Address
SalaryEssential Function
Under instruction, responsible for performing recycled water and wastewater inflow, treatment and effluent processing, and laboratory sampling operations work while learning to apply process control techniques to recycled water and wastewater resource recovery treatment in conformance with industry techniques, regulatory methods, and District guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is an entry-level training technical recycled water and wastewater resource recovery treatment classification in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Under close supervision from higher level classifications, incumbents learn District systems, operations, practices, and procedures.
As experience is gained, job duties and responsibilities become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Advancement to the higher levels in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series shall be considered provided the employee meets the following criteria: (1) possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, experience and time-in-grade requirements, (2) completes the requisite in-house Qualification Standards process, (3) demonstrates the ability to independently perform the full scope of the assigned duties of the higher level classifications, (4) possesses the minimum certification requirements as specified in the Qualifying Training and Experience Section of the corresponding job description.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Primary Duties
The following is a representative list of essential duties performed by the Operator-in-Training, but is not inclusive of all essential duties:
System Operation: Learns to review readings, logs and test results to determine current status of systems and plant processes. Learns to read, record, interpret and monitor meters, gauges, control panels and laboratory test results. Learns to extract recycled water and wastewater samples; prepare and maintain associated chain of custody and quality control records; transfer samples to laboratory and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses. Learns to operate direct and remote controls of manual and automatic equipment to start and stop pumps, engines, generators, valves and other equipment and devices which control and adjust power, recycled water or wastewater conveyance, flow, treatment, discharge and biosolids removal processes. Observes the application of chemicals to treatment processes. Records shift operating information on standard logs and check lists.
Facilities Maintenance: Learns to identify and diagnose existing and potential repair requirements to plant, wells, pump stations, power generators and all related facilities and equipment. Learns to perform routine scheduled preventive maintenance work and minor maintenance on equipment. Assists in housekeeping maintenance of work places. Performs minor maintenance on facilities and grounds as needed. Assists in responding to service calls.
Other Assigned Duties
General: Participates in the general housekeeping and administrative record keeping operations of the operations section. Assists operations personnel in assigned work and projects. Assumes responsibility for covering a part of the work assignments of other operations workers during short 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. Performs other assigned work consistent with the responsibilities of the classification and necessary to effective operations of the section and District operations.Other Assigned Duties
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. Completion of a minimum of six (6) continuing education units directly related to the Wastewater Treatment field OR must enroll, upon hire, in supplemental courses or instruction necessary for the obtainment of the required educational points as required by State Water Resource Control Board Office of Operator Certification regulations to qualify for an Operator in Training (OIT) certification.
EXPERIENCE: Experience with mechanical, hydraulic or materials processes systems, or have accumulated a minimum of 500 internship hours at a wastewater facility.
Must be responsive to call outs and/or operational emergencies.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.Must be responsive to call outs and/or operational emergencies.
Knowledge of the following is required to perform the essential functions:
- Learning methods, practices and equipment applied to recycled water and wastewater conveyance and treatment in the state.
- Classroom and on-the-job systems for learning specific Federal, State and local regulatory practices and technical terms applied to recycled water and Wastewater Treatment processes.
- Basic principles of chemical and biological testing.
- Basic construction, assembly and operation of large mechanical equipment.
- General safety concerns; use of protective gear; and awareness of safety needs related to handling hazardous materials and chemicals.
Ability of the following is required to perform the essential functions:
- Extract recycled water and wastewater samples and perform standard laboratory tests.
- Observe, interpret and record measurements indicated on gauges and meters.
- Perform minor maintenance on recycled water and wastewater equipment and facilities.
- Understand, retain and follow specific task and sequence instructions.
- Understand content and application of technical manuals, drawings, specifications, blueprints, layouts and schematics.
- Exhibit a high customer service priority.
- Establish and maintain effective open and honest communications with co-workers at all levels of the organization.
- Read, write and clearly speak the English language. Perform arithmetic and mathematical calculations commonly applied in the work.
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 to 60 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
Estimated Duration: 4 ½ to 5 hours of varying intervals ranging between a few seconds to 60 minutes at a time at a time.
Cumulative Duration: Up to 5 hours 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
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, electric cart, forklift, during trainings.
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
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:
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, electric 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, electric 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
Allen 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
Electric 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.
- Possess a valid Operator-in-Training (OIT) certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board Office of Operator Certification and have accumulated a minimum of 500 hours of internship at a wastewater facility at time of appointment or prior to the completion of the probationary period.
- Upon the successful completion of one year as an Operator-In-Training and the attainment of the educational points as required by the State Water Resources Control Board, individuals in this classification become eligible for the examination process for a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate issued by the California State Resources Control Board Office of Operator Certification.
- Employees in this classification will be required to successfully pass the Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator examination within one year of eligibility.
Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications may result in termination of employment.
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 04/09/2003
Job Description Amendments approved by: General Manager on 06/11/2014
