Combined Sewer and Water Operator III

Combined Sewer And Water Operator

This classification is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, collection systems, drinking water facilities, and water distribution systems of the County to ensure quality operations of wastewater and drinking water systems for the citizens.

Essential functions include:

• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Monitor the wastewater plant processes and water system quality.
• Perform laboratory testing and analysis to ensure compliance with established regulations.
• Troubleshoot problems and maintain system machinery and equipment in accordance with established O&M requirements and for emergency repairs.
• Respond to customer complaints and questions.
• Perform collection system and distribution system responsibilities.
• Perform new construction utility hook up inspections and locate underground utilities.
• Inspects infrastructure and advises management regarding maintenance, operational and safety problems and recommends corrective action.
• Attend appropriate training relevant to water, wastewater, and sludge as required to keep licenses active and abreast of new laws and technologies.
• Maintain records and logs as required.
• Maintains grounds and buildings.
• Keep necessary inventory for testing and maintenance needs.

Job complexity:
This is the expert level of the Combined Sewer and Water Operator series. Incumbents in this classification work independently, perform the full range of tasks and may be assigned to complete the most complex assignments. Incumbents are expected to exercise initiative and make sound decisions; accept responsibility in the review of the work of others, provide direction or training; and may address issues which are not explicitly covered by established policies, rules, and regulations.

Supervisory responsibility:
Positions in this classification are not responsible for supervision of other employees but will accept responsibility in the review of the work of others; provide direction and/or training to less experienced staff and staff assigned to other shifts.

Interpersonal contacts:
Incumbents in this classification communicate on a regular basis with the public to provide information and resolve complaints; with other government agencies to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and with other county departments to assist and provide service.

Specific job skills:
Incumbents are required to know: laws and regulations regarding the operation and maintenance of wastewater and drinking water systems; the technical components of wastewater and water processing; acceptable personnel procedure and methods. Incumbents are required to have the ability to:
Perform duties accurately and timely; make accurate mathematical calculations; perform accurate laboratory tests and analysis; use good judgement in reading and interpreting laws and regulations; analyze and communicate technical data; communicate effectively with the public, other employees and outside professionals; mentally and physically perform required work; work independently within established guidelines with limited supervision; handle multiple, multi-step tasks simultaneously and prioritize workload for self and others;

maintain effective working relationships with other employees in the department, other county departments and regulatory agencies.

Working conditions:

Work is performed inside in a plant environment or outside either on the premises or in the field requiring the employee to work in all weather conditions and at improved and unimproved sites. Employees in this classification are required to be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, climb and dig to accomplish their work tasks and are required to operate field, plant, laboratory and office hand, power and electronic equipment and machinery.

Incumbents in this classification may be required to lift more than 50 pounds periodically.

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of underground utility installation and heavy equipment operation experience.
• Group III Wastewater Operator Certification requires 4 years of domestic wastewater treatment plant operating experience, with at least 2 years at a Class II or higher plant, and 90 relevant credits/CEUs. Some experience and education requirements can be substituted with excess education or experience, respectively.
• The Water Distribution Manager Certification requires Three (3) years of water system experience, 12 months of which must be as an operator of a water system.
• A Wastewater Collection Specialist I (WWC-1) certification requires 12 months of experience in a wastewater system.
• A Cross Connection Specialist certification requires six months of operating experience in a public water system.

Licenses, certificates and other requirements:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License, incumbents are required to have and maintain a good driving record while employed by the County.
• Group III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification by…