Definition and Class Characteristics

Monterey One Water is looking for a positive individual who is interested in the water/waster field. The ideal candidate should be eager to learn, proactive,  and helpful.

Definition
Under close supervision, to perform a variety of routine duties and learn more complex tasks in wastewater treatment plant and related collection and pumping system equipment operation and maintenance; and to perform other job related duties as required.
 

Class Characteristics

This is the trainee level classification in the Operator series.  Positions at this level are assigned to basic labor, repair and maintenance tasks. Employees are required to have basic mechanical knowledge, skills and aptitudes but no previous experience with the types of equipment or facilities associated with wastewater treatment.  Employees in this class normally work under the close and continuous supervision of more experienced staff performing a group of relatively repetitive or closely related duties according to established procedures.  While a variety of tasks may be assigned, each step usually fits a pattern which has been established and explained before work is started.  Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during its performance and upon completion, and changes in procedure or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise.  Operator-in-Training are normally considered to be on a training status, and as assigned responsibilities and breadth of knowledge increase with experience, may reasonably expect to be assigned more technical responsibilities involving operation, maintenance and repair of the wastewater facility.  

Essential Functions

Essential Functions

• Assists higher level Operators in monitoring and controlling the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, incorporating chemical feeding equipment, filtration equipment, and storage tanks.
• Assists in completing Checks  of automatic pump and valve regulating equipment and adjusts or repairs as needed.
• Assists in repairing leaks in pipelines, pumps, tanks, reservoirs and related equipment.
• Assists in performing preventive maintenance on pumps, motors and other equipment.
• Takes samples and performs basic chemical tests.
• Takes samples of influent and effluent water and may perform a variety of other chemical tests.
• Keeps neat and precise records of plant operation, chemical tests and equipment maintenance.
• Washes filters and flushes water lines.
• Keeps work area clean.
• Assists in making adjustments and repairs to pressure regulating equipment.
• Assists in Removing and replacing chlorine cylinders.
• Assists in operating, adjusting, maintaining and repairing chemical feeders.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of elementary mechanical, electrical, and hydraulics principles.
• Uses and purposes of various tools and equipment employed in basic repair and maintenance work.
• Operation and use of a variety of light, moderately heavy and heavy mechanical equipment.
• Safety precautions and practices necessary in working with hand tools and mechanical equipment.

Ability to:

• Pass Agency physical examination, including pre-employment assessment of safe work capacity in comparison to the essential job functions for the position.
• Learn and apply the practices, procedures, techniques, regulations and laws pertaining to wastewater treatment plant and pumping facilities operations and maintenance.
• Learn to operate and perform routine maintenance on wastewater treatment plant equipment and related facilities.
• Learn to read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges, recording charts, and mechanical and piping diagrams.
• Learn to recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
• Learn and apply safe work practices applicable to wastewater treatment plant operation.
• Perform a variety of skilled and semiskilled maintenance and repair work.
• Read and write at the level required for successful job performance.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Maintain and update manual and automated records and logs.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Perform heavy physical labor requiring strength, dexterity, and agility.
• Learn the operation of a variety of motorized equipment.
• Keep accurate records and prepare required reports.

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

Experience:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized course work in the maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment. Employees are required to have basic mechanical knowledge, skills and aptitudes but no previous experience with the types of equipment or facilities associated with wastewater treatment.
 
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver’s license and be insurable with the Agency’s insurance at the standard rate, and continue to meet the established driving standards as a condition of employment for this position. Continued maintenance of the valid driver’s license necessary to perform the essential duties of the job and compliance with established Agency vehicle operation standards are conditions of continuing employment.
• Persons employed in this classification are required to participate in Agency provided training to acquire basic American Red Cross First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates during the initial year of employment and to renew certificates yearly.
• Ability to obtain a valid California 40-hour Hazwoper certification during the initial 12 months of employment and continued maintenance of a valid certificate as a condition of employment for this position.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking - Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles): 15 minutes up to 6 hours per day.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds overhead and 70 pounds to waist level; both these requirements include bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques:  1 minute up to 45 minutes per day.
• Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more upstairs, ladder(s) and manhole rungs: 10 minutes up to 60 minutes per day.
• Pulling - The ability to safely pull, hand over hand, up to 60 pounds attached to a rope (retrieval of equipment from tanks, vaults and manholes): 1 minute up to 30 minutes per day.
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as handling emergency situations; trouble shooting Operational equipment and repairs; accurate field measuring; repair and calibration of instruments; computer keyboard; writing: 1 hour up to 8 hours per day.
• Visual - Acuity to monitor computer screens for long periods; reading pertinent literature for long periods; industry warning signs and instruments; reading O&M manuals and diagrams, computer screen: 30 minutes up to 8 hours per day.
• Job requires a good deal of the following activities: instruct, research, sitting, reaching, stooping, bending, and squatting: 15 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations: 1 minute up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to function in confined spaces and/or hazardous environment: 10 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to don and carry on back a self-contained breathing apparatus weighing up to 45 pounds for extended periods: 10 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to work various shifts as scheduled: 8 hours up to 12 hours per day.

Environmental Elements
Wastewater treatment/tertiary plant environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, computer screens, waste and infectious materials; work in or with water and on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Definition and Class Characteristics

Monterey One water is looking for an experienced operator with a positive disposition to join our team.  The ideal candidate should be a great communicator, self-motivated, and posses a high level of integrity who is capable of working in a fast paced environment.  

