removing or replacing a manhole lid, opening or closing valves, operating valves and controls, inspecting, cleaning and maintaining pumps, motors, valves, filters and other related equipment, collecting a variety of samples, utilizing a variety of hand and power tools, utilizing a water hose to wash equipment, operating equipment including a pickup truck, golf cart, forklift in conjunction with maneuvering levers or steering wheel, relocating tools, supplies, equipment. Unilateral or bilateral upper extremities from less than full-to-full extensions on each occurrence.
Below Waist Level:
Below Waist Level:
Estimated Duration: Up to 15 minutes of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 1 minute at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 1 to 2 hours, per shift.
Description: Performs while inspecting or accessing equipment, opening or closing valves, repairing and servicing pumps, valves, de-ragging equipment, retrieving or setting items on and off lower shelves or the ground level, cleaning. Unilateral or bilateral upper extremities from a less than full-to-full extensions on each occurrence.
PUSHING/PULLING
PUSHING/PULLING
Estimated Duration: Less than 15 minutes to ½ hour of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 5 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 1 to 2 hours, per shift.
Description: Performs while utilizing a shovel, a rake to level rags located in a dumpster (less than 10 minutes), utilizing wrenches to remove or secure bolts, utilizing a push broom while cleaning, pry bars to open and close slide gates, 4-wheeled cart to relocate equipment or supplies, opening valves including a chain or circular valve handle, relocating a pressure washer, utilizing an electric drill, relocating hoses while washing equipment, utilizing a metal hook to remove or replace a manhole lid, utilizing a pry bar. Unilateral or bilateral arm use.
TWISTING/ROTATING
Waist:
TWISTING/ROTATING
Waist:
Estimated Duration: Up to 15 minutes, seconds at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 15 minutes to ½ hour, per shift.
Description: Performs while opening or closing valves, utilizing a shovel or rake to level rags in a bin, accessing or inspecting equipment, driving. The motion is from center to right back to center or center to left back to center up to 20-degrees.
Neck:
Neck:
Estimated Duration: 2 to 3 hours of varying intervals between a few seconds to less than 5 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Estimated duration is per shift.
Description: Performs while inspecting or monitoring equipment, utilizing basic or power tools, during normal body mechanics, driving. The motion is from center to right back to center or center to left back to center up to 45-degrees.
Wrists:
Wrists:
Estimated Duration: Up to 15 minutes of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 5 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 15 minutes to ½ hour, per shift.
Description: Performs while utilizing basic hand tools including screwdrivers, pliers, utilizing a shovel or rake to level rags in a bin, utilizing a metal hook to remove or replace a manhole lid. Unilateral or bilateral hand use.
BENDING
Waist:
BENDING
Waist:
Estimated Duration: 15 to ½ hour of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 1 minute at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 1 to 2 hours, per shift.
Description: Performs while inspecting or accessing equipment, reading gauges, repairing and servicing pumps, valves, deragging equipment, retrieving or setting items on and off lower shelves or the ground level, cleaning. The motion is in a forward direction up to 65-degrees.
Head/Neck:
Head/Neck:
Estimated Duration: 2 to 3 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 5 minutes.
Cumulative Duration: 3 to 4 hours, per shift.
Description: Performs while monitoring the operating of Wastewater Treatment Plant motors, digesters and other equipment, reading gauges, dials and other instruments that require plant operation, pressure washing, cleaning, working in a confined space, removing or replacing a manhole lid, opening or closing valves, operating valves and controls, inspecting, cleaning and maintaining pumps, motors, valves, filters and other related equipment, making visual inspections, collecting a variety of samples, retrieving trash, utilizing a variety of hand and power tools, utilizing a water hose to wash equipment, during normal body mechanics.
Wrists:
Description: Performs while monitoring the operating of Wastewater Treatment Plant motors, digesters and other equipment, reading gauges, dials and other instruments that require plant operation, pressure washing, cleaning, working in a confined space, removing or replacing a manhole lid, opening or closing valves, operating valves and controls, inspecting, cleaning and maintaining pumps, motors, valves, filters and other related equipment, making visual inspections, collecting a variety of samples, retrieving trash, utilizing a variety of hand and power tools, utilizing a water hose to wash equipment, during normal body mechanics.
Wrists:
Estimated Duration: 2 to 3 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 10 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 3 to 4 hours, per shift.
Description: Performs while utilizing a variety of tools including wrenches, screwdrivers to assemble or disassemble equipment, de-ragging equipment, pressure washing, utilizing a rake or a shovel to relocate debris, turning valves, relocating samples, operating equipment in conjunction with maneuvering a steering wheel or levers, during normal body mechanics. Unilateral or bilateral hand use.
