TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR IN TRAINING

Job Specifications

Class Code:	MT1
Analyst:	LW /GLD/TC

Date Originated:	3/97
Date Revised:	6/02, 10/11

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under supervision, to perform a variety of routine duties and to learn to perform more difficult and complex tasks in the operations and maintenance of the County's wastewater and water treatment plants; and to perform other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the trainee and first working level in the Treatment Plant Operator series. A Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for working with certified operators to perform basic and learn to perform more difficult and complex tasks in the operations and maintenance of the County's wastewater and water treatment plants. An Operator in Training must obtain a grade I wastewater treatment plant operator certificate within two years and advance to the class of Treatment Plant Operator.

This class is distinguished from the class of Sanitation Maintenance Worker II which performs a wide variety of routine tasks related to maintenance and repair of various types of sanitation facilities including plants, pump stations and collection lines. This class is distinguished from the higher class of Treatment Plant Operator, which is the journey level in the series and may act as Chief Plant Operator for a class II or I wastewater treatment plant.

TYPICAL TASK

Under direction

Assist in the operation of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant; assist in operating sludge dewatering equipment; learn to record and interpret data from flow meters, strip chart recorders, and data loggers; learn to calculate chemical dosages, and laboratory procedures; assist in the maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, collection system, and disposal system; operate sludge dewatering equipment;  learn electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems and how to maintain and repair them; operate a computer and software with supervision; monitor gauges, meters, and control panels; perform semi-skilled work in the cleaning of collection system; perform lift station and collection system maintenance; oil, grease, and clean equipment; haul generators to outlying facilities; clean, adjust, and repack valves and pumps; assist with mechanical repairs; perform maintenance work such as sweeping, cleaning, sanding, painting, mowing, and watering lawns and caring for plants and shrubbery.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Working knowledge of:

• The methods, materials and tools used to operate maintain, monitor and repair water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Safety practices required in water and wastewater treatment operations.

Some knowledge of:

• Regulations related to the treatment, transmission and disposal of water and wastewater.
• The application of data processing to sanitation operations.

Ability to:

• Solve simple algebraic problems of one unknown.
• Learn to operate analytical laboratory equipment.
• Learn to use simple chemical formulae involving molarity, normality, atomic weight, and percentage.
• Learn to diagnose malfunctions in wastewater and water treatment plants and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Read, understand, interpret and apply regulations relating to water and wastewater treatment standards
• Learn to operate a computer to input, access, and analyze data
• Estimate equipment, material and labor needs
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence
• Establish effective working relationships.
• Lift items weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Perform tasks requiring strength, such as lifting equipment onto trucks, climbing over rough terrain and pulling hoses up embankments
• Drive vehicles such as pick-up trucks and utility trucks
• Distinguish colors, such as color-coded wires or chemical tests.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

One year experience comparable to Sanitation Maintenance Worker II in Santa Cruz County.

Special Requirements, Conditions:

License Requirement: Possession of a valid California Class C drivers license. Obtain an operator in training certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board upon hire and within two years of employment, a grade I certificate.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: variable temperatures and weather conditions; confined work spaces; heights, such as on ladders; high levels of noise; strong, unpleasant odors; infections which might cause chronic disease or death; electrical hazards; raw sewage; dust; and the possibility of experiencing burns, bodily injury or contact with toxic substances or chemical irritants.

Other Special Requirements: Availability to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, as well as responding to twenty-four hour emergency calls.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLE: Sanitation Maintenance Worker II

Bargaining Unit: General

EEOC Category: 08

Occupational Grouping: 39

Workers Comp Code: 1160