Description
The Plant Operator I is the first level in the plant operator series and is responsible for performing entry-level plant operations duties under direction.
The Plant Operator II is the second level in the plant operator series and is responsible for performing entry-level to skilled plant operation duties under direction.
The Senior Plant Operator III classification is the third level in the plant operator series and is responsible for performing skilled-level plant operation duties and have formal senior responsibility to direct work or training activities at the Shift Supervisor’s discretion (or Lead Operator’s when Shift Supervisor is absent).
The Plant Operator I, II, and III are distinguished by certification level, skills, and experience. The Senior Plant Operator Grade III is distinguished from the Operations Lead Operator according to the latter’s conditional supervisory requirements. Shifts are not limited to a specific number of Senior Plant Operator III’s.
Examples of Duties
The following essential job functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed job functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different job functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Under supervision, performs a variety of tasks associated with the operation, routine maintenance and repair, and upkeep of Recycled Water plants, including tertiary and advanced wastewater treatment systems. Treatment processes include Microfiltration, Reverse Osmosis, UV Oxidation, chemical processes, and a conventional reclaimed water filtration system (GAP).
- Tours, inspects, and evaluates status of on-site and off-site treatment facilities and related equipment.
- Collects water quality and equipment performance data; updates related logs; maintains records and other required documents.
- May be required to collect state and county mandated water quality samples; determines which samples are required; determines proper labeling, bottle preparation, and method of collection/chain of custody.
- Performs plant process chemical checks, including operation and inspection of chemical storage and dosing equipment; monitors chemical inventory for various plant processes; calculates dosage and usage rates; assists with reordering, and the safe transfer and delivery of bulk chemicals.
- Under supervision, monitors plant equipment and processes. adjusts various local and remote process control systems and plant equipment; balances and optimizes process flows; monitors research experiments and pilot systems.
- Operates motor vehicles, electric trucks, electric lift trucks, diesel forklifts, and other mobile equipment.
- Participates in plant facilities housekeeping activities. May perform plant maintenance work such as sweeping, cleaning, sanding, painting, and other tasks as assigned.
- Performs light maintenance work for reverse osmosis and Microfiltration treatment systems, including flow testing, profiling, filter/membrane inspections, LOTO and Clean-In-Place (CIPs), module/cell evaluations, and relative chemical handling and dosage calculations
- Conducts chemical cleanings of the Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis treatment system, which includes calculating amounts of chemicals used; determining calibration of required instrumentation; and readjusting process flows to compensate for down units.
- Participates in plant/safety training. Understands and complies with safety rules and policies.
- Assist and support internal OCWD departments and contractor activities as required.
- Drive to and operate offsite facilities.
- Performs work in both non-permitted and permitted confined spaces as required.
- Wears a full-face respirator and/or self-contained breathing apparatus and responds to emergency situations as required.
- Works assigned shift including weekends, holidays, and rotating shift as required. During a plant emergency, may be called in to assist keeping treatment plant in operation.
- Handles job stress.
- Interacts effectively with others in the workplace.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required.
Typical Qualifications The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
- Communication skills.
- Water quality sampling techniques.
- Data collection techniques.
- Record keeping techniques.
- Mathematical principles.
- Hydraulic principles.
- Applicable tools, equipment, and materials.
- Chemical handling procedures.
- Safety procedures, practices, and methods as applicable to the water/wastewater treatment industry.
- Monitoring plant equipment and processes, along with research experiments.
- Working alone or in work group settings for extended periods.
Ability and Skills in:
- Collecting water quality samples and data.
- Must have good mechanical aptitude. Must have good manual dexterity. Must be able to use power and hand tools in wet conditions.
- Evaluating treatment facilities and equipment.
- Performing mathematical calculations.
- Determining water demand.
- Operating motor vehicles, electric trucks, lift trucks, forklifts, and related mobile equipment.
- Diagnosing system problems.
- Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
- Working in close proximity and in concert with others for extended periods. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Becoming cross trained in the operation, minor maintenance, minor repair, and performance monitoring of all treatment facility subsystems.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Additional coursework in Water, Wastewater, treatment, or college level science (Chemistry, Biology) is highly desirable for the three levels.
Experience/Training:
Grade I Plant Operator: Minimum Grade I California Wastewater Operator’s certification or DDW T-I Certification required. *** Advancements from this level will be dependent upon obtaining Wastewater Operator’s’ Certification for the desired position. At least one year of experience in a water or wastewater treatment plant is desirable. OIT-I Wastewater Operator’s Certification must acquire Grade I Wastewater Certification, or higher, within 1 1/2 years of hire (may work as OIT during this period while preparing to take State exam).
Grade II Plant Operator: Minimum Grade II California Wastewater Operator’s certification or DDW T-II Certification required. *** Advancements from this level will be dependent upon obtaining Wastewater Operator’s’ Certification for the desired position. A minimum of two years of experience operating a water or wastewater treatment plant is required. Additional related certifications such as CaDPH D-1 or higher; CWEA Maintenance I or higher is preferred.
Grade III Plant Operator: Minimum Grade III Wastewater Operator’s Certification or DDW T-III certification required. Five years of plant operations experience; Two years previous experience as GWRS Plant Operator II, or minimum three years of Lead Operator experience in non-OCWD facility(s). Additional related certifications such as CaDPH D-1 or higher; CWEA Maintenance I or higher and/or AWT3™ certification or higher is preferred.
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to the operation and maintenance of the GWRS sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
License: Valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Physical: Positions in this class typically require balancing, reaching, standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, climbing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions, in the performance of daily duties. Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises. Required to wear personal protective clothing/equipment appropriate for job assignments including SCBA. Must comply with District’s Respiratory Protection Program and CAL OSHA Safety Regulations. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All Orange County Water District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Supplemental Information
SCHEDULE:
7:00 pm–7:00 am, Wed-Sat / Wed-Fri (44/36) Plus 10% Shift Differential; Works assigned shift including weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts as required. During a plant emergency, may be called in to assist keeping treatment plant in operation.
Salary Range:
Grade I: $37.93 - $47.42 per hour
Grade II: $43.91 - $54.89 per hour
Grade III: $48.42 - $60.52 per hour
Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit www.ocwd.com to complete an application. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EOE
