Job Details

The Position

The Vallejo Flood and Wastewater is hiring an Operator I/II Limited Duration for our Operations Department! This recruitment will be open until filled.

We are seeking an Operator I/II who under the direct supervision of the Shift Supervisor or a qualified certified Operator will be responsible for learning how to operate, inspect, monitor, and maintain the District's wastewater equipment. Incumbent will gain knowledge and learn the Districts wastewater equipment used in the repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment. The incumbent may carry out routine duties without immediate supervision. This person must also be open to working 12 hour shifts - day or night.

For more information on this position please see our brochure here.

The Operator I/II position is responsible for operating, monitoring and maintaining treatment and collection equipment at the plant.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
This position receives general supervision from the Shift Supervisor.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This Classification performs a full range of duties, monitors and operates control devices, and troubleshoots a variety of equipment.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

All duties are considered essential functions. There are no marginal job functions for this position.

• Ascends/descends single or multiple stair flights to access equipment, multiple floors and as needed, accessing building rooftops.
• Inspects plant equipment, includes reading and recording gauges for a variety of equipment including pumps, chemical feed, and other related equipment. The employee utilizes a writing utensil and clipboard to complete a checklist. The employee makes 2 plant rounds, each round is completed in approximately 1 hour.
• Investigates/inspects and as needed, notifies the supervisor of abnormal equipment gauge readings or situations.
• Operates an electric powered cart, as needed, equipped with an automatic transmission to travel to and from plant sites, includes ascending one step, maneuvering a steering wheel, pressing 2 foot pedals in conjunction with using a cushioned seat.
• Cleans equipment including tanks, equipment, pipes, hardscapes etc., includes turning a water valve and maneuvering a 3/4" diameter/50' hose to expel water. The employee cleans a variety of equipment including tanks, belt filter presses, stairway railings, and hardscapes. Time spent cleaning hardscapes varies depending on the season (bird droppings increase during the winter). The employee utilizes a squeegee and push broom to scrub and remove excess water. Alternatively, the employee may utilize a fire hose.
• Utilizes a pressure washer positioned on wheels, as needed. The employee utilizes a trigger-operated nozzle with a hose attachment to clean hardscapes. The hose is utilized in a sweeping motion.
• Retrieves wastewater samples. This includes utilizing a container to retrieve liquid samples from spouts or with a scoop from tanks. Alternatively, the employee retrieves dry samples. The samples are transported and left at the plant laboratory or placed in a refrigerator.
• Utilizes a variety of tools including wrenches, ratchets, power drills, screwdrivers, etc. to perform preventive maintenance of a variety of equipment including blowers, generation systems, chemical valves, filters, dewatering equipment, etc. Includes removing/replacing bolts, faceplates, parts, motors, utilizing metal hooks to remove rags or debris from equipment.
• Exercises/ turns circular valve handles, includes turning valve or chains to open/close, or loosen valves. The employee may or may not use a wrench, depending on the valve's condition.
• Utilizes a writing utensil to maintain accurate gauge readings and chemical test results.
• Performs confined space entries, as needed, predominantly performed to inspect empty tanks, includes working with a crew of 2-3 employees. Includes setting a tripod over an opening, wearing safety equipment, and utilizing specialized testing equipment including gas detectors, lowering tools, parts and equipment to inspect, service or repair equipment.
• Relocates a 4-wheeled 1-yard sized dumpster loaded with dry waste, as needed. The dumpsters are relocated and positioned underneath or away from processing equipment.
• Removes weeds from an odor filter dirt bed, approximately 0-1 times per week.
• Opens/closes or removes covers or chicanes to inspect conveyors or equipment. The employee, as needed, utilizes brushes and a water hose to clean and wash conveyors/equipment. In addition, the employee may remove and replace aluminum gratings or sump pump lids to inspect and as needed, wash equipment.
• Cleans building windows, as needed, includes rinsing with a water hose and utilizing a squeegee to remove excess water from hardscapes.
• Opens a plant refrigerator, removes a 3 gallon liquid container, shakes the container to mix, and pours into 3 one-gallon containers, as needed. The containers are positioned in a carrier and transported to the laboratory.
• Works at a desk station, utilizes a computer keyboard, mouse and views a monitor to enter or retrieve data and to remotely monitor plant equipment.
• Loads/unloads sump pumps on and off an electric cart bed and utilizes a dolly to transport to the desired area.
• Utilizes a round or square point shovel to retrieve/remove debris from hardscapes, tanks or equipment, as needed.
• Utilizes a manual pallet jack to relocate 1 yard rolling rag or grit bins, as needed. The employee, depending on the assignment utilizes a forklift to move and replace liquid polymer totes.
• May operate a tractor trailer to transport sludge (weekends & night shift only), as needed, includes ascending 3 steps to access the cab, maneuvering a steering wheel, 2-foot pedals in conjunction with using a cushioned seat.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operator I: Operator-Entry-Level plus general knowledge of the basic principles, practices, and procedures of wastewater treatment plant operations; operation, care, and routine maintenance of equipment; safety rules and regulations; safe chemical handling and control; limitations of machinery and equipment.
• Operator II: Knowledge required of Operator I plus basic knowledge of record keeping, interpretation and reporting specific knowledge about functions of record keeping, interpretation and reporting specific knowledge about functions of plant components, normal performance characteristics for commonly used primary and secondary treatment processes, chlorination, routine service and care of equipment, routine tests for evaluation of plant performance, and plant and personnel safety procedures.

Ability to:

• Operator I: Ability of the Operator-Entry-Level plus work without immediate supervision; operate and perform minor maintenance to treatment plant equipment and facilities; read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges and recording charts; recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions; learn the operation of sophisticated equipment; learn to interpret standardized process control tests and adjust plant equipment accordingly. Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces; must be able to wear a respirator in the event of a confined space rescue; must be able to work in inclement weather; must be able to communicate with irate or difficult people; must be able to accept constructive criticism from supervisors, co-workers, and subordinate employees.
• Operator II: Ability of the Operator I, under direction, plus ability to operate wastewater treatment plant equipment including automatic control devices; perform routine process control tests and adjust plant equipment accordingly. Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces; must be able to wear a respirator in the event of a confined space rescue; must be able to work in inclement weather; must be able to communicate with irate or difficult people; must be able to accept constructive criticism from supervisors, co-workers, and subordinate employees.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education - All levels:
Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience:

Operator I:
One (1) year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant; six (6) educational points and sufficient knowledge to be able to secure a Grade I Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate of Competence issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board.

Operator II:
Two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant while in possession of a Grade I or higher Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Licenses and Certifications:

All Levels:

Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of employment. The ability to drive District vehicles is a specific requirement for this position. For that reason it is the employee's responsibility to maintain a driving record that is acceptable to the District's insurance carrier or be subject to dismissal.

Minimum Eligibility Standards for District Vehicle Insurance Coverage (Download PDF reader).

Operator I:
Possession of a current Grade I or higher Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate of Competence issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board at the time of employment.

Operator II:
Possession of a current Grade II or higher Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate of Competence issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board at the time of employment.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS
LINK to Operator I/II Physical Demands

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Working indoors and outdoors. Excessive heat, cold and rain during weather seasons.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position is required to work standby, various rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

Additional Information

Disaster Service Worker:

Employees of Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property either at the District or within the local area, or your own community.