Wastewater Plant Operator

Overview

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of skilled tasks involved in the monitoring, regulation, maintenance, and operation of the District’s wastewater treatment facilities and collection system; performs laboratory tests on various water processes; performs preventive maintenance and makes repairs to plant and collections systems facilities and equipment; facilitates production of Title XXII recycled water; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives general supervision from Chief Plant Operator or Operations Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of wastewater operations. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Inspects treatment plant and equipment to ensure its proper functioning to minimize interruptions in the treatment process; adjusts operating equipment as instructed; reports the need for major or specialized repairs to equipment, machinery, and electrical and electronic systems.
• Monitors and controls wastewater treatment system operations; participates in the periodic maintenance of a variety of process equipment such as valves, sluice gates, pumps, blowers, samplers, dissolved oxygen sensors, chlorine injectors, wastewater analyzers, and related equipment.
• Performs a variety of construction, repair, preventive maintenance, operation, and restoration of all wastewater collection systems and auxiliary components, as directed.
• Inspects and cleans the interiors of collection systems, sewers, maintenance holes, and pump stations; conducts routine tests of sewer pipes; cuts and removes roots, grease, and other obstacles from sewers; conducts or coordinates CCTV inspections.
• Operates wastewater treatment equipment, machinery, and facilities by using manual, electronic, and computer control systems to regulate and control processes; collects toxicity and other samples and inspects and tests overall quality of reclaimed water by using various types of laboratory test equipment, as needed.
• Analyzes SCADA information and historical trend data to ensure proper operation and regulatory compliance; reads gauges, meters, charts, and graphs, and operates pumps, valves, electric motors, and related equipment.
• Cleans facilities, including tanks, process areas, filters, and control rooms; ensures buildings and grounds are clean and orderly.
• Participates in the containment and clean-up of spills emanating from the collection system; participates in fact gathering to respond to liability claims.
• Performs regular compliance sampling, field testing, and laboratory analysis; maintains accurate operational and regulatory logs, records, maps, and operational, compliance, and performance reports.
• Removes and inspects maintenance hole covers and maintenance holes; mixes, pours, and finishes concrete to raise maintenance holes to street surfaces.
• Assists maintenance personnel and contractors in the servicing, maintenance, repair, and upgrades of equipment, electrical and electronic devices, machinery, and related appurtenances; writes work orders for malfunctioning or failing equipment or for desired plant improvements.
• Calculates or determines chemical feed and dosages; adjusts chemical dosages or pump rates as necessary; monitors chemical inventories and usage; orders chemicals as needed to maintain inventory.
• Maintains a variety of records, logbook entries, and reports; enters daily and weekly plant process data into automated systems; supports a variety of reporting requirements.
• Sets up traffic barricades and control equipment; observes safety precautions regarding traffic control, sewer…