Definition
Under direct or general supervision, performs operations, control, and maintenance functions during assigned shift at the Agency's wastewater treatment and recycle water facilities; performs basic laboratory testing and sample collection; and performs other job related duties as required.

Class Characteristics

Operator I: This is the entry-level class in the Operator series.  Positions at this level are expected to develop working knowledge of plant operations and maintenance in order to perform the full range of duties involving all types of equipment and machinery within all work areas.  Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level, but are not expected to function with the same amount of skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or patterns.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
 
Operator II: This is the intermediate journey-level class in the Operator series performing control, operations, and maintenance duties during an assigned shift.  Incumbents are expected to have detailed knowledge of plant operations and be capable of performing a range of plant operations.  Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of a range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed skills, and exercising judgment and initiative.  Assignments are performed with the expectation that incumbents have the ability to choose among alternatives in solving job problems and work productively in the absence of a supervisor.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results.  This class is distinguished from the Operator III in that the latter is expected to assume lead responsibility as "Shift Supervisor" over lower-level staff as needed and assumes responsibility for making independent decisions on the full range of control, operations, and maintenance problems.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions

• Operates and monitors Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary.
• Monitors plant operations equipment and processes to ensure compliance with environmental and public health standards, including monitoring and making adjustments as needed to optimize efficiency, making chemical dosage changes, changing pumping rates, and monitoring all equipment daily.
• Reads, records, and calculates readings of meters and gauges; interprets information into operational characteristics; makes process adjustments according to information gathered, samples collected, readings, and records.
• Makes visual inspections of plant operations and ensure that operational problems have been located and corrected.
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains pumps, motors, valves, filters, meters, and related equipment.
• Performs required preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Collects a variety of samples for laboratory tests and performs basic laboratory tests and analyses.
• Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system.
• Operates and maintains a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Performs a variety of general and ground maintenance activities around plant facilities.
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Responds to complaints and answers questions from public or escalates to supervisor, as necessary.
• Accepts deliveries and handles other known hazardous chemicals.
• Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergency situations as required; ensures power to plant facilities during emergency power conditions.
• Maintains records and logs of daily activities; prepares reports as necessary.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Operates heavy equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Monitors cogeneration facility.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Basic repair, maintenance, and adjustment procedures for plant equipment.
• General maintenance and repair work.
• Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
• Basic arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Basic principles and practices of record-keeping methods.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Basic computer software related to work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff.

Ability to:

• Operate heavy equipment related to work assignment.
• Perform operations, repair, and maintenance work at wastewater treatment facilities.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices reflecting wastewater treatment plant operations and make operating adjustments based upon recorded data.
• Collect wastewater and sludge samples and perform basic laboratory tests.
• Diagnose routine operational problems and take effective corrective actions.
• Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports, and charts.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Effectively communicate in person, over the telephone, two-way radio, and in writing.
• Use tact and prudence within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Pass Agency physical examination, which may include pre-employment assessment of safe work capacity in comparison to the essential job functions for the position.

Required Education and Experience: 
 
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by one (1) year of experience in the operation and preventative maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 
Operator I/II:

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's license and be insurable with the Agency's insurance at the standard rate, and continue to meet the established driving standards as a condition of employment for this position.  Job incumbents must acquire a class B license within six (6) months of date of hire.  Continued maintenance of the valid driver's license necessary to perform the essential duties of the job and compliance with established Agency vehicle operation standards are conditions of employment for this position.
• Persons employed in this classification are required to participate in Agency provided training to acquire basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates during the initial 12 months of employment and continued maintenance of valid certificates as a condition of employment for this position.
• Ability to obtain a valid California 40-hour Hazwoper certification during the initial 12 months of employment and continued maintenance of a valid certificate as a condition of employment for this position.
• Employees in this classification are also required to participate in training for confined space entry, incident command procedures, and spill prevention.

Operator I:

• One year of experience in the operation and preventative maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Possession of Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.  Continued maintenance of a valid certificate is a condition of employment for this position.

Operator II:

• Two years of experience in the operation and preventative maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities or one year of experience equivalent to Operator I with the Agency.
• Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.  Continued maintenance of a valid certificate is a condition of employment for this position.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking - Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles): 15 minutes up to 6 hours per day.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds overhead and 70 pounds to waist level; both these requirements include bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques:  1 minute up to 45 minutes per day.
• Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more upstairs, ladder(s) and manhole rungs: 10 minutes up to 60 minutes per day.
• Pulling - The ability to safely pull, hand over hand, up to 60 pounds attached to a rope (retrieval of equipment from tanks, vaults and manholes): 1 minute up to 30 minutes per day.
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as handling emergency situations; trouble shooting Operational equipment and repairs; accurate field measuring; repair and calibration of instruments; computer keyboard; writing: 1 hour up to 8 hours per day.
• Visual - Acuity to monitor computer screens for long periods; reading pertinent literature for long periods; industry warning signs and instruments; reading O&M manuals and diagrams, computer screen: 30 minutes up to 8 hours per day.
• Job requires a good deal of the following activities: instruct, research, sitting, reaching, stooping, bending, and squatting: 15 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations: 1 minute up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to function in confined spaces and/or hazardous environment: 10 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to don and carry on back a self-contained breathing apparatus weighing up to 45 pounds for extended periods: 10 minutes up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to work various shifts as scheduled: 8 hours up to 12 hours per day.

Environmental Elements
Wastewater treatment/tertiary plant environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, computer screens, waste and infectious materials; work in or with water and on slippery or uneven surfaces.