Senior Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Scotts Valley; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Scotts Valley is seeking a Working Leader for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This role involves supervising plant operations, monitoring equipment, and performing essential laboratory tests. Candidates must have supervisory experience and appropriate certifications to ensure safe and efficient wastewater management.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience as a wastewater operator and experience supervising others.
• Possession of a Grade III certificate or ability to acquire within 24 months.
• Valid Class B motor vehicle operator's license required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise wastewater treatment plant operations and personnel.
• Monitor and maintain treatment processes and equipment.
• Perform laboratory tests and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Laboratory Testing

Mechanical Repair

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma

Grade III Wastewater Operator Certificate

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Mechanical Tools

Job description

Open Until Filled.

JOB PURPOSE

Under direction, provide day-to-day supervision as working leader at the wastewater treatment plant; to monitor and adjust equipment, perform laboratory tests, maintain treatment plant and pumping station facilities; and to do related work as required. This is the leader level certificated class in the wastewater operations series.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Essential Duties:

• Plans and schedules work of wastewater treatment operators;
• Assists operators when necessary;
• Assigns special projects to operators as needed;
• Assists in evaluating performance of operators;
• Runs plant sludge de-watering equipment when scheduled;
• Monitors the operation of wastewater treatment plant process, including mechanical equipment such as pumps, motors, and other equipment;
• Checks secondary treatment tanks, sewage pumps, and related equipment;
• Adjusts controls on wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery such as valves, motors, pumps, chlorinators, filters, chemical feeders, and clarifiers to insure efficient operation of plant equipment;
• Establishes and leads a preventative maintenance program for the wastewater treatment plant, lift stations and distribution lines;
• Assists in training personnel in the proper operation and maintenance of the plant;
• Makes recommendations on the types and kinds of equipment needed for wastewater maintenance and repair;
• Recommends plant changes in operating procedures, proper sludge handling, maintenance and safety procedures;
• Regulates pressures and flow of wastewater;
• Reads gauges, dials and other instruments and records data;
• Oils, greases, and cleans equipment;
• Cleans, adjusts, and repacks valves and pumps;
• Collects samples and performs laboratory tests such as dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demands, specific conductants, and other related tests;
• Makes necessary calculations to obtain and record accurate test results;
• Mixes reagents;
• Operates an autoclave for sterilizing broth mediums;
• Inspects and makes mechanical repairs to plant and pumping station equipment;
• Keeps records of plant operations and laboratory tests.

Marginal Duties:

• Serves as lab technician when necessary and acts for the Plant Management in their absence.
• Performs plant maintenance work such as sweeping, cleaning, sanding, and painting;
• As backup and demonstration, may perform any of the duties normally assigned to Wastewater Operators;
• Performs related work as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education, Experience and Licenses:

Any combination equivalent to completion of high school and the qualifying course for certification; four(4) years of experience as a wastewater operator and some experience supervising others; possession of an operator's Grade III certificate or ability to acquire a Grade III Wastewater Operator Certificate within 24months of hire, unless extended for good cause by the City Manager, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board and a valid California motor vehicle operator's Class B license or ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.

Ability to:Understand and follow oral and written instructions; plan and organize work for self and others; lift heavy articles, take wastewater and sludge samples and perform laboratory tests; operate, repair and maintain mechanical and electrical equipment; read and record gauges and other instruments; keep accurate records and prepare reports; maintain effective working relationships with subordinates and other employees; communicate in acourteous manner with the public; work independently exercising good judgment and initiative; be available for 24-hour on-call duty when assigned; and retain other operators.

Knowledge of: Basic principles of activated sludge process, tertiary treatment, compressed air, fuel gas, water, chlorine, and electrical systems; practices concerning the operation of pumps, motors, gauges, and related mechanical equipment; principles and methods of bacteriological and chemical wastewater analysis; design applications, operation control and calculations involved in primary treatment and extended aeration activated sludge process; tools, dialindicators, electrical measuring devices, vacuum and pressure gauges used in wastewater treatment plant operation, common construction and maintenance hand tools, equipment and materials; basic mechanical and mathematical principles; proper procedures for working safely.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL: December 18, 2019