Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The Position

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This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

8/5/24, 8/26/24 (final)

Under general supervision, positions in this class perform a variety of advanced-journey level, lead worker and/or project coordinator duties in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant and related facilities and in the maintenance and repair of equipment and systems involved in wastewater treatment and associated processes to ensure optimum performance and compliance with State and Federal regulations .

Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is the advanced-journey level class. On a regular and recurring basis, incumbents in this class perform the most complex operational duties, serve as a lead worker over three or more workers performing operational, maintenance and repair duties, and/or coordinate projects requiring advanced-journey level skills.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Advanced principles of various wastewater, water reclamation, and related treatment processes in order to analyze the more difficult problems and perform the more complex start-up of systems such as the warm start up in the cryogenic plant
• Methods, tools, materials and equipment used in the inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and operation of mechanical equipment and the interrelationship of equipment and systems
• Processes and corrective actions to respond to emergency and special operating conditions
• Standard procedures for evaluating results for each process
• Pertinent Federal and State laws egulations pertaining to wastewater treatment including a knowledge of what constitutes a violation, reporting requirements, etc.
• A variety of computer software applications to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, maintenance management information systems, and process control systems
• Mathematics, chemistry, physics, hydraulics, cryogenics, biology, and electrical/electronics circuitry
• Safety regulations, practices and procedures
• First aid and CPR
• Wastewater sampling and testing procedures

Ability to

• Inspect, troubleshoot, operate and maintain all process areas of the wastewater treatment plant
• Provide lead direction
• Train and mentor personnel
• Perform inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment and systems involved in wastewater treatment and associated equipment and systems
• Operate a wastewater treatment plant using a centralized computer system recognizing abnormal equipment or system conditions and understanding how actions in one plant process impacts one or more other plant processes
• Perform and evaluate plant control tests
• Handle contact with external customers, agencies or the public with tact and judgment
• Prepare reports, procedures, training documents, etc.
• Use a variety of hand, precision and power tools
• Drive a variety of mobile equipment such as forklifts, lifts, cranes, vacuum trucks and mudcats on paved and on uneven terrain such as hills, slopes, rocky, or wet ground
• Read, interpret and utilize plant diagrams, manufacturer’s specifications, operations manuals, piping schematics, etc.
• Use computer equipment and related peripheral equipment to enter, maintain, and extract information, develop forms, do research through queries, etc.
• Use communications equipment such as radios, phones, intercom and alarm systems
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Work effectively in a team environment
• Perform laboratory tests
• Provide first aid and CPR and pass the first aid and CPR portions of the Chlorine Sulfur-Dioxide Emergency Response Team training
• Read, write and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a valid Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade II Certificate or higher from the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications

Shift, Weekend, and Holiday Work: The Wastewater Treatment Plant is a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operation. All employees in this class will be subject to working shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and standby.

Licenses :
Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate licenses as described below constitutes cause for termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining unit agreement.

• A valid California Driver’s License, Class C or higher, is required prior to date of appointment. Individuals who are unable to maintain a valid Class C California Driver’s License due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• A valid Class A, California Driver’s License and/or a Hazardous Materials Endorsement issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles may be required for some positions.

Certificates:
Note: Failure to obtain and maintain the appropriate certificates as described below constitutes cause for termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining unit agreement.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board: An applicant selected for a position in this class, if he/she does not already have a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board at the time of appointment to this class, must obtain the Grade III Certificate within three years of appointment to this class.
• California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Certificate: Employees who are hired or promoted into this class after the effective date of the establishment of this class must obtain a CWEA Level I Maintenance Certificate within four years of appointment.

Physical Requirements: Individuals who are unable to pass the following physical requirements due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Perform heavy manual labor
• Perform tasks requiring manual dexterity
• Work for extended periods of time in a bent, stooped, kneeling, or prone position
• Bend, squat, reach, and crawl to read gauges, locate leaks, remove debris, etc.
• While carrying equipment which may weigh up to 50 pounds, climb and work on ladders (extension and A-frame) and step ladders with a total weight that does not exceed the weight capacity of the ladder or the highest rated capacity of the harnesses and lanyards used for fall protection.
• Lift, pull and carry equipment and material weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance; lift heavier items with assistance
• Pass the Chlorine Sulfur-Dioxide Response Team physical to include the wearing of a chemical protection suit
• Wear respiratory protection
• Enter and exit through restricted entrances of 24 inches in diameter
• Demonstrate color vision sufficient to distinguish the colors on a computer screen that indicate equipment status and conditions
• Have normal sense of smell and normal or corrected vision and hearing to observe process and equipment functions for normal and abnormal occurrences
• Have normal sense of touch to detect abnormalities in temperature, flow, and vibration
• Work on levee banks and other areas with unsteady footing
• Work in a sitting position for extended periods of time

Working Conditions:

• Work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement or very hot weather
• Work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors
• Work in close and/or tight spaces which may be extremely hot and/or humid
• Work in or around channels, tanks and sumps that contain treated and partially treated wastewater
• Work with hazardous materials such as fuel, oil, chemicals and wastewater
• Work with and/or around high pressure water, pressurized chemical systems, airborne contaminants, etc.
• Work alone for extended periods of time
• Work in areas of low illumination
• Work at heights six feet and more above the ground on equipment and structures

Probationary Period
The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here to apply.

