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Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

($29.43- $37.66 per hour)

PURPOSE: Under general supervision, assists in the operation and maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant on an assigned shift.  Performs related responsibilities as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

In addition to being a full, advanced journey-level position, incumbents are expected to provide lead supervision over wastewater treatment plant maintenance staff.  Employees assigned to this class coordinate and perform the full range of skilled duties to operate, maintain, repair and modify the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the wastewater collection system.  

This position reports to the Utility Systems Supervisor and assists in determining equipment, personnel and material needs.  This position may act as the WWTP Supervisor (or as the Utility Systems Supervisor, if qualified) during periods when the appointed Utility Systems Supervisor is on vacation or absent from work for other reasons.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists in the operation of valves and other related controls to distribute flow through unit process and application of chlorine and chemicals to the wastewater.

2. Monitors control equipment such as pumps, motors, valves, blowers, sludge collectors, heat exchangers, sludge thickeners and other related process equipment.

3. Reads meters, gauges and other instrumentation.

4. Maintains a daily record of facility operation, samples collected and corrections to unit processes.

5. Adjusts or alters chemical treatment of the plant as necessary.

6. Collects samples for observation and analysis from unit processes.

7. Performs daily and weekly laboratory analysis as needed for process adjustments and performance indicators.

8. Performs preventative maintenance to equipment, such as routine service, lubrication and cleaning of process equipment and machinery.

9. Operated a wide variety of tools and equipment used in minor mechanical repair and operation of process equipment.

10. Assists in minor repairs to all process equipment as needed.

11. Performs building and ground maintenance, which may involve weed control, gardening and janitorial services.

12. Performs related duties as required.

The City of Menlo Park is currently accepting applications for a temporary Equipment Mechanic in the Fleet Services Section of the Public Works Department. A temporary equipment mechanic performs diagnostic, maintenance and repair services on light and heavy city vehicles and equipment, such as automobiles, storm/sewer trucks, aerial bucket trucks, dump trucks shuttle buses, construction equipment, lawn mowers, small equipment and stationary generators; and performs other duties as assigned.

The temporary equipment mechanic performs a range of skilled tasks requiring journey level mechanical ability and aptitude. Work assignments are performed according to established rules and procedures. Independent judgment is required and is supported by supervisory review and direction. Equipment mechanics are required to provide their own tools and equipment.

Definition

Under immediate supervision, learns and performs inspection of public works street, highway, bridge and tract right of way construction projects; performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics

This entry-level classification in the Construction Inspector series reports to a Senior Civil Engineer through a Construction Coordinator in the Construction Inspection Section of the Public Works Engineering Division. It is characterized by the responsibility to learn and to inspect public works construction projects for compliance with codes and specifications. Incumbents' assignments, objectives and work methods are specified; issues of fact are referred to the supervisor; review of work is ongoing and responsibility for achieving work objectives rests with a supervisor. Incumbents' work will gradually be done on a more independent basis subject to occasional review in progress through questions/problems and consultation with the supervisor and the section head. It is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Construction Inspector by the latter's technical expertise, performance of fully qualified journey level work with a minimum of supervision, and responsibility to provide training and technical expertise to Construction Inspector incumbents.

 

Essential Functions

• Reviews construction plans, specifications, encroachment permits, and other plans affecting assigned projects.
• Participates in meetings to discuss construction details and resolves issues with contractors and other agencies.
• Conducts on-site inspections of construction materials, grade elevations, underground facilities, construction safety precautions, minor concrete structures, street light installations, traffic signal installations, traffic control devices, and erosion and siltation control installations to determine compliance with contract plans and specifications, and with city and other governmental regulations.
• Makes field measurements.
• Ensures conformance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Assists in coordinating materials testing.
• Identifies problems.
• Monitors the correction of project deficiencies.
• Identifies and recommends approval of necessary contract and/or plan adjustments to accommodate field conditions.
• Maintains daily diary and field records of material and quantities used.
• Calculates and recommends formal approval of appropriate progress payments to contractors for work completed.
• Investigates citizen complaints related to encroachment and/or grading violations.

Marginal Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Surveying and construction staking (grade-setting) practices; standard construction practices including specifications, methods, materials and equipment; mathematics through plane geometry and trigonometry; methods and techniques of materials testing; soil types and characteristics; standard specifications and construction details book (both City and State); construction safety standards; OSHA and CalTrans Traffic Control Devices Manual; traffic safety.

