Chief Plant Operator

Salary  $107,889.60 - $138,112.00 Annually

PLEASE NOTE: This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Please consider applying as soon as possible to be included in the first review of applications, which will occur once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.   

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the  Operations Manager, performs management level duties to plan, organize and supervise a staff of wastewater treatment plant personnel; to inspect, moni­tor and operate complex wastewater treatment, collection, maintenance and disposal equipment necessary to maintain safe standards throughout the system; to plan, organize and supervise the activities of the laboratory section; participates actively in the Operations Management team; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Supervises, trains and evaluates the performance of wastewater plant staff; 
• Recommends selection, promotion and discipline of personnel;
• Counsels employees; 
• Establishes standards of performance;
• Prepares work schedules and work assignments;
• Checks and corrects work in progress and upon completion;
• Evaluates technical processes and support systems assuring compliance with the NPDES discharge and recycled water permits;
• Is responsible for the operational recycled water function;
• Develops new and or revises existing operating procedures; 
• Completes reports re­quired by District, County and State;
• Inspects, monitors, makes adjustments and controls the more complex treatment and disposal equipment, including switches, valves, meters, gauges and controllers;
• Assists others in the operation of treatment and disposal equipment;
• Replaces chlorine tanks as needed;
• Starts and stops pumps;
• Takes readings from meters and gauges;
• Adjusts chlorination injectors as needed to maintain chlorine residual of discharged effluent and recycled water under varying flow quan­tities;
• Checks tanks and distribution points for chlorine residuals and recycled water turbidity;
• Oper­ates Clayton automatic pressure reduction valves;
• Checks tanks and pipes for leaks and wear;
• Checks motors and pumps for vibration;
• Operates hand and portable power tools when making emergency repairs;
• Reads and logs meters at each site;
• Makes adjust­ments to power loads in order to maximize efficiency of flow rate and exit pressure to electricity needed to produce the desired rate and pressure;
• Responds to emergencies for plant, pump stations and collection system;
• Makes operational adjustments based on laboratory results, reporting such results and/or problems to the Operations Manager;
• Communicates necessary information to operations and maintenance personnel regarding test results;
• Maintains and updates quality assurance manual, laboratory hygiene plan and industrial waste records, inspections, and reports, providing the required documentation;
• Lubricates motors and pumps;
• Receives on the job training to perform qualified, specific tasks on de-energized high-voltage circuits, and energized or de-energized low-voltage circuits;
• Drives District vehicles, participates in plant public relations tours;
• Ensures that projects are completed within cost and time constraints;
• Prepares cost estimates and estimates of job material and equipment; and
• Performs related work as re­quired.

Minimum qualifications & Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operating concepts and complex, multi-faceted secondary and tertiary wastewater systems;
• Principles of supervision;
• Specific user agreements between District and recycled water users;
• All wastewater and recycled water discharge permit conditions issued by regulatory agencies having jurisdiction, including but not limited to, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, and state and local health departments;
• Operating principles of pumping equipment, associated motors and high voltage power systems;
• Operations record keeping procedures;
• The operation, capabilities, limitations, interrelationships and operating procedures of the District potable and non-potable water distribution systems;
• Variety of valves;
• Advanced mathematics applicable to the water/wastewater works trade;
• The operation of chlorinators and the safe handling of chlorine cylinders;
• Tools, equipment and methods used in the repair in the maintenance of pumps, valves and pipeline equipment;
• English usage, oral and written;
• Safety precautions pertaining to the work: operation of electrical and mechanical equipment, pumps and motors, laboratory, confined space, etc.;
• Principles of hydrology and hydraulics;
• Control of effluent flow and pressures through gravity and pumping equipment;
• Theory and principles of electrically driven pumps, their output relative to their type and electrical power consumption;
• Methods of wastewater collection, treatment and disposal;
• Methods of chlorination, recycled water purification and testing;
• Wastewater system pressure maintenance;
• Methods for monitoring industrial users and conducting inspections;
• Laboratory methods, materials, tools, and equipment;
• All current permits (NPDES, recycled water, etc.);
• All applicable laboratory regulations and reporting requirements for Federal, State and local agencies; and
• Computer software programs (word processing, spreadsheet, database).       

Ability to:

• Schedule and assign wastewater treatment and disposal operations work;
• Perform advanced-level water/wastewater systems operation work in the operation of   wastewater and recycled water conveyance and distribution system;
• Analyze and evaluate laboratory samples for process control and permit compliance;
• Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and take rapid appropriate action;
• Monitor and control treatment plant, laboratory and lift station operations;
• Maintain accurate logs and records;
• Perform mathematical calculations related to the position;
• Troubleshoot wastewater, collection, treatment, disposal, laboratory and recycled water   distribution system problems which require in depth understanding of the systems;
• Exercise judgment in determining necessary wastewater retention capacity levels;
• Predict effect of weather on recycled water and wastewater levels and distribution rates;
• Interpret Recycled Water Agreements between the District and recycled water customers;
• Use tools and make repairs to pumps, valves and motors;
• Make accurate inspections of operating equipment, and assess the operational condition of the wastewater and recycled water equipment;
• Make adjustments to equipment in response to recycled water demand and supply;
• Make adjustments to complex recycled water purification equipment to meet pre-set standards;
• Assist with industrial waste inspections;
• Read and write at a level sufficient for job success;
• Prepare written reports and cost estimates;
• Operate a personal computer/computer remote terminal;
• Maintain logs and records;
• Give safety presentations to plant and collections system employees;
• Write legibly;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices; and
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION

• Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver's license;
• Possession of valid certification as a certified Wastewater Treatment Operator, Grade IV, or higher, by the State of California State Water Resources Control Board;
• Possession of Grade I Laboratory Technologist by California Water Environment Association;
• Possession of Water Treatment Operator, Grade I (T1), or higher, by the State of California;
• Possession of a certificate of achievement or associates degree in wastewater technology is highly desirable;
• Possession of certification in mechanical technology, industrial waste inspection, and collections system maintenance is highly desirable.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position.  A typical qualifying entrance background is five years’ experience in wastewater treatment, collection, maintenance and disposal where supervision of others is evident; and completion of coursework in wastewater technology, supervision and safety; OR three years’ experience at or equivalent to the level of lead plant operator in the Fallbrook Public Utility District from which the in­cumbent has acquired the knowledge and abilities listed above

Supplemental information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Walking:          Moves about on foot often through uneven terrain.

Carrying:          Transports objects by holding them in hands or arms.

Handling:         Seizes, holds or works with hands, specifically operating valves, adjusting control knobs, hand and power tools, computer, and calculator.

Lifting:             Mechanically raises or lowers chlorine cylinders.

Reaching:         Extends hand and arms in any direction.

Stooping:          Bends body downward and forward by bending at the knees or waist.

Climbing:         Ascends and descends ladders up to 50 feet in height.

Vision:          Reads work tickets, meter dials, reservoir levels, data sheets, video messages, scales and gauges and operates District vehicles.

Sitting:             Drives through rough terrain and sits in District vehicles or at computer station for up to four hours per day.

Talking:            Communicates by radio and in person.

Hearing:           Hears well enough to receive communication by radio and in person.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH

Lifting:             Up to 50 pounds; infrequent exertion.

Dragging:         Up to 100 pounds of dead weight.           

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise:              Works in conditions with constant or intermittent noise. 

Temperature/Weather:  Works outside with variations of temperature and weather.

Information

• Location: Fallbrook, United States

Taxonomy

• Waste water treatment plant operator
• water treatment operator