Wastewater Plant Operator I​/II

The City of Turlock is accepting applications for the Wastewater Plant Operator I/II position. Under general supervision, to perform semi-skilled work in the operation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, call-back, and standby assignments.

This is the entry class in the wastewater plant operator series. Incumbents initially work under direct supervision and perform more routine operation work. As a trainee, incumbents are supervised more closely to insure compliance with established operations standards of the department, City and State.

Positions in this class are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Wastewater Plant Operator I, or, when filled from the outside, require prior wastewater treatment plant operation experience. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties for the class and meet the qualification standards for the class. A Wastewater Plant Operator II works under general supervision and is expected to perform journey level plant operation work.

Work in this class is distinguished from that of Wastewater Plant Operator I by the greater complexity of the work, by the greater independence with which an incumbent is expected to operate, and the required possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.

General supervision for the Wastewater Plant Operator II is provided by the Water Quality Control Supervisor. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by other higher-level plant operation personnel.

• Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operation conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Operate valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers; perform routine maintenance work on valves, tanks and related equipment and facilities.
• Input plant operation data in computer; plot operational trends.
• Perform routine plant grounds maintenance work, including painting and landscape work.
• Connect and disconnect chlorine cylinders.
• Operate treatment plant vehicles and stationary machinery as required in a safe and efficient manner
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses.
• Assist in the supervision and training of less experienced operators as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Entry-level principles and practices of waste treatment wastewater operations.
• Functions and purposes of wastewater treatment systems.
• Basic mechanical and electrical systems.
• Safe work practices around gases, electricity and chemicals.
• Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of wastewater plant machinery at a journey level.
• Basic operation of personal computer for data processing purposes and normal operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Hazardous gases associated with treatment of sewage.
• Automated equipment as applied to treatment plant operation.
• City sewage plant operation policies and procedures.

• Learn the principles and practices necessary in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of wastewater plant machinery.
• Learn to make routine repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps and other equipment.
• Learn to operate a personal computer to track plant operation data.
• Learn to read meters and gauges correctly and to act quickly and competently when corrective action is required.
• Physically perform hard manual labor tasks.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Learn to collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Use tools necessary in making general repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps and other equipment.
• Read meters and…