County of Sacramento
Department of Personnel Services
Employment Services Division
700 H Street, Room 4667
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service
Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net
Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667
www.SacCountyJobs.net

• Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
• Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

• Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
• Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
• If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
• Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
• If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
• For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
• If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed , therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For information regarding County jobs:

• www.saccountyjobs.net

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at dco@saccounty.gov or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

As an employee of the County of Sacramento, there will be a variety of benefits available to you. These benefits currently include: health, dental and life insurance; flexible spending account options for dependent care and unreimbursed dental and/or medical cost; and an employee assistance program (EAP).

GENERAL BENEFITS:
Most employee benefits are similar to the following for all County employees. However, some benefits differ, depending on the employee representation unit to which the employee's job classification is assigned. Information about the exact benefits applicable to a particular job classification may be obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Benefits or by visiting www.saccountyjobs.net.

TEMPORARY POSITIONS:
Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions. The explanations of benefits applies to employees in regular positions.

SALARY STEP INCREASES:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% are given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

PAY:
All employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit into the employee's bank account. The pay period covers fourteen (14) calendar days, starting on a Sunday and ending on the second Saturday thereafter. Salaries are generally paid on the Friday following the end of the pay period. Employees can set up their direct deposit and access their pay information via Employee Self Service in MySacCounty.

VACATION:
Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

HOLIDAYS:
14.5 holidays per year as recognized.

SICK LEAVE:
Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation. Upon retirement, unused sick leave is converted to retirement service credit.

PARENTAL LEAVE:
Entitles a regular County employee, with at least one year of continuous employment, to schedule a paid parental leave of up to 160 hours upon the birth or during the process of an adoption of a minor child. Parental leave shall be approved by the employee's appointing authority, except where the granting of the parental leave request would unduly interfere with or cause severe hardship upon department operations.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:
Dependent upon union agreements, regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies are eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT:
Social Security and Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System coverage.

HEALTH INSURANCE:
The County offers a variety of health plan design options to fit individual needs.

DENTAL INSURANCE:
The County provides a comprehensive dental benefit program for regular full-time and part-time employees and their eligible dependents. This plan pays on a set fee schedule that varies by procedure. Any amount over the fee schedule is the employee's responsibility. The yearly maximum is $2,000 per person, not including orthodontia. The orthodontic benefit is 50% of covered charges with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 per person.

LIFE INSURANCE:
The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit of $15,000 to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
The County offers a Deferred Compensation Program which enables employees to save in a systematic way without paying income tax on either the payroll deduction or the earned interest, prior to withdrawal.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

• Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
• Marriage or Family Relationships
• Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:
The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

• DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
  Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.
  
  
• MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
  The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION:
In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.

SACRAMENTO CREDIT UNION:
The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic saving plans through payroll deduction.

SELECTION AND PLACEMENT

Sacramento County encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, gender, disability, political affiliation, or age.

Certain age limits may be required by law, ordinance, or Civil Service direction for specific classifications such as those identified with hazardous occupations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Please read carefully the "Minimum Qualifications" section of your announcement. You must meet those qualifications by the application deadline date unless otherwise specified. Your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications by the application deadline date, or it will not be accepted. All statements are subject to verification.

"Experience" means full-time paid experience unless the announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS:
If the announcement indicates the examination is given on a promotional basis, candidates must hold permanent status in Sacramento County Civil Service by the application deadline date and must meet the minimum qualifications.

OPEN EXAMINATIONS:
Any person who meets the minimum qualifications may apply.

CONTINUOUS FILING EXAMINATIONS:
Applicants are eligible to reapply to and retake a continuous filing exam after 6 months from the date the previous exam results was received.

ELIGIBLE LISTS:
Names of qualified persons who made a passing score on an examination are entered, in order of their final grades, on an eligible list. To fill each vacancy, the hiring department will make a selection from among the top three ranks on the employment lists.

EXAMINATION RATINGS:
Unless otherwise stated on the announcement: To be successful, candidates must obtain a rating of at least 70% on each part of the examination. This may be an adjusted score or an arithmetic 70% of the total possible score as determined by the Director.

APPEAL PROCESS:
Persons who believe their applications have been improperly rejected may request the Employment Services Division to review its decision to reject the application. If the applicant desires to submit additional proof of qualifications, such proof must be received by Personnel Services not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the scheduled date for the examination.

Persons who are disqualified in any phase of the examination may appeal such adverse action, in writing, to the Civil Service Commission, 700 H Street, Room 2640, Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 874-5586. Such appeals must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the adverse action was mailed to the candidate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): https://personnel.saccounty.net/Pages/EmploymentServicesFAQs.aspx

OTHER INFORMATION

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.
Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

CITIZENSHIP OR AUTHORIZED ALIEN REQUIREMENT:
As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all County employees must be United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship or authorized status will be required prior to appointment.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE:
Some County Civil Service positions are covered by financial disclosure requirements intended to identify potential conflicts of interest.

CONCURRENT EMPLOYMENT:
No employee may concurrently occupy more than one County position.

SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE APPLICATION):
Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and
The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION & DRUG TESTING:
The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment to positions must pass a medical examination and a drug test, administered by the County at no cost to the applicant.

DRIVER LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Regular positions are subject to a probationary period which is an extension of the selection process. Unless otherwise indicated on the announcement, the probationary period is six (6) months.

AGENCY SHOP/FAIR SHARE FEE:
Some positions require, as a condition of continued employment, that the person either:
1. Become a union member;
2. Pay a fair share fee to the union; or,
3. Meet specific requirements under which an equivalent amount must be paid to a charity.

FINGERPRINTING AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS:
Fingerprinting and criminal record checks are required for some positions.

Closing Date/Time: 8/26/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Sacramento, California United States View Map