Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Summary

These positions are in the Wastewater Treatment Operator classification (class) series. Under direct or general supervision of the Wastewater Operations Superintendent or Wastewater Foreman and/or Chief Plant Operator (CPO), operates, repairs and maintains the District’s wastewater treatment facilities, including sewer lift stations, and reclamation systems; reads and interprets charts and meter readings for analyzing the efficiency of plant operations; maintains chemical inventory;

and performs other related work as required.

• Operator-in-Training (OIT) – the trainee-level class in the plant operations series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn District and operational procedures for wastewater treatment system equipment and facilities. As experience and certification is gained, assignments become more varied and the work is performed more independently. This class is alternately staffed with Plant Operator I and incumbents may advance after gaining experience, required level of certification, meeting the qualifications of and consistently performing the work of the higher-level class.
• Plant Operator 1 – the entry level class in this plant operations series. Under direct supervision, incumbents perform all tasks related to the operation of wastewater treatment plants, including the reclamation system, and associated equipment and facilities. As experience and certification is gained, operators may independently operate plants and appurtenances under the certification of a senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. This class is alternately staffed with Plant Operator 2 and incumbents may advance after gaining experience, required level of certification, meeting the qualifications of and consistently performing the work of the higher-level class.
• Plant Operator 2 – the pre-journey level class in this plant operations series. Under general supervision, incumbents are learning to perform all job tasks related to the operation of wastewater treatment plants, including the reclamation system, and associated equipment and facilities. This class may be alternately staffed with Plant Operator 3, and incumbents may advance after gaining experience, required level of certification, meeting the qualifications of and consistently performing work of the higher-level class.
• Plant Operator 3 – the second journey level in this class series. Incumbents are fully competent to independently perform the full range of duties assigned including most complex duties. Incumbents in this classification may assist with the training and oversight of less experienced staff assigned to a treatment plant. This class may be alternately staffed with Plant Operator 4, and incumbents may advance after gaining experience, required level of certification, meeting the qualifications of and consistently performing work of the higher-level class.
• Plant Operator 4 – the advanced journey level in this class series. Incumbents are fully competent to independently perform up to the most complex duties assigned. Incumbents in this classification may assist with the training and oversight of less experienced staff assigned to a treatment plant and may be assigned as Designated Operator in Charge.

The duties shown are done to differing levels of complexity and under differing levels of supervision depending upon the experience, certification level and training of the incumbent. Higher levels of the operator class are expected to completely and independently undertake the duties listed, while lower levels may be assigned less complex tasks such as vegetation management, maintenance, and chemical delivery, and require instruction and assistance, or may singly accomplish only a portion of a listed activity.

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of maintenance and repair on wastewater treatment reclamation system facilities including landscape maintenance such as weed and vegetation control, tree‑trimming and brushing, plumbing activities such as assisting in the repair of pipe leaks, shutting…