Wastewater Plant Operator
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network for City of Oceanside
Wastewater Plant Operator I/II/III
Department Water Utilities
Closing Date 1/5/2024 4:00 PM Pacific
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
The Water Utilities Department is currently conducting a salary and compensation study to maintain standing as a regionally competitive water and wastewater employer. The results of this study may impact compensation rates in fiscal year 2024/25.
Monthly Salary Ranges :
Wastewater Plant Operator I: $5,127 - $6,871
Wastewater Plant Operator II: $5,597 - $7,498
Wastewater Plant Operator III: $6,211 - $8,334*
*An additional stipend of $1.73 per hour for possession of the Advance Water Treatment III license.
This recruitment aims to establish eligibility lists for: Wastewater Plant Operator I, II, and III. The eligibility lists established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months.
About Oceanside’s Water Utilities Department
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Wastewater Operator Grades I, II and III. This program is a part of the City’s critical wastewater treatment function at the San Luis Rey Wastewater Reclamation Facility.
The Oceanside Water Utilities Department is an innovative and forward-looking organization whose goal it is to ensure ongoing access to safe, affordable drinking water & reliable wastewater collection & treatment services by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.
About the position
Wastewater Plant Operators are part of our collected effort to meet wastewater treatment quality standards and keep our plants running. Duties range from performing routine up-keep of the plant equipment and facilities as a Grade I Operator, to performing more challenging work such as technical operation of equipment, situational decision-making, and overseeing the daily operations of the plant as a Grade III Operator.
You should be excited about this opportunity because you will…
Master principles & procedures of wastewater treatment plant operation
Operate a wide variety of modern wastewater treatment plant equipment
Maintain an efficient and well-functioning treatment plant
Utilize SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Software to monitor
Be part of the collected effort to keep our environment clean by meeting increasingly stricter wastewater treatment quality standards
We will may also rely on you for…
Preparing reports, working variable shifts and making sound and timely decisions.
If this sounds like you, keep reading!
Examples of Duties
Wastewater Plant Operator I – This is the entry level class within the Wastewater Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Wastewater Plant Operator II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including semi-skilled maintenance duties involved in the operations and upkeep of plant equipment and facilities. Positions in this class may be filled by advancement from the Wastewater Plant Operator-In-Trailing level, once proficiency is demonstrated and appropriate certification is obtained. However, advancement is based on the discretion of the Water Utilities Director and the organizational needs of the department. When filled from the outside, employees may have only limited related work experience.
Wastewater Plant Operator II – This is the journey level class within the Wastewater Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Wastewater Plant Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned in the operations and upkeep of plant equipment and facilities. Employees 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. Positions in this series are flexibly staffed and may be filled by advancement from the I level however, advancement is not based on time in grade but solely at the discretion of the Water Utilities Director and the organizational needs of the department.
Wastewater Plant Operator III – This is the advanced journey level class within the Wastewater Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including overseeing the daily operations of the treatment plant on an assigned shift. Positions in this series are flexibly staffed and may be filled by advancement from the II level however, advancement is not based on time in grade but solely at the discretion of the Water Utilities Director and the organizational needs of the department.
A Wastewater Plant Operator performs a variety of skilled maintenance duties involved in the operation and upkeep of both wastewater and advanced water plant equipment, facilities, monitors plant for efficient operation and safety; monitors plant equipment for defects; reads meters, gauges and charts; regulates water flows in accordance with established procedures; adjusts and calibrates feed machinery for a variety of chemicals to keep treatment at prescribed standards; collects and labels water samples for chemical testing purposes; adjusts pump settings and chemical feed settings; maintains operating logs and records; operates and inspects plant equipment including pumps, valves, electric motors, switch gear, compressors, blowers, chlorinators, cloth filters, engines, reverse osmosis membranes, membrane filters, cartridge filters, automatic strainers, ultraviolet disinfection; cleans, maintains buildings; makes minor repairs; reports malfunctioning equipment; calls for maintenance assistance in the event of serious breakdowns; inspects equipment to determine operating condition and makes necessary adjustment; performs general maintenance and repair of equipment utilized in and around the plant; records instrument readings and changes charts; changes switches chemical tanks and cylinders, pumps; performs all necessary control tests and calculations to maintain efficient operations; performs plant start-up and shutdown; schedules preventive maintenance to equipment; conducts routine and special tests related to water quality and chemistry; orders repair parts, supplies, and laboratory chemicals; receives deliveries; responds to and answers citizens inquires and complaints; records results of test and other measurements and plots data on graphs; and performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Wastewater Plant Operator I
Knowledge of:
- Basic principles of wastewater treatment plant operations.
