Wastewater Operator-in-Training

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: All applicants must provide proof of education at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department by the filing date. The City of Salinas will accept copies of high school diploma, GED, copy of college degree, or copies of unofficial transcripts as proof of education. Applications are incomplete without the required document and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received.
Summary of Duties : Performs activities which ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility. Activities include plant operation, inspections, execution of proper emergency action steps. The Operator-In-Training collects samples, performs standardized testing, and performs various routine operational duties to gain the experience necessary to become a certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.
Distinguishing Characteristics : This is the trainee level in the Wastewater Operator series. Positions in this class receive on-the-job training and experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant to meet the California Water Boards certification requirements for Class I Operator, this includes a minimum of 1800 hours of training. Upon possession of a Class I Operator Certificate and recommendation of the designated Chief Wastewater Operator and Wastewater Manager, incumbent may be appointed as a probationary Wastewater Operator.
Supervision Received and Exercised: This classification exercises no supervision. Receives direct supervision from designated Chief Wastewater Operator, Wastewater Manager and Wastewater Crew Supervisor.

1. Receives on-the job training. Assists and performs essential functions listed below
2. Operates light to heavy construction equipment such as backhoe, roller, bulldozer, scraper, tractor, grader, grade all, and front-end loaders for a variety of construction and maintenance
3. Conducts regular inspections of all plant equipment and lift stations to assure proper operational efficiency
4. Collects samples, performs standardized tests, and logs meter readings
5. Maintains treated wastewater quality according to established guidelines; assures proper procedures for obtaining, handling and transporting wastewater samples; utilizes appropriate lab equipment
6. Monitors facility equipment and systems including valves, pumps, motors, tanks and gauges; adjusts equipment as necessary; performs routine maintenance and minor repairs as appropriate; refers major repair needs to appropriate personnel
7. Makes simple mechanical adjustments
8. Loads, unloads, and transfers materials, supplies, equipment, and other pesticide chemicals
9. Maintains the Wastewater Facilities in a clean, orderly and safe condition
10. Follows all safety rules and protocols included in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program; takes appropriate action as required to identify and correct safety hazards and report safety concerns to their supervisor
11. Attends meetings and in-service training sessions as assigned
12. Performs routine maintenance such as cleaning component parts of equipment
13. Makes mechanical repairs, paints machinery and equipment and assists with vegetation maintenance, as assigned
14. Evaluates problems and takes recommended corrective action
15. Assists during emergencies and natural disasters
16. Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Basic electro-mechanical systems
• Proper use of common hand tools
• Safe work practices around machinery, electricity, and chemicals
• Piping and pumping systems

Ability to:

• Effectively apply the knowledge and skills necessary for this position
• Keep accurate records
• Do basic mathematical calculations
• Learn the division policies, procedures, permit provisions
• Provide continuous improvement in the areas of assigned responsibility
• Learn to interpret mechanical systems and piping diagrams
• Learn to operate a variety of equipment including tractors, skip loaders, dump trucks, lab instruments, computers, and assigned software
• Read labels and Hazardous Materials Safety Data Sheets for chemicals and other written materials
• Accurately read and record technical data from meters and gauges
• Learn to recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgements within established guidelines
• Apply basic knowledge and training to specific job tasks
• Establish and maintain effective work relationship with those contacted in the performance of required duties
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Education: High School Diploma or GED.
Experience: Two (2) years of experience performing responsible construction maintenance.
Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Class B Operators License with appropriate endorsements must be obtained within six months of appointment. Obtain a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within eighteen months of employment. Physical Demands and Working Conditions : Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read fine printed materials on labels, Material Safety Data Sheets, manuals, maps, diagrams, to work with color-coded wires with no color deficiencies; hearing sufficient to conduct in person, radio and telephone conversations occasionally over the noise of operating equipment; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about uneven terrain of un-landscaped terrain; physical strength to lift from the floor up to 50 lbs. and up to 80 pounds with assistance; physical stamina sufficient to sit or walk for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.
Working environment is shared between and office and the out-of-doors. Work outdoors under adverse conditions in heat, wind, cold and rain. Occasional need to perform heavy manual labor for several hours in a given day bending, crouching, kneeling, pushing/pulling and reaching in all directions. Work in and around potentially hazardous substances, including pesticides, herbicides, and motor fuel. Physical mobility sufficient to move frequently about a water treatment ant and its grounds, either by walking, driving a truck or while operating apparatus, and in an office work environment. Office environment work is subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions with some time spent working at a computer terminal. Drive a motor vehicle, and travel to attend classes, seminars, and occasional out-of-town meetings during work and non-work hours. May occasionally be required to work evenings, weekends or holidays.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.