Sr. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

About the role

The Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator will act as the Designated Operator-in-Charge (DOIC) as necessary; leads, oversees and participates in the work of staff responsible for operating, monitoring and maintaining plant equipment, including electric motors, pumps, bar screens, grit collectors, air compressors, gas flares, conveyors and related equipment to control unit processes; performs the more complex and advanced operator functions; provides training, field direction and guidance on complex construction shutdowns; and ensures wastewater treatment plant operates within regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of a wastewater treatment plant; perform assigned treatment plant rounds including adjusting process controls to daily required parameters, inspecting, monitoring and documenting plant operations in a shift log of unit operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs and other instrumentation; ensure that the wastewater treatment plant operates within regulatory guidelines.
• Oversee and participate in the operation of plant equipment including electric motors, pumps, bar screens, grit collectors, air compressors, gas flares, conveyors and related equipment to control unit processes such as raw sludge, activated sludge, dissolved air flotation, scrubbers, to regulate the flow of wastewater through the treatment plant; ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Oversee and participate in the monitoring and controlling of wastewater flow and plant processes to ensure efficient and safe operation and compliance with permit requirements; perform sight and sound inspections of equipment; take readings of meters and gauges; collect wastewater and sludge samples for analysis; may perform laboratory tests; evaluate laboratory data and instrument readings to make or recommend process adjustments, including plant flow, sludge pumping cycles and chemical addition units.
• Clean work area by hosing down skimmers, catwalks, digesters and stairs; clean grit bins, screen bins, pump rooms, dewatering area, tunnels and general facilities; perform general plant maintenance including cleaning, rolling of hoses, sweeping and removal of trash and debris; maintain work area to ensure safety and order.
• Perform routine maintenance of machinery or equipment such as tightening a packing gland to stop a leak, lubricating equipment, etc.; report need for mechanical and/or electrical repairs; initiate work orders and requests for maintenance repairs as necessary; perform emergency repair work on plant operation equipment, as directed, or assist other departments with repairs.
• Plan and oversee various maintenance and construction requests to facilitate the operation of equipment; perform isolations, shut-downs, tag-outs and start-ups of plant operation equipment before and after testing, maintenance and emergency repairs are performed.
• Record data related to plant operation processes, including digester temperatures, sludge density, blanket levels and dissolved oxygen reading; complete daily operating logs of routine and unusual operating or maintenance conditions encountered and any repair work performed.
• Read and review a variety of pertinent data connected with plant operations including logs of previous shifts, lab reports, emails, status boards and bulletin boards; check operating logs and charts for proper entries.
• Receive and store supplies, such as: polymer, ferric chloride, sodium hypochlorite, equipment and parts necessary for plant operations; determine chemical ordering levels and inventory requirements; may be trained to operate forklift, flatbed cart towing cart, or stationary crane to move materials, supplies and equipment.
• Operate a variety of equipment and tools necessary to maintain the wastewater treatment plant system and equipment.
• Implement safety rules, regulations and emergency procedures; maintain security of plant facilities.
• Train and mentor staff performing routine plant operations and maintenance duties.
• Work varying shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime and respond to call backs.
• Respond to emergencies during and after work hours consistent with the Incident Command System (ICS), Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and National Incident Management Systems (NIMS).
• Act as the Designated Operator-in-Charge (DOIC) in the absence of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor and Superintendent of Wastewater Operations.
• Absorb and implement changes to the wastewater treatment plant processes.
• Assist with invoice processing and approvals concerning equipment, materials and maintenance needed at a wastewater treatment plant facility.
• Absorb and implement changes to the wastewater treatment plant processes.
• Assist in the preparation of the O&M and capital budgets, providing support and suggested feedback.
• Participate in the development and implementation of enhancement, improvements, and upgrades to the recycled water and wastewater SCADA displays and configurations.
• Provide technical direction and training to employees involved in the operation and control of wastewater through the treatment plant.
• Formulate work plans; delegate tasks to be performed and monitor performance.
• Develop a variety of reports.
• Maintain, compile, and update a variety of plant operations logs, reports and lists including round sheets, spreadsheets, monthly summaries, data sheets, timesheets, overtime reports, spill reports, odor complaint reports, standby lists, emergency notification lists, shutdown lists, and equipment lists.
• Attend meetings and trainings as necessary; maintain current knowledge and understanding of treatment plant processes.
• Provide technical direction and supervision to less experienced Plant Operators.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate supplemented by specialized training in wastewater treatment plant operations or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Ability to take direction and follow through on one's own to complete assigned duties.
• Possession of a California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate; Grade IV is desirable.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license and maintain a safe driving record.

Physical Qualifications

• The ability to work in a field environment, in confined spaces, and around machinery.
• The ability to frequently walk/stand for extended time periods and to climb/descend ladders.
• The ability to have vision and finger dexterity for eye-hand coordination to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate a variety of hand and power tools.
• The ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and parts weighing up to 80 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
• The ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.
• The ability to have hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.
• The ability to work in an environment that could produce exposure to dust, dirt, significant temperature changes and chemicals such as, but not limited to, polymer, ferric chloride, sodium hypochlorite, etc.

Benefits

Medical benefits coverage is effective the first day of the month following a month of employment. Health insurance is offered to employees and their dependents through Anthem Blue Cross of California. Employees have the option of choosing HMO or PPO coverage. The employee's share in the monthly cost of coverage effective July 1, 2025 is as follows:

• Anthem HMO Employee Only = $102.09 bi-monthly
• Anthem HMO Employee + 1 = $214.39 bi-monthly
• Anthem HMO Employee & Family = $306.27 bi-monthly
• Anthem PPO Employee Only = $219.91 bi-monthly
• Anthem PPO Employee + 1 = $461.79 bi-monthly
• Anthem PPO Employee & Family = $659.65 bi-monthly
• Employee-paid premiums are deducted from the employee's pay on a pre-tax basis.
• An employee may elect, in writing, not to participate in the District's health, dental and vision insurance plans by providing written proof of other group health plan coverage.
• Employees electing not to participate in the District's health, dental and vision insurance plans shall be entitled to a monthly payment equal to $600.

Dental insurance is offered by the District, paying 100% of the premium for the employee and his/her eligible dependent(s) who are enrolled in dental insurance offered through Anthem Blue Cross. The dental insurance maximum benefit is $1,500 per covered individual, per calendar year.

Vision insurance is offered by the District, paying 100% of the premium for the employee and his/her eligible dependent(s) who are enrolled in vision insurance offered through Vision Service Plan (VSP).

Life insurance is provided by The Standard, with the District paying 100% of the premium.