WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR IN TRAINING

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, participates in a program for training in the operation of a major water treatment facility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the trainee level class in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level generally have some prior experience in mechanical repair and maintenance in an industrial facility and are expected to progressively accumulate working knowledge of the principles and practices utilized in the maintenance of a major water treatment facility. As a condition of employment, incumbents must obtain a Grade I Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate within two years of employment, at which time the employee will be eligible to progress to the Water Treatment Plant Operator I classification.

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.

• Inspects, cleans, repairs, lubricates, and adjusts pumps and motors.
• Operates pumps, valves, electric motors, and filters.
• Reads meters and gauges; records readings and temperatures; participates in processes to regulate flow of water and chemicals.
• Performs operational water tests.
• Washes and cleans sedimentation basins and tanks.
• Cleans, paints, and maintains plant equipment, structures, and facilities.
• Operates a light truck or other vehicles/carts as required.
• 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:

• Materials, tools, and methods used in the general repair and maintenance of light industrial equipment and machinery.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.

Ability to:

• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Perform general repair and maintenance of light industrial equipment and machinery.
• Operate assigned equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Learn the operations, services, and activities of a water treatment program.
• Learn departmental policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and unit functions.
• Learn, apply, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Learn the principles, practices, and materials related to the maintenance of a water treatment plant.
• Learn to utilize the tools and equipment used in the maintenance of water treatment plant facilities.
• Learn the operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.
• Learn methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related monitoring systems.
• Learn to collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate routine tests in accordance with state and federal regulations and requirements.
• Learn basic principles of chemistry and microbiology.
• Learn hydraulic and distribution principles.
• Learn to perform mathematical calculations related to water works.
• Learn operational and safety regulations pertaining to water treatment plant operations.
• Learn principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.
• Follow detailed oral and written instructions.
• Compile and record data; maintain accurate and detailed logs and records.
• Complete emergency response training and perform in emergency situations.
• Operate office equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Work cooperatively with others and contribute to a successful team effort.
• 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:

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

Experience: Two years of experience in mechanical maintenance work preferably including the operation and repair of pumps and electric motors.

License or Certificate - Possession of a T- 1 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services within two years of employment, at which time employee will be eligible to progress to Water Treatment Plant Operator I. 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.

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 standby 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

October 2005
Prepared by Department - MH