- Basic tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of motors, engines, pumps and other treatment plant equipment.
- Methods and techniques of preventive maintenance.
- Operational characteristics of treatment plant equipment and tools.
- Chemical and biological reactions in the treatment process.
- Basic laboratory practices and techniques.
- Basic mathematical principles.
Ability to:
- Perform a variety of maintenance duties.
- Perform inspections of treatment plant equipment.
- Learn principles and procedures of treatment plant operations.
- Learn to collect a variety of samples and conduct appropriate tests.
- Learn to operate a variety of treatment plant equipment in a safe and effective manner.
- Learn operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater or water treatment plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage.
- Learn to read and interpret gauges and other recording devices related to treatment.
- Learn pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
- Maintain and update accurate records.
- Prepare clear and concise reports.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- 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
Experience: One year of experience relative to the operation and maintenance of a treatment facility, or an equivalent combination of prior work experience including assignment as a Wastewater Plant Operator-In-Training for the City of Oceanside.
Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by training in Water Treatment Operations or a related field.
License/Certificate:
- Possession of a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s certificate.
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, California valid driver’s license.
Wastewater Plant Operator II
Knowledge of:
- Operations, services and activities of a treatment plant.
- Principles and procedures of treatment plant operations.
- Tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of motors, engines, pumps and other treatment plant equipment.
- Operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater or water treatment plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage.
- Principles of water sampling and testing.
- Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
- Operate and maintain treatment plant facilities.
- Collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests.
- Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices related to treatment.
- Operate plant equipment and appropriate vehicles.
- Operate office equipment including computers.
- Operate a variety of treatment plant equipment in a safe and effective manner.
- Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Experience and Training
Experience: Two years of experience relative to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility.
Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by training in Water Treatment Operations or a related field.
License/Certificate:
- Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s certificate.
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, California valid driver’s license.
Wastewater Plant Operator III
Knowledge of:
- Operations, services and activities of a water or wastewater treatment plant.
- Principles and procedures of water or wastewater treatment plant operations.
- Principles of supervision, training and plant administration.
- Basic principles of public relations.
- Rules, policies, regulations regarding the operation and maintenance of a water or wastewater plant.
- Chemical and biological reactions in the treatment process.
- Various computer applications including Microsoft Office, SCADA, and Computerized Maintenance Management Software.
- Mathematical principles.
- Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
- Operate and maintain treatment plant facilities.
- Supervise, organize and review the work of staff on an assigned shift.
- Identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures.
- Collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests.
- Operate plant equipment and appropriate vehicles.
- Operate office equipment including computers.
- Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
- Interpret plant instruments and analyze laboratory data to make proper adjustments.
- Work independently and exercise individual judgment.
- Maintain and update accurate records.
- Prepare clear and concise reports.
- Perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately.
- Utilize various computer applications including Microsoft Office, SCADA, and Computerized Maintenance Management Software
- Work variable shifts, during weekends and holidays.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- 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
Experience: Three years of experience relative to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility
Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by training in Water Treatment Operations or a related field.
License/Certificate:
- Possession of Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.
OR
Experience: Three years of experience relative to the operation and maintenance of a water or wastewater treatment facility
Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in water science, environmental science or a related field.
License/Certificate:
- Possession of a valid Grade III Water Treatment Plant Operators Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board and possession of a Grade III Advanced Water Treatment Plant Operators Certificate issued by the California-Nevada Section of AWWA & the CWEA.
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.
Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions : Wastewater treatment plant environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical energy, radiant energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather conditions; work in or with water and wastewater.
Physical Conditions : Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate or light lifting; standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; repeated bending; operating motorized equipment; shift work.
Selection Process : All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written examination, oral board interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list which will remain valid for a minimum of six months.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Information
- Location: Oceanside, United States
Industry experience
Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant
Years of experience: 1 to 5 years
Taxonomy
- Operations
- Water & Wastewater Operations
- Wastewater operation and management
- Waste water treatment plant operator
- water treatment operator