Plant Operator I or II at City of St. Helena, CA

About the Department

DEFINITION: 

Under direct and general supervision, learns to perform and performs the full array of duties assigned to classes in the Plant Operator-Wastewater Treatment series, including operations, controls, and maintenance work in a Public Works wastewater treatment plant facility; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; and performs related duties as assigned. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 

Plant Operator I-Wastewater Treatment 

Plant Operator I is the entry and first working level class in which the incumbent learns to perform assigned duties. Initially, under direct supervision, incumbents perform the more routine Plant operator duties while learning City policies and procedures. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is alternatively staffed with the Plant Operator II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience, obtaining required certifications and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class. 

Plant Operator II -Wastewater Treatment 

The Plant Operator II is the journey level class responsible for a wide variety of plant operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plants, and incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED: 

Plant Operator I-Wastewater Treatment 

Receives direct supervision from the Water/Wastewater Treatment Superintendent, or higher level staff if assigned. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision. 

Plant Operator II -Wastewater Treatment 

Receives general supervision from the Water/Wastewater Treatment Superintendent. May occasionally assists in the training of less experienced staff.

Position Duties

• Operates, monitors, and maintains all plant equipment and components, including but not limited to pumps, valves, plumbing, gearboxes, fans, blowers, aerators, and flow controls; reads and interprets meters, gauges, and charts; maintains and upgrades mechanical and electrical systems. 
• Conducts regular on-site inspections of plant operations making appropriate adjustment to process controls, ensuring that operational problems are identified and corrected; ensures that plants are operating within safety standards established by federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations; provides training and supervision for less experienced personnel, as necessary.
• Performs basic and skilled wastewater pollution control laboratory testing and analysis; takes samples and coordinates detailed testing with outside laboratories; adheres to quality assurance programs for laboratory analysis and instrumentation; prepares and updates reports, including records and logs in compliance with state and federal mandates for reporting.
• Performs maintenance and construction work as directed on the wastewater treatment system and related facilities; maintains plant facilities and grounds in a safe, clean, and orderly condition; loads and unloads equipment and materials.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) 

Education and/or Experience: 

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Plant Operator I/II - Wastewater Treatment. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of: 

Plant Operator I -Wastewater Treatment 

One year of maintenance, construction or related experience equivalent to that of a Maintenance Worker I with the City of St. Helena, and a high school diploma or equivalent. 

Plant Operator II -Wastewater Treatment 

One year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant equivalent to that of a Plant Operator I with the City of St. Helena, and a high school diploma or equivalent. 

License/Certificate: 

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver's license. 

Plant Operator I-Wastewater Treatment 

Possession of a Grade I certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator from the California State Water Resources Control Board. 

Plant Operator II -Wastewater Treatment 

Possession of a Grade II certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator from the California State Water Resources Control Board. Possession of Grade T2 certificate as a Water Treatment Plant Operator from the California State Water Resources Control Board is desirable. Possession of a Grade D2 certificate as a Water Distribution Operator from the California State Water Resources Control Board is desirable. Possession of a Grade I Collections System Maintenance certificate from the California Water Environment Association is desirable. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: (The following are a representative sample of the KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) 

Knowledge of: 

Modern principles, practices, and techniques of wastewater treatment plant operations; repair, maintenance, and adjustment procedures for treatment plant equipment and controls; basic principles, practices, and methods of laboratory testing procedures; operational characteristics of the tools used in maintenance of stationary power equipment, pumping systems, and electrical systems; general maintenance and repair work; laboratory safety standards and programs; methods and techniques of supervision, training, and motivation; applicable federal, state, and local laws, Codes, and regulations related to wastewater quality and control; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. 

Skill to: 

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; safely and effectively operate the tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.

Ability to: 

Learn to perform and perform maintenance and operations of a wastewater plant and related facilities; collect a variety of samples for laboratory tests and conduct wastewater testing and analysis; maintain accurate records and prepare comprehensive reports; perform plant operation and maintenance assignments; respond to after-hours call-outs as assigned; reside within a reasonable response time of the downtown City area within three months of employment; interpret, Explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, Interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established  guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.