Skill in: Driving an automobile on paved and unpaved surfaces; operating surveying equipment; and preparing field sketches.

Ability to: Evaluate quality of construction and construction materials; determine safety implications of construction techniques; perform mathematical calculations through plane geometry and trigonometry; read blueprints; read public works construction and topography maps and grading plans; determine and verify elevations using hand level and calculator; communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds both orally and in writing; resolve inter-personal conflicts; identify problems, evaluate alternatives and arrive at logical decisions; read and interpret complex regulations and technical documents, including plans and specifications; understand and use standard engineering and hand held tools used in Public Works Construction Inspection; learn city encroachment and underground ordinances.

Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.

Education/Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: Graduation from high school and four years experience in a field related to street/highway construction; 60 semester units of college education in engineering, construction techniques and methodologies or building inspection may be substituted for two years experience in construction.

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is looking for a Senior Instrument Control Technician

Why Join our Department?

The Public Works Department’s Environmental Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s 15.7 million gallon per day (MGD) conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).  The WWTP serves a population of more than 140,000 with an annual operating budget in excess of $15 million and has a staff of 33 professional and technical personnel.  Planned upgrades to the WWTP include new liquids treatment process facilities consisting of new headworks, primary treatment, and biological nutrient removal/membrane bioreactor (BNR/MBR) process.  When you join the Public Works Department, you will work among collaborative and energetic colleagues who share a passion for serving our San Mateo citizens and improving the community in which we live and work.  Our team is comprised of individuals with diverse talents and experience in various fields.  We will provide you with a wide range of opportunities in a team-based collaborative environment while helping you achieve your professional goals.

Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Creativity, Transparency and Informed Risk-taking are attributes within the City’s mission, values and organizational principles that we are seeking in the candidates.

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

What You’ll Do

The Senior Instrument Control Technician installs, maintains, calibrates, tests and repairs a variety of data acquisition, radio communications, and instrumentation and control equipment for wastewater collection and treatment plant systems; principal oversight of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC); assists in the oversight of the Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS); performs highly skilled electrical, electronic and mechanical work related to in-plant metering equipment and remote controlled devices; operates, monitors, and controls an advanced wastewater treatment (tertiary) system; and performs other related work as required.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in the installation, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of electronic and electromechanical equipment to ensure proper operation; assist in the troubleshooting and repairing of control system and electrical power failures in the WWTP, pump and lift station.
• Install, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electronic and electromechanical equipment to ensure proper operation; maintain and troubleshoot computerized process control equipment such as PLCs, RTUs, and SCADA system devices; troubleshoot control system and electrical power system failures in plants, lifts and pump stations; and maintain awareness of new related technology.
• Develops and implements improvement projects for the instrumentation and controls systems and equipment by contractors or in-house staff. Clean, oil and paint equipment.
• Maintain documentation and records for the department’s SCADA system and instrumentation/control systems at the wastewater treatment plant (schematics, licenses, etc.).  Perform regular technical programming of the SCADA system to provide programming and troubleshooting assistance as needed during special testing and operations. Confer with operators, mechanics, project engineers and supervisors regarding SCADA issues.
• Respond to and resolve internal customer complaints and issues; provide documentation as required. Communicate in advance with affected staff on programming and related SCADA work.
• Provide oversight, technical support, inspection and coordination over control system modification made by contractors. Maintain documentation and plans of modifications.
• Prepare reports on technical issues as required.
• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures for documenting activities in instrumentation and control areas related to programming of RTUs and HMI software, field implementation of programming change, and process control improvements.
• Provides safety and skills training to apprentice instrumentation technicians, electrician and other plant staff.
• Write basic PLC programming for the implementation of system modifications and process enhancements. Interpret, prepare, and verify control schematics, diagrams and prints.  Provide technical assistance and guidance to staff. Program control systems, instruments and computer operated devices.
• Read, understand and perform minor modifications to existing PLC code. Download PLC programs to PLCs and RTUs.
• Perform as lead person on Instrumentation/Controls projects; effectively provide training and direction to the Instrument Control Technician, calibration Technician and other plant staff.
• Install, troubleshoot, modify, and implement computer hardware and software applications and components. Analyze and correct data communication and acquisition system problems.
• Design, install, test, repair, calibrate and maintain complex electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment such as meters, telemeters, integrators, tone control equipment, temperature control devices, fire alarm equipment, water quality analyzers, life safety equipment, and remote controlling devices, including relays, rectifiers, and manometers.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The Senior Instrument Control Technician receives supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Superintendent.  This position performs lead duties over the Instrumentation Control Technician and Calibration Technician and may provide technical or functional supervision related to the impacted systems to Plant operations or maintenance personnel, contractors or other designed personnel as required.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/Home/Index/86

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

This Temporary/Hourly position is NOT in Civil Service and does not receive benefits.

