Make a difference in the community — as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, you’ll play an essential role in protecting public health and the environment while building a rewarding career in public service. If you’re ready to put your skills to work and be part of a dedicated team, apply today!
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator $48.5248 - 58.9822
The Wastewater Division may underfill this position as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training for the right candidate, with a clear path for advancement.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training $35.0043 - 42.5479
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These two classes receive general supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators provide direction and work instruction to Operators-in-Training. No direct supervision is provided to other staff.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Training (OIT) is the entry-level class in technical/operations class series. Initially, work is performed under the direct supervision of a supervisor or an experienced operator on an assigned shift. As experience is gained, the work is performed more independently and becomes more varied. This class is alternately-staffed with incumbents that may advance to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator after gaining the required knowledge, skills, experience and certification and demonstrating performance at a full operational level.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is the experienced and certificated level in this class series. Incumbents are expected to independently operate and perform routine preventive maintenance and repair in the treatment plant as well as standard laboratory analysis. This class is distinguished from Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in that the latter performs work involving scheduling, purchasing, inventory control and related activities in support of the supervisory and management activities of the plant.
- Inspects plant operations on a regularly-scheduled basis; reads and records readings of pumps, chemical feed and other treatment, influent and effluent equipment.
- Reviews and analyzes automated information and control system data and revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary.
- Operates and performs preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment, such as pumps, motors, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, digesters, bar screens and blowers.
- Operates valves, pumps and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through the plant.
- Removes screenings and grit; cleans primary, secondary and other wastewater equipment and facilities.
- Lubricates pumps, motors, chains, conveyors and other machinery and equipment.
- Makes minor repairs to equipment; assists plant maintenance staff with major repair work.
- Performs routine maintenance painting of machinery, structures, equipment and piping systems.
- Collects wastewater, sludge and other samples from various phases of the treatment process; performs standard chemical and physical tests on these samples to ensure that the plant is operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met.
- Uses a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment.
- Drives a motor vehicle to dispose of dewatered sludge.
- Calibrates analyzers, adjusts chemical feed system and ensures adequate supply of chemicals to the plant.
- Maintains accurate records of gauge and meter readings, chemical test results and work performed.
Knowledge of:
- The operation, cleaning and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
- The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves and related appurtenances.
- Standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge and related materials.
- Tools and equipment required for the work.
- Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
- Basic equipment troubleshooting principles and practices.
- Basic record keeping practices.
- Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
- Shop mathematics.
- Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
- Computer applications related to the work.
Skill In
- Operating, maintaining and repairing a variety of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
- Recognizing and correcting or reporting unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.
- Reading a variety of gauges, charts and meters, recording data accurately and making appropriate process adjustments.
- Conducting standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge and related materials.
- Using and maintaining the tools and equipment of the work skillfully and safely.
- Handling hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
- Following oral and written directions.
- Maintaining accurate records related to work performed.
- Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
- Working independently within established procedural guidelines.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Wastewater Treatment Plant OIT: Equivalent to graduation from high school.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator: In addition to the above, training required by the California State Water Resources Control Board and one year of experience in operating and performing routine maintenance to facilities and equipment in a secondary wastewater treatment plant.
Licenses And Certifications
- Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Must obtain a class B driver's license prior to completion of the probationary period.
- Possession of a Grade I Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required for advancement to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator class.
Working Conditions: Works inside and outside. Must be available for regular standby assignments and work off-hours shifts and emergency overtime as required. Must be willing to work out of doors in all weather conditions and with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and conditions.
Physical Demands: Must possess strength, stamina and mobility to work in a standard wastewater treatment plant and laboratory setting, to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds and to use specialized test equipment, hand and power tools and instrumentation; stamina to work confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders; vision to read printed materials, charts and gauges and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to converse in person and over the telephone or radio.
The City of Pinole offers a wide range of benefits. To view our Benefit Package, please visit our Benefit Guidebook.
01
WWTPO/OIT: Which of the following State Water Resources Control Board Certifications do you currently possess:
- Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Operator-in-training (OIT) certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
- I possess none of the above.
02
WWTPO/OIT: If you possess a State Water Resources Control Board Grade certificate, please provide your certification number. If not applicable, please answer with N/A.
03
WWTPO/OIT: If you are an Operator-In-Training who has been issued a certificate by the State Water Resources Control Board, Wastewater Operator Certification Program (WWOCP) and have qualifying experience at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) under the direct supervision of an operator at the same or a higher grade level as the OIT, please indicate the approximate hours completed. If not applicable, answer with N/A.
04
WWTPO/OIT: Do you have one of more years of experience in operating and performing routine maintenance to facilities and equipment in a secondary wastewater treatment plant?
