Wastewater Plant Operator I/II

The City of Turlock is accepting applications for the Wastewater Plant Operator I/II position. Under general supervision, to perform semi-skilled work in the operation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift.  

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, call-back, and standby assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater Plant Operator I ($5,292-$6,433 monthly):

This is the entry class in the wastewater plant operator series. Incumbents initially work under direct supervision and perform more routine operation work. As a trainee, incumbents are supervised more closely to insure compliance with established operations standards of the department, City and State.

Wastewater Plant Operator II ($5,835-$7,092 monthly):

Positions in this class are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Wastewater Plant Operator I, or, when filled from the outside, require prior wastewater treatment plant operation experience.   Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties for the class and meet the qualification standards for the class.  A Wastewater Plant Operator II works under general supervision and is expected to perform journey level plant operation work.  Work in this class is distinguished from that of Wastewater Plant Operator I by the greater complexity of the work, by the greater independence with which an incumbent is expected to operate, and the required possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision for the Wastewater Plant Operator II is provided by the Water Quality Control Supervisor. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by other higher-level plant operation personnel.

• Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operation conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Operate valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers; perform routine maintenance work on valves, tanks and related equipment and facilities.
• Input plant operation data in computer; plot operational trends.
• Perform routine plant grounds maintenance work, including painting and landscape work.
• Connect and disconnect chlorine cylinders.
• Operate treatment plant vehicles and stationary machinery as required in a safe and efficient manner
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses.
• Assist in the supervision and training of less experienced operators as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Entry-level principles and practices of waste treatment wastewater operations.
• Functions and purposes of wastewater treatment systems.
• Basic mechanical and electrical systems.
• Safe work practices around gases, electricity and chemicals.
• Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of wastewater plant machinery at a journey level.
• Basic operation of personal computer for data processing purposes and normal operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Hazardous gases associated with treatment of sewage.
• Automated equipment as applied to treatment plant operation.
• City sewage plant operation policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Learn the principles and practices necessary in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of wastewater plant machinery.
• Learn to make routine repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps and other equipment.
• Learn to operate a personal computer to track plant operation data.
• Learn to read meters and gauges correctly and to act quickly and competently when corrective action is required.
• Physically perform hard manual labor tasks.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Learn to collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Use tools necessary in making general repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps and other equipment.
• Read meters and gauges correctly and act quickly and competently.
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Access and interpret data from SCADA computer system and related software.
• Perform all plant operations without direct supervision.
• Monitor and operate facility without aid of other plant operators.
• Operate loaders and dump trucks.
• Perform skilled and semi-skilled duties related to wastewater operations.

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledgeand abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Wastewater Operator I
One year of experience working with mechanical equipment and tools.

Wastewater Operator II
Two years of experience as a Wastewater Plant Operator in a position comparable to a Wastewater
Plant Operator I with the City of Turlock.
-OR-
Experience necessary to be eligible for a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification pursuant to the education and experience requirements of Title 23 the California Code of Regulations “Classification of Wastewater Treatment Plants and Operator Certification”

Training:
High School diploma or GED certificate AND 
Six college units or CEU’s in a related field or scholastic general education (i.e. Speech, Math, English, Science, Foreign Language etc.).
-OR-
Education necessary to be eligible for a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification pursuant to the education and experience of Title 23 the California Code of Regulations “Classification of Wastewater Treatment Plants and Operator Certification”

Licenses:
Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of employment.
Possession of a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification within 18 months from date of employment.  

Physical Conditions:

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read, write and make observations, operate hand and power tools, vehicles and heavy equipment; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; bodily mobility to walk, bend, stand, crouch, or climb for extended periods of time, operate assigned equipment and vehicles, and perform heavy manual labor for extended periods; ability to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions, lift equipment as necessary, and be able to climb ladders with a height of forty (40) feet.

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All employees are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period.

Selection Process:

1. All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the following documentation:

• Proof of education-this can be a copy of transcripts or any degree.

2.     You may submit your required certifications using the following options:

• Attach a scanned copy in the "Add Attachment" option (of the NeoGov online application) or
• Fax a copy to (209) 668-5529 or
• Email a copy to [email protected] or
• Hand deliver copies of your attachments to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA on or before the final filing date.

Applications will be rejected if they are incomplete or required documentation is not attached.

3. Applications will be reviewed for possession of the minimum qualifications. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their breadth and recency of experience will be invited to compete in the testing process.

4. Candidates invited to compete in the testing process may be required to take a written examination, which will be based on a pass/fail basis. If a written examination is conducted and a large number of candidates receive a passing score, the City reserves the right to invite a percentage of the top scoring candidates to compete in the next phase of the testing process, the oral examination. 

5.  Candidates who are invited to participate in the oral examination and receive a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list will be based solely on the results from the oral exam.

6. Completion of a practical exercise maybe conducted in order to further evaluate skills relating to essential job functions.

7. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be referred to the Municipal Services Director for final appointment consideration. 

8. Final appointment will be contingent upon passing the following: reference review, medical examination which includes a drug/alcohol screening, hearing exam and vision exam.

Veteran's Preference System

The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through an entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form. A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Turlock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women and the disabled. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants that have disabilities that would not allow them to compete in the announced process. Applicants are asked to indicate their request for accommodation in the application form.

Medical Examination and Drug/Alcohol Screening  
The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

Customer Service Policy
The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide.

Benefits

Holidays: Eleven (11) paid holidays and three (3) floating holidays.
Vacation: Paid vacation that increases with years of service.
Sick Leave: Accrual of one day (eight (8) hours) for each month worked.
Retirement: Qualified candidates who are currently a CalPERS member or have been a CalPERS member within the last six (6) months or are subject to reciprocity with another eligible retirement plan, may be a "classic member" and may be enrolled in the City's 2.7% @ 55 plan.  Employee pays employee contribution rate of 9% on a pre-tax basis. CalPERS "final compensation" may be based on the highest twelve (12) continuous months of qualifying employment. Non-classic or "new members" will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan and CalPERS "final compensation" will be based on the highest thirty-six (36) continuous months of qualifying employment.
Deferred Compensation: The City will match employee's contribution up to one half of one percent (0.5%) of the employee's base salary for each pay period in which employee contributes to the program.
Retiree Health Savings (RHS) Vantage Care: Two (2) percent of the employee's base payroll will be deposited in each individual's RHS Vantage Care account.
Health: The City offers a generous health, prescription, vision, and dental insurance plans for employees and dependents.
Continuous Service Pay:
Beginning with the tenth (10th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
Beginning with the fifteenth (15th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary. 
Beginning with the twentieth (20th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
Additional Benefits:
Associate/Bachelor/Master's Degree Incentive Pay (If not listed as a minimum qualification)*Educational Reimbursement Program* Computer Loan Program* *Upon completion of probation.

Notes:

Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.