Wastewater Utility Operator-in-Training chez City of Lemoore, CA

About the Department

DEFINITION

To operate and maintain wastewater treatment plant and collection systems and equipment in accordance with State of California requirements for the operation of plants; to operate and maintain a wide variety of maintenance tools and equipment; and to conduct basic laboratory testing.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater Utility Operator-In-Training – The Operator-In-Training (OIT) is the first level in the Utility Operator series. It is designed to ensure compliance with regulations set forth by the State Water Resources Control Board. This class is responsible for the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including less complex duties involved in the operation of wastewater plant and collection systems, and done under the supervision of a Wastewater Utility Operator I/II. This class is distinguished from Wastewater Utility Operator I in that the latter may work independently on assignments in operation, repair, replacement, and construction of wastewater plant and collection systems. It is distinguished from Wastewater Utility Worker in that in the latter performs functions related to collections and the OIT performs tasks for both collections, and treatment plant assignments under supervision. Advancement to Wastewater Utility Operator I is based on fulfillment of the State requirements, and at the discretion of the Wastewater CPO and approval by Human Resources. 

Wastewater Utility Operator I – This is the second level class in the Wastewater Utility Operator series. This class is responsible for the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including less complex duties involved in the operation of wastewater plant and collection systems. This class is distinguished from Wastewater Utility Operator II in that the latter is responsible for more complex assignments in the operation, repair, replacement, and construction of wastewater plant and collection systems and direct supervision of lower level classifications within the Wastewater division. Advancement to the Wastewater Utility Operator II level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions, possession of required licenses and certifications, and is at the discretion of the Wastewater CPO and approval by Human Resources. 

Wastewater Utility Operator II – This is the third level class in the Wastewater Utility Operator series. Incumbents within this class are responsible for the performance of the most complex duties involved in the operation, repair, replacement, and construction of wastewater plant and collection systems. This class is distinguished from the Senior Wastewater Utility Operator in that the latter is responsible for lead responsibilities as well as the most specialized assignments. It is distinguished from Wastewater Utility Operator I by the performance of the most complex duties as assigned as well as the requirement for higher level certifications and enhanced supervisory duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Wastewater Utility Operator-In-Training (OIT)

Receives supervision from Senior Wastewater Utility Operator. May be directed by higher level personnel within the Wastewater Division.

Wastewater Utility Operator I

Receives supervision from Senior Wastewater Utility Operator. May be directed by higher level personnel within the Wastewater Division.

Wastewater Utility Operator II

Receives direction from the Senior Wastewater Utility Operator. May be directed by higher level personnel within the Wastewater Division.

Provides technical supervision of lower level personnel within the Wastewater Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

1. Operate and maintain the City wastewater collection system and treatment plant; perform preventative maintenance on wastewater collection and treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate operations.
2. Inspect lift stations to discover existing or potential problems; clean sewer mains; remove obstructions and larger debris.
3. Maintain, repair and service plant and collection operations machinery and equipment, including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks and reservoirs; change lubrications.
4. Collect and record water samples and plant flow readings; perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; adjust chemical levels as needed; prepare a variety of reports on water testing.
5. Maintain electrical and mechanical equipment; inspect pumps and reservoirs to ensure proper working conditions.
6. Maintain, compile and update plant operations logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.
7. Clean pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
8. Maintain compliance with regulations governing wastewater treatment operations.
9. Perform general facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and weed abatement activities.
10. Prepare various reports; maintains time and material records and reports on all projects.
11. Respond to customer service calls relating to utility service.
12. Ensure compliance with safety procedures.
13. Perform confined space entry duties.

Marginal Functions:

1. Respond to emergency calls from the public and other agencies as required.
2. Perform on-call and weekend worker duties as required.
3. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Wastewater Utility Operator-In-Training

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and procedures of wastewater treatment operations and preventative maintenance.
• Municipal wastewater treatment facilities, systems, and equipment.
• Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, feeders, lift stations and motors.
• Operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment plant operations and equipment usage.
• Safe work practices.
• Modern office equipment including a computer.

Ability to:

• Participate in the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of treatment plant and collection systems.
• Perform confined space entry duties.

• Maintain simple, accurate records.
• Locate wastewater and/or water infrastructure, above and below ground.
• Collect water samples and perform routine laboratory testing work.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Safely operate assigned vehicles, tools and equipment in the installation and maintenance of the utility system.
• Plan and order materials necessary to accomplish assigned tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

      Experience:

One year of increasingly responsible experience repairing and maintaining wastewater plant and collection systems as a Wastewater Utility Worker I/II, or equivalent.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate 

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license by date of hire. Utility Operators from may be required to obtain and retain a valid Commercial Class “A” or “B” California Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements for entire term of employment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, First Aid certificate.

Must possess a valid State Water Resources Control Board Operator-In-Training Certificate.

Wastewater Utility Operator I

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and procedures of wastewater treatment operations and preventative maintenance.
• Municipal wastewater treatment facilities, systems, and equipment.
• Standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology.
• Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, feeders, lift stations and motors.
• Operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment plant operations and equipment usage.
• Sampling methods and techniques.
• Safe work practices.
• Modern office equipment including a computer.

Ability to:

• Participate in the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of treatment plant and collection systems.
• Perform confined space entry duties.

• Maintain simple, accurate records.
• Locate wastewater and/or water infrastructure, above and below ground.
• Collect water samples and perform routine laboratory testing work.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Safely operate assigned vehicles, tools and equipment in the installation and maintenance of the utility system.
• Plan and order materials necessary to accomplish assigned tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

      Experience:

One year of increasingly responsible experience repairing and maintaining wastewater plant and collection systems, or equivalent experience.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate 

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license by date of hire. Utility Operators from may be required to obtain and retain a valid Commercial Class “A” or “B” California Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements for entire term of employment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, First Aid certificate.

Must possess and maintain a valid State Water Resources Control Board Grade I License.

Wastewater Utility Operator II

In addition to the qualifications for Wastewater Utility Operator I:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and procedures of wastewater treatment operations and preventative maintenance.

Ability to:

• Effectively and courteously explain requirements and departmental policies to the public.
• Maintain records and prepare reports on work completed.

• Read, interpret, and understand construction drawings and specifications.
• Locate wastewater and/or water infrastructure, above and below ground.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

      Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience repairing and maintaining wastewater plant and collection systems, or equivalent experience.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate 

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license by date of hire. Utility Operators from may be required to obtain and retain a valid Commercial Class “A” or “B” California Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements for entire term of employment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, First Aid certificate.

Must possess and maintain a valid State Water Resources Control Board Grade II License.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Wastewater treatment plant environment; exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, electrical energy, waste and infectious materials; work in or with water; work or inspect in confined spaces; work on slippery or uneven surfaces. Working with or near caustic/corrosive chemicals such as, but not limited to, Gas Chlorine and organic chemicals for weed abatement such as Round Up.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate or light lifting up to 50 lbs; walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Other Qualifications

Selection Process: Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy,  completeness and job related qualifications. Persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process— which may be any combination of written, oral and/or performance exams. A passing score of 80% or more is required to advance to the next phase of the recruitment process.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Veteran's Preference Application(Download PDF reader)
Applicants must submit the request form and certified DD-214 prior to the closing date.