 DEFINITION

Under supervision, performs sub-professional engineering office work related to Public Works improvements; elementary field surveying; computer-aided drafting and design work; and related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs a wide variety of responsible sub-professional engineering work; computes and posts simple engineering data; computer-aided drafting, design, and mapping; revises, reviews, files, and updates engineering plans and maps; assists field survey and traffic survey crews as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: The elementary principles of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; drafting symbols used in construction work; basic engineering office equipment; modern personal computers and related computer software; principles and practical application of computer-aided drafting, design, and mapping systems.

Ability to: Learn the use of surveying equipment and techniques; learn basic construction inspection procedures; accurately make and verify mathematical computations; perform neat and accurate drafting; collect engineering field data, and make field notes; maintain accurate records; effectively operate computer-aided drafting, design and mapping software; effectively use modern office software; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; work flexible hours; deal effectively and courteously with the public and general contractors; attend work and perform duties as assigned.

Experience: None required

Education: Completion of 45 semester college units with major in civil engineering or related course of study.

License: Possession of valid Class C California Driver's License.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF BELOW.
 

This job opportunity is continuous and application reviews are performed periodically.

San Mateo is a city of approximately 104,000 residents, strategically located midway between San Francisco and San Jose, and is within the Silicon Valley.  One of the City’s strengths is its diversity, both in the ethnic makeup and the physical development of the community.  San Mateo has a vibrant business and retail environment with national and international businesses, two major shopping centers and an active downtown.  The community values its historic and new residential neighborhoods and recently approved a major new Transit Oriented Development that will add 1,500 new homes, 300,000 square feet of new retail and as much as 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space.  

The City organization has a culture of innovation, collaboration and strong customer service.  The City’s annual budget is $191 million and is staffed by approximately 540 full time employees.  The City is continually evaluating new and innovative ways of providing high quality services to its residents while acknowledging the competing demands for the limited funds available. Find out more interesting facts at:  www.cityofsanmateo.org.

Look at some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work, https://youtu.be/_GTIzeSpc_g

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is a 15.7 MDG sub-regional facility that serves an estimated 164,545 customers  administering the annual operation and maintenance budget over $12.8 million with a staff of 34 professional and technical personnel.  The City of San Mateo is building a team tasked with the safe and continuous operation of the current expansion of this conventional activated sludge plant by introducing new facilities including; preliminary treatment, primary treatment, enhanced biological nutrient removal/membrane bioreactors (BNR/MBR), biological and chemically enhanced treatment (BioACTIFLO), and additional upgrades to existing process equipment. A vital and instrumental member of this team is the WWTP Operator III.

The Position

This position will receive general direction from the Chief Plant Operator and instruction from their Shift Supervisor to provide daily guidance to lower level operators and trainees. The WWTP Operator III will be responsible for supporting these efforts to guide, develop and mentor staff on their assigned shift, act in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Shift Supervisor, and is the assigned lead in getting both scheduled and unscheduled work completed. Those who have prepared themselves and are ready for the challenge to use their skills as a journey-level wastewater professional should seriously consider this opportunity.

This position is assigned rotating shifts working nights, weekends, and holidays with on-call emergency response 24 hours per day.  However, along with this challenge is the benefit of working  a 12-hour shift that results in a very favorable work/life balance and requires the minimum commuting days as compared to other standard 8-hour shifts.

The Duties

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to the following.

Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine process 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, related equipment and facilities to optimize performance.
• Maintain appropriate plant records to support water quality goals.
• Perform the duties of the Designated Operator-in-Charge when required in accordance with State regulations.
• Operate rolling vehicles and stationary machinery as required to perform essential job functions.
• Foster and maintain good working relationships and provide excellent customer service in the course of their work.
• Assist in the inventory, requisition, and purchase of supplies and materials.
• Supervise and train less experienced operators on assigned shift.