Definition:
Under direction, supervises, evaluates, plans, and participates in the day-to-day operations and mechanical maintenance and repairs of the City’s wastewater treatment plant and facilities; oversees processing and water quality laboratory testing; assists in the preparation and administration of the division budget; evaluates and trains assigned staff; interfaces with and coordinates assigned functions with other City services and departments; represents plant operations with government regulatory agencies; ensures safe work practices, work quality, and accuracy; and performs related duties as assigned.
Supervision Received/Exercised: Receives direction from the Public Works Director. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned staff.
Essential Functions: (include but are not limited to the following)
- Accepts administrative responsibility for the activities, operations, and services of the Wastewater Division in providing quality treatment service for the City; plans, supervises, prioritizes, monitors, and participates in the work of staff responsible for the maintenance and operation of the wastewater treatment plant and related collection system; ensures compliance with state, federal, and local mandates for water quality; makes plant operation modifications as needed; provides monthly/annual reports to state, federal, and local authorities.
Supervises and performs tasks related to the maintenance, repair, and construction of wastewater treatment plant facilities, lift stations, equipment, and related control systems; inspects the maintenance and repair of equipment for quality, compliance with applicable standards, and proper operation.
Oversees laboratory analysis programs for wastewater, sludge, and effluent and is responsible for operating and systems modification based on test results.
Prepares a variety of water quality and industrial waste reports for regulatory agencies and internal operations; conducts regular inspections to identify maintenance and repair needs; schedules, plans, and supervises the installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical systems.
Evaluates and recommends the best use of supplies, materials, and equipment; requisitions, inventories, and supervises the use of all materials, supplies, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater facilities; ensures that mechanical equipment receives proper lubrication, overhauling, and inspection; ensures proper calibration of pneumatic instruments; performs plant operation and maintenance assignments, as necessary.
Evaluates staffing requirements and utilization of staff; supervises, evaluates, trains, and motivates assigned staff; develops and directs staff safety training programs; oversees safety of assigned staff and monitors work in progress; schedules staff work assignments.
Assists the Public Works Director with operating and capital improvement budgets; analyzes annual operating costs and makes recommendations for budget development and improvements in operating costs; administers and monitors the approved budget; prepares project cost estimates and analysis.
Attends and participates in organizational and community meetings as necessary; stays current on issues relative to wastewater treatment technologies; responds to and resolves community and organizational inquiries and complaints regarding treatment system operations; represents the City’s wastewater treatment functions in public relations activities and with regulatory agencies; establishes and maintains a customer service orientation within the division.
- Enforces rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the operation of the wastewater treatment system and waste discharge requirements prescribed in all applicable sections of the Clean Water Act and California Water Code.
Performs standby duties for water and wastewater treatment facilities on a routinely scheduled basis.
- Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
Working Conditions:
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires near and far vision when inspecting work and performing maintenance on assigned equipment. The position requires the need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more. Additionally, the incumbent in this position may be exposed to biohazards and a variety of working conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The incumbent may use cleaning and lubricating chemicals, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and work in confined spaces. The incumbent may be required to respond to emergency call-outs and perform routine standby duties.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Modern principles, practices, and techniques of wastewater treatment plant operations, quality assurance, process controls, and systems maintenance; testing methods and procedures, including qualitative and quantitative analysis; principles and practices of wastewater collection; design, planning, and development of wastewater treatment facilities; cