WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR II
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR III

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under supervision (Water Treatment Plant Operator I), general supervision (Water Treatment Plant Operator II), or direction (Water Treatment Plant Operator III), performs a variety of duties essential to the operation of the conventional water treatment plant, water distribution system, laboratory, hydroelectric power plant, and bulk chlorine facility in accordance with California Department of Health regulations; and operates a major water treatment facility in order to treat raw and finished water to ensure customers are provided with high quality drinking water and water is delivered in a quantity and at adequate pressure for domestic and firefighting use while utilizing safe hazardous material handling procedures and safe work processes.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Water Treatment Plant Operator I – This is the entry level class in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level have prior experience in mechanical repair and maintenance in an industrial facility including some experience with instrumentation but are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Water Treatment Plant Operator II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Individuals at this level are expected to become fully knowledgeable of the assigned area and to learn the full range of maintenance and repair functions. Certification as a Grade 1 Water Treatment Plant Operator issued by the California Department of Health Services is required.

Water Treatment Plant Operator II – This is the journey level class in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform the full range of complex water treatment plant maintenance and repair duties as well as to learn the full range of complex plant operational duties. Positions allocated to the Water Treatment Plant Operator II level may act as relief shift operator once the incumbent has obtained a Grade 3 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water Treatment Plant Operator II level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Treatment Plant Operator I level. Positions at this level require two years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator I with the City of Escondido and must possess a Grade 2 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services.

Water Treatment Plant Operator III – This is the advanced journey level class in Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform the most advanced functions related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment at all water treatment facilities. Positions allocated to this class level function as a Shift Operator, performing complex analysis of the Water Treatment Plant operations and having direct charge of the operation of a water treatment facility or distribution system. Positions at this level provide instruction and assistance to lower level Water Treatment Plant Operators. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water Treatment Plant Operator III level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Treatment Plant Operator II level. Positions at this level require two years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator II with the City of Escondido and must possess a Grade 3 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation.
• Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and dental caries prevention.
• Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, fluoride residual, chlorite residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
• Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary including for ferric chloride, chlorine, aqua ammonia, zinc orthophosphate, potassium permanganate, caustic soda, powdered activated carbon, and other chemicals.
• Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
• Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system; operates power plant utilizing computer interface; monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies water stand-by or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems.
• Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
• Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine and chlorine dioxide feed system; performs maintenance on chlorine system including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
• Orders chemicals; takes delivery of bulk chlorine.
• Maintains operational logs and records.
• Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and roads to insure adequate security.
• Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists specialized trades personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment; coordinates work of contractors and of other departments.
• Operates the City’s water distribution system including reservoirs and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connections; delivers required flow rate to Vista Irrigation District.
• Provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators including self contained breathing apparatus as required.
• Responds to inquiries from the vendors, suppliers, and public; answers questions from customers pertaining to water quality, low pressure, and leak reports.
• May assist in training new operators.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a water treatment program.
• Principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant.
• Operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.
• Methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related monitoring systems.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant facilities.
• Maintenance and repair principles and practices including preventative maintenance procedures.
• Emergency maintenance and repair procedures related to water treatment facilities.
• Methods and techniques of conducting laboratory tests and procedures related to water treatment analysis.
• Basic principles of chemistry and microbiology.
• Mathematical calculations used in the water treatment operations.
• Hydraulic and distribution principles.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Operational and safety regulations pertaining to water treatment plant operations.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Principles of training.

Ability to:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of water treatment plant equipment, facilities, and systems.
• Perform complex inspections and preventive maintenance of treatment plant facilities and equipment.
• Read and interpret gauges, meters, and other instrument readings and take effective course of action.
• Diagnose complex operational problems and perform effective maintenance on equipment.
• Respond to changing demands on water flow, water quality, and equipment requirements.
• Monitor and adjust plant processes.
• Collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests in accordance with state and federal regulations and requirements.
• Compile and record complex data and material.
• Maintain accurate and detailed logs and records of work and laboratory tests performed.
• Complete emergency response training and perform in emergency situations.
• Work well with others in a team environment.
• Complete work within an assigned time frame.
• Perform math calculations related to water works.
• Operate assigned equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Operate office equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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

Water Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work or trade school training in electrical, electronic, or instrumentation technology or a related field. College-level course work in water treatment technology is highly desirable.

Water Treatment Plant Operator I

Experience: Two years of experience in the operation, repair, and maintenance of machinery, pumps, or mechanical equipment. Experience with computers is desirable.

License or Certificate: Possession of a T- 1 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services. Possession of, or ability to obtain, appropriate certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training. Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license.

Water Treatment Plant Operator II

Experience: Two years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator I with the City of Escondido.

License or Certificate: Possession of a T-2 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services. Possession of appropriate certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training. Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license.

Water Treatment Plant Operator III

Experience: Two years of experience comparable to a Water Treatment Plant Operator II with the City of Escondido.

License or Certificate: Possession of a T-3 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services. Possession of appropriate certification in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training. Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Water treatment plant. Exposure to noise of plant machinery and other equipment; mechanical and electrical hazards of operating equipment; fumes and odors of chemicals and gases; toxic substances such as chemicals, cleaners, solvents, and gases; all types of weather and temperature conditions. Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Subject to 24-hour emergency callbacks and requires working varying hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks with variable pace and pressure. Work is performed in both indoors in plant area and outdoors in field and collateral facilities.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a plant and field setting and operate assigned equipment. CONTINUOUS walking, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting for distances up to 100 yards, fine finger dexterity to operate tools and controls, firm grasp to lift and carry objects; FREQUENT sitting, standing, reaching, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck, lifting of objects weighing 11-25 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting up to 100 yards; OCCASIONAL climbing, pushing/pulling, lifting of objects weighing from 26-50 lbs. from below waist level to above shoulder level and transporting for distances up to 10 yards; INFREQUENT crawling, lifting of objects weighing from 51-100 lbs. below and at waist level, with assistance, and transporting for distances up to 10 feet with assistance.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, meter-reading equipment, dials, and gauges and to operate vehicles and equipment; color vision acuity.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Other: Safety regulations prohibit incumbents from wearing contact lenses when working with certain chemicals, or from wearing beards or other facial hair that prevents a proper respirator fit. Must pass annual respirator physical and fit testing.

December 2005
Revised by Johnson & Associates

June 2003
Revised by Department & HR/SB