Treatment Plant Operator I​/II

Under the general supervision of a senior operator, to perform a variety of operations, control, and maintenance functions in the City's water and wastewater treatment systems; to perform laboratory testing and sample collection; to perform a variety of semiskilled, and skilled work in the maintenance, repair, and construction of wastewater treatment facility; and to do related work as required.

Treatment Plant Operator I/II is the full‑time, entry level, training position in the Treatment Plant Operator class series. Incumbents are expected to perform basic operations, maintenance, repair, and construction assignments, while learning the more skilled and complex tasks. Work is done under the direct supervision of a certified operator and is typically performed in a treatment facility environment. Some tasks may involve moderate physical labor.

Monitors the operation of water and wastewater treatment plant pumps, motors, and other equipment; reads gauges, dials, and other instruments that record system and plant operations; interprets operating data and makes operating adjustments; makes visual inspections of system and plant operations, insuring that operational problems have been located and corrected; operates valves and controls to feed chlorine and other chemicals, according to plant flows;

inspects, cleans, and maintains pumps, motors, valves, filters, meters, and related equipment; implements a preventive maintenance program including maintenance and repairs for pumps, motors, control circuits, air compressors, hydraulic systems, and other plant equipment; keeps accurate records and logs; collects samples and performs laboratory tests; works with hazardous chemicals, changes gas cylinders, using proper safety precautions; checks for and repairs chlorine/sulfur dioxide leaks;

performs a variety of general maintenance in and around the water and wastewater treatment facilities; learns a variety of basic equipment operation work, uses hand and power tools; performs heavy physical labor; operates vehicles and equipment; provides training for less experienced personnel; works weekends and holidays, may work evening shifts; may be required to wear a pager and respond to emergency call outs;

responds to public questions and complaints.

High School diploma or GED required.

TPO I:
Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities would be prior work experience in a related field, and a desire to learn the water and wastewater treatment operator profession.

TPO II:
Possession of WW1 (or higher) certificate and T1 (or higher) certificate from SWRCB is required at time of hire. Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities would be two (2) years of increasingly responsible, related work experience such as would be done by an Operator I or II working for the City of Fortuna.

• Safe work practices.
• Principles and practices of water and wastewater treatment operations.
• Repair, maintenance, and adjustment procedures for treatment plant equipment, including collection and distribution pumping and storage facilities.
• Basic water and wastewater laboratory testing procedures.
• General maintenance and repair work.
• SCADA controls and operations.
• OSHA regulations concerning utility operations.
• Principles of training other staff.

• Perform a wide range of operations, repair, and maintenance work at water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Work a flexible work shift which may include nights and/or weekends.
• Perform operations, maintenance, and repair work on pumping and storage facilities.
• Read and interpret gauges and other devices reflecting plant operations and make complex operating adjustments based on recorded data.
• Take water, wastewater and sludge samples and performs basic on site laboratory tests.
• Diagnose a variety of operating problems and take effective corrective actions.
• Maintain and update logs, records,…