Job Description

DUTIES SUMMARY

Under general supervision or direction, to operate a variety of processes and equipment utilized in the treatment of wastewater and disposal of sludge; lead, guide, train, instruct, correct, and participate/perform fully in the work of and lead a staff of operators engaged in the unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled day-to-day operation activities at a Water Reclamation facility; personally perform the more difficult and challenging aspects of the operation; assist higher level operational staff; implement process changes to ensure permit compliance; adjust equipment and ensure biological/chemical balance; and perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is the lead level advanced skilled worker and working crew leader level in the Water Reclamation Operator series. The incumbent performs a variety of skilled, journey-level plant operation duties and possesses a detailed knowledge and application of wastewater treatment methods such as: primary clarification, activated sludge, extended aeration, sludge digestion, and sludge dewatering. Incumbents at this level require the demonstrated ability to perform the advanced functions including performing more complex analysis of the operations and developing appropriate solutions. The incumbent leads and participates in a variety of special projects. The incumbent is directly responsible for the implementation of and adherence to weekly work schedules, coordinating and evaluating the work performed by operational staff and providing guidance, training and oversight, and coordination with other sections. Incumbents also direct assigned operations staff during emergency situations, in the absence of supervisory staff, or during assigned off-hour or weekend working shifts. Supervision is received from the Process Control Supervisor, Water Reclamation (WR) RIX Supervisor, WR Plant Supervisor, and the WR Operations Superintendent.  Lead direction is exercised over Water Reclamation Senior Operators, Operators, WR Trainees, and Volunteer Operator-in-Training (OIT) staff. The incumbent may be appointed by the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) as the Designated Operator-in Charge (DOIC), responsible for the overall operation of the wastewater treatment plants. Reports to the CPO when appointed DOIC. The Operations Section of the Water Reclamation Division is responsible for operating two (2) wastewater treatment facilities (33 MGD and 41 MGD). Incumbents in the Water Reclamation Senior Operator class are expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:       Graduation from high school, or equivalent,

            Experience:      Four (4) years of experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility which incorporates preliminary, primary, secondary (activated sludge), anaerobic sludge digestion, dewatering, filtration, and disinfection treatment processes.

            Certificate:        Must possess of a valid Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Board. A copy of the required Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate must be submitted at the time of application.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Class “C” California driver’s license.  For out of state applicants, a valid driver’s license is required and a valid Class “C” California driver’s license must be obtained within ten (10) days of appointment (CA Vehicle Code 12505c).

Employee may be required to be clean shaven or have trimmed facial hair in order to properly use personal respirators. Must pass a respirator medical exam and be able to wear respirator equipment. Must be able to work in enclosed spaces while wearing protective clothing under extreme temperatures and hazardous environments.

PHYSICAL TASKS, MENTAL DEMANDS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in a field environment that is frequently loud and prolonged, in a variety of environmental and extreme weather conditions (both indoors and out). The work involves exposure to potential physical harm, infectious disease and hazardous chemicals including smoke, fumes or airborne particles, gas, untreated wastewater, communicable disease, high frequency noise, risk of electrical shock, dirt, dust, grease, oil, chemicals, solvents and toxic agents. Incumbents regularly work near moving mechanical parts, are exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and heavy vibrations and work in precarious places. Incumbents frequently work on slippery or uneven surfaces.   Incumbents need to be able to tolerate unpleasant odors, wet conditions and uncomfortable climate conditions. There is frequent need to stand, stoop, walk, crawl, climb and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. Incumbents may be required to work from heights on ladders, scaffoldings, motorized platforms, building roofs, or other elevated surfaces. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in a field setting in varying weather conditions, to operate various equipment, transport materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds and to travel to various locations.  Must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction with vision sufficient to see color and read small print as well as distance.  Must be able to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.   Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions and multiple concurrent tasks; responds to emergency situations; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Special Instructions

Salary: $49.1027 to $62.8556 hourly

Apply online at: www.sbmwd.org

Recruitment opens 5/27/2025 and closes 6/9/2025.

EEO/ADA (909)453-6091

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