Operations Technician II/III - Wastewater Treatment Plant

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge and capabilities to coordinate repairs and maintenance with internal support systems. In addition, the position requires prior hands-on experience and working knowledge of troubleshooting (from an Operator’s perspective): wastewater systems including mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation component of the systems. 

The selected candidate will be placed in the Operation Technician series level which is commensurate with current experience. 

Operations Technician II

The Operations Technician II is the intermediate journey-level class in the technician series. Incumbents perform the full range of duties of the class independently or as a member of a crew with limited guidance and direction, applying a thorough knowledge of the assigned section’s systems, facilities, equipment, procedures and standards for the construction, installation, maintenance, repair and operation of assigned equipment and facilities. Assignments vary, encompass a variety of tasks, seldom require detailed instructions, and require sound judgment and initiative. Incumbents work under general supervision while exercising independent judgment within established functions and procedures. 

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this classification.
 
Universal Functions to Operations Technician Series:

• Perform grounds maintenance, weed abatement and facilities cleaning duties, some of which requires heavy manual labor.
• Operate a pager, cell phone, and a mobile and/or base station two-way radio for dispatching and routine communications.
• Investigate public complaints and recommend corrective action.
• Maintain accurate and legible records for timesheets, workload planning, and related documents in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations, and District policies and procedures.
• Utilize and maintain detailed records for use within the Computerized Work Management System (CWMS).
• Participate in safety training programs and other related functions.
• Inspect, operate, calibrate, and maintain light/heavy equipment linked to department functions.
• Perform inspections and maintenance of District facilities, equipment, tools, and vehicles.
• Monitor and utilize the District's SCADA system as required by department or call team roles.
• Coordination and purchase of department supplies or equipment.
• Operate GPS equipment in order to locate and survey District systems as determined by department functions.
• Perform lockout/tag out (LOTO) procedures to block electrical and other energy sources utilizing District safety policies and procedures.
• Perform duties in confined spaces utilizing District safety policies and procedures.
• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance, operational, and repair tasks involved in the Western's water or wastewater systems.
• Operate sign boards, flagging, placing and removing barricades, delineators, warning signs and traffic plates in work areas.
• Contingent upon meeting certification and experience requirements, employees may be assigned to the appropriate department call team to provide continuous operational services in accordance with the California Municipal Water District Act of 1911. This requirement is at the sole discretion of Western and typically occurs on a rotating basis for a 1–2-week period following supervisor approval.

Wastewater Treatment Team:
 
Members of this team will be assigned to either the WRCRWA WWTP or WWRF WWTP as needed.  Also, working hours and schedules may change with operational need. 
 
The Wastewater Treatment Plant team is responsible for operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants to ensure compliance of applicable discharge and regulatory requirements. The team spans from the Western Water Recycling Facility (WWRF) in Riverside to the operation of the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) in Eastvale. The performance of this team is essential to protect public health and the environment through the operation of compliant treatment plants. Incumbents in the department can expect to utilize their skills in the areas noted below:

• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters, SCADA and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions; interpret and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Operate valves, gates, pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust the flow and treatment processes, in addition to operating and maintaining boilers and incinerators.
• Inspect plant machinery, equipment, storage ponds, disposal systems and related equipment to determine need for repairs, calibrations, and perform routine preventative maintenance work.
• Calculate loading and flow rates, sets pump rates and make process adjustments in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Read and interpret plant piping and distributing plans; and assists in locating and troubleshooting plant malfunctions.
• Perform lab analysis of process samples, while calculating and verifying results.
• As a member of the Wastewater Treatment team, individual may be required to maintain ability to wear respirator protection and maintain cleanly shaved face in the sealing areas of the mask; in the event that a public health concern is identified, and specific protocols enacted (i.e. a known Ebola patient in the service area).

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications outlined below:

Minimum Certification/License Requirements

Certifications:  Wastewater Operator = California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.  

Highly Desired:  Wastewater Operator Grade IV Certification