Waste Water Treatment Technician jobs in Modesto, CA

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

Department: Public Works & Utilities

Reports To: Manager Wastewater Treatment Plant/Director of Environmental & Community Development

Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: Hourly | Full-time

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Field Supervisor, learns, operates, and performs routine maintenance on equipment, facilities and related appurtenances as found in treatment and collection systems and continuously operating wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and related facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Plant Operator I:

This is the first working level position in the plant operations series. Under direct supervision, incumbents operate wastewater treatment and collection system equipment and appurtenances. As experience and certification is gained, operators may independently operate plants and appurtenances under the certification of a Senior Treatment Plant Operator. Incumbents may advance after gaining experience, obtaining the required level of certification, meeting the qualifications of, and consistently performing work of a higher-level position.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties shown are done at varying levels of complexity and under varying levels of supervision depending on the experience and training of the incumbent. Higher levels of operators are expected to undertake the duties listed, while lower levels may require instruction and assistance, or may singly accomplish only a portion of a listed activity.

• Inspects plant operational equipment and facilities on a regularly scheduled basis; and read records readings of pumps, chemical feed and other treatment and pumping equipment.
• Reviews and analyzes operational information and test results and revises equipment settings as appropriate; and notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as instructed.
• Collects samples of wastewater, sludge, and other samples from various phases of the wastewater treatment process.
• Performs basic chemical and physical tests on the se samples to ensure that the wastewater treatment plant is operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met.
• Prepares samples for delivery to a certified laboratory for testing and may also deliver samples to other specified locations.
• Operates and performs preventative maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment such as pumps, filters, chemical valves, sludge ponds, screens, agitators, and electric motors.
• Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system; and maintains appropriate pond levels and dispose of wastewater effluent.
• Removes screenings and grit; and cleans clarifiers and primary, secondary, and other wastewater equipment and facilities.
• Maintains facilities, grounds, and equipment in a clean and orderly condition; and performs routine maintenance, painting of machinery, structures, equipment, and piping systems.
• Monitors equipment operation; determines when maintenance by others may be needed; notifies supervisor or other responsible parties to schedule.
• Assists in placing orders for chemicals, supplies and equipment.
• Performs basic adjustments and troubleshooting for electrical motors and controls.
• Uses a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment.
• Changes recoding charts; ensure that a steady flow of required chemicals is present at all times.
• Maintains accurate records of gauge, chart, graph and meter readings, chemical test results and work performed.
• Observes appropriate safety procedures, including those related to the safe handling of chemicals.
• Investigates and resolves customer complaints.
• Reports to work on time and fully prepared to undertake scheduled tasks and/orassignments; flexibly undertakes alternate tasks that may arise.
• Must be able to work weekends and on-call, as necessary.
• Offers good judgment in evaluating information from gauges, charts, meters, and test results; informs others of trends and/or significant changes; offers corrective recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Background check may be required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Computer applications related to the work.
• Mathematics appropriate to the classification level to which assigned.
• Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
• Basic operational and maintenance practices of electrical motors, pumps, and circuitry.
• Techniques for providing an elevated level of customer service to the public and staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Must be within 30 minute response time to work location for on-call needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Principles, practices, tools, equipment, and supplies required for the operation, cleaning and preventative maintenance of activated sludge wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
• The operation and preventative maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, pumps, motors, and related appurtenances.
• Tools and equipment required for the work.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
• Basic chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.

Minimum Skills:

• Maintaining accurate records of work performed.
• Using, properly maintaining, and ensuring the security of Tribally owned equipment that may be provided to assist in the performance of assigned duties.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior wastewater experience – California state certification or equivalent.
• Operating, maintenance and repairing a variety of wastewater collection and treatment facilities and equipment.
• Recognizing and correcting or reporting unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
• Reading a variety of gauges, charts, and meters; recording data accurately and making appropriate process adjustments.
• Making calculations as necessary to summarize data results, ascertain data trends and aggregate information over time.
• Conducting basic chemical and physical tests of potable water, effluent, sludge, and related materials.
• Using and maintaining the tools and equipment of the work skillfully and safely.
• Handling hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
• Basic computer skills including word processing, basic spreadsheet, maintaining and sharing computer files.
• Collecting and entering data accurately and crating spreadsheets as directed or required.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

In addition to the above, training required by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and a minimum of one year of experience in operating and/or maintaining pumps, motors, mechanical systems, or related equipment.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:

Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must possess a California Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator certificate, depending on the assignment within the department. Must obtain backhoe certification.

Physical Demands:

While performing duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform heavy manual labor, including the ability to push at least 100 pounds and lift at least 50 pounds. Additionally, the position will require the ability to climb ladders, bend at the waist, sit, kneel, lay horizontally, etc., as the job may require. May be exposed to inclement weather conditions, loud noises from equipment operation, fumes, odors, dust, and potentially toxic chemicals

All personnel will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including suitable boots. This includes the use of hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, and gloves when necessary.

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This Job Description is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this position. It is intended to be a guideline reflecting the principal activities. Chicken Ranch Rancheria reserves the right to change or otherwise modify this job description at any time.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

*Preference will be given to qualified Native Americans under the Federal Indian Preference Hiring Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person