LIFTING/CARRYING
LIFTING/CARRYING
0 to 10 lbs.
Objects: Writing utensil, paperwork, telephone handset, metal hook, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, valve keys, empty trash containers, drills, bolts, nuts, small parts, samples, 1" hose end, shovel, clipboard, pry bar, ratchet.
Estimated Duration: 4 to 5 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 15 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Estimated duration is per shift.
Distance: Less than 100 feet.
Height: Ground to shoulder or above.
Description: Performs while utilizing a variety of hand tools, inspecting and cleaning equipment, utilizing a writing utensil, handling paperwork, utilizing a telephone, relocating a metal hook, parts, samples, clipboard, pry bar, ratchet.
11 to 25 lbs.
11 to 25 lbs.
Objects: Valve key.
Estimated Duration: 5 to 10 times of varying intervals of a few seconds at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Estimated duration is per shift.
Distance: Less than 50 feet.
Height: Ground to chest level.
Description: Performs while utilizing a valve key to open or close valves.
26 to 50 lbs.
26 to 50 lbs.
Objects: Garbage container, water cannon, winch, confined space entry tripod.
Estimated Duration: 1 time per week of varying intervals of a few seconds at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Estimated duration is per shift.
Distance: Less than 10 feet.
Height: Ground to waist level.
Description: Performs while retrieving and relocating a water cannon, garbage containers, or sump pump, winch, confined space entry tripod. Setting up trash pumps by carrying suction and discharge hoses,
SIMPLE GRASPING
SIMPLE GRASPING
Estimated Duration: 3 to 4 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 15 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 4 to 5 hours, per shift.
Description: Performs while operating equipment including a forklift, pickup truck, golf cart in conjunction with maneuvering levers or steering wheel, retrieving and relocating samples, relocating tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc., utilizing a pressure washer or water hose to wash equipment, holding a clipboard in conjunction with completing notes, relocating tools. Unilateral or bilateral hand use.
POWER GRASPING
POWER GRASPING
Estimated Duration: Less than 15 minutes to ½ hour of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 5 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: 1 to 2 hours, per shift.
Description: Performs while utilizing a shovel, a rake to level rags located in a dumpster (less than 10 minutes), utilizing wrenches to remove or secure bolts, utilizing a push broom while cleaning, pry bars to open and close slide gates, 4-wheeled cart to relocate equipment or supplies, opening valves including a chain or circular valve handle, relocating a pressure washer, utilizing an electric drill, relocating hoses while washing equipment, retrieving and relocating tools, supplies, equipment, utilizing a pry bar to relocate equipment. Unilateral or bilateral arm use.
FINE MANIPULATION
FINE MANIPULATION
Estimated Duration: 1 ½ to 2 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to less than 5 minutes at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Estimated duration is per shift.
Description: Performs while handling bolts, nuts, screws, small parts, turning dials, utilizing a computer keyboard, mouse, monitor, writing utensil, pressing telephone buttons to make outgoing calls. Unilateral or bilateral hand use.
MACHINES/TOOLS
MACHINES/TOOLS
Wrenches
Screwdrivers
Hammers
Alan wrenches
Pry bars
Gas detectors
Lowering tools
Confined space entry tripod and winch operation
Ratchets
Sockets
Valve key
Winch
Tripods
Slide gates
Metal hook
Pressure washer
Sump pumps
Fire cannon
4-wheeled cart
Golf cart
Electric drills
Clipboard
Writing utensil
Computer
Office equipment
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Depending on the exposure the employee is required to wear head, hearing, eye, foot, face, hand, and fall protection equipment
Required Licenses, Certifications and Registrations
A valid California State Class C license must be maintained at all times. Continued maintenance of valid driver's license in compliance with established District vehicle operations standards, and the ability to be insured for the operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of the District's insurance program are conditions of continued employment.
A valid State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certification or higher is required at time of hire or promotion.
Completion of the District's in-house Qualifying Standards (Qual Standards) for the Operator III training requirements is required at time of appointment or must be obtained prior to completion of the probationary period.
Employment Conditions
Fair Labor Standards Act Classification: Non-Exempt, classification qualifies for overtime compensation in accordance with federal and state wage and hour laws
Collective Bargaining Representation Unit: Operations and Maintenance Bargaining Unit
Appointment and Removal Authority: General Manager
Job Specifications approved by: Board of Directors on 03/20/2008
Job Description Amendments approved by: General Manager on 05/07/2014
