Wastewater Operator

South Orange County Wastewater Authority SOCWA; Dana Point (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

South Orange County Wastewater Authority SOCWA seeks a Wastewater Treatment Operator to operate pumps, valves, and treatment equipment, monitor chemical dosing, and maintain accurate records. You will inspect facilities, respond to repairs, and ensure compliant operation under supervision.

A strong emphasis on safety, proper documentation, and routine maintenance is required. Qualifications include a high school diploma, an associate degree (baccalaureate desirable), and a valid Grade I

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater plant equipment.
• Knowledge of safe practices and chemical handling in treatment facilities.
• Ability to read meters, gauges and charts for process control.

Responsibilities

• Operate pumps, valves and equipment to regulate wastewater flow and treatment.
• Maintain records of plant operation, test results and maintenance work.
• Inspect equipment and report failures; start/stop equipment for repairs.
• Read meters and charts; monitor chemical addition for proper treatment.
• Keep legible logs and participate in emergency repairs as needed.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Safety practices

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading meters gauges charts

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree desirable

Tools

Grade I Certificate

California Driver’s License

SCBA equipment familiarity

Job description

TITLE: Wastewater Treatment Operator

DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, the Wastewater Treatment Operator performs skilled and semi-skilled variety of routine operating, cleaning and maintenance duties related to the continuous safe and efficient operation of the wastewater treatment plant to meet all N.P.D.E.S. discharge requirements.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Wastewater Treatment Operator reports directly to the assigned Shift Supervisor with general supervision from the Chief Plant Operator or Operations Superintendent.

EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Operate pumps, valves and other equipment by automated systems, hand controls, or mechanical means to regulate the flow of wastewater through various treatment processes; maintain as even a flow as possible to assure maximum efficiency of plant equipment.
• Maintain records of plant operation, test results, maintenance work performed, unusual operating conditions encountered and special reports.
• Inspect plant equipment and report any failure or operational difficulties.
• Safely shut down and start up equipment as required for repairs.
• Read meters, gauges, charts, and instruments; change recording charts and ensure their continuous operation.
• Operate various hand and power tools and test instruments.
• Under direction, monitor and regulate flow and addition of chemicals to ensure proper treatment to meet required standards.
• Keep accurate and legible logs and records.
• May perform emergency repairs. Responds to emergency calls at irregular hours.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance, repair, rebuilding and service of mechanical equipment, control valves, pumps, motors, tanks, and piping systems found in a wastewater treatment plant.
• General knowledge of the operation of a secondary treatment plant, anaerobic solids digestion, solids thickening and dewatering, chemical handling, chlorination, and process control.
• Safety practices and procedures as they apply to wastewater treatment facilities, mechanical equipment, chemical handling, gas management systems.
• Must be able to recognize and use tools and equipment necessary to perform limited repairs to mechanical equipment.
• General knowledge of equipment used in wastewater treatment processes, such as pumps, motors, valves, filters, engines, meters, blowers, and compressors.
• Thorough knowledge of the safe and proper operation of various types of hand and power tools, pick-up trucks, forklifts, and similar vehicles.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduation from a college or university with an associate of arts degree. A baccalaureate degree in business administration or equivalent is desirable.
• Must Possess minimum of a valid Grade I Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. Experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, which clearly demonstrates possession of the knowledge and skills stated above.
• Must possess a valid California, Class C driver's license in good standing.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

• Ability to analyze and categorize data and information to determine the relationship of data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure assemble, copy, and record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data.
• Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures, and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with Agency personnel.

Mathematical Ability

• Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, and ratios.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

• Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
• Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to pass Agency's pre-employment physical examination.
• Ability to wear and operate SCBA and related respiratory protection equipment.
• Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as trucks, forklifts, motors, generators, pumps, computer terminals, calculator.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as assembling equipment.
• Ability to exert effort in strenuous physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Ability to lift and move the weight of a large bag of cement or the equivalent.
• Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks.
• Ability to withstand exposure to inclement weather conditions, working in wet and/or odorous areas, working in tanks and/or confined spaces.
• Ability to be subject to 24-hour recall, variable working hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays. May be required to perform stand-by duties and respond to plant emergencies.

Environmental Adaptability

Some tasks may risk exposure to temperature variations, sewage, toxic agents/chemicals, noise, machinery, vibrations, electrical currents, wetness, and dust.

SOCWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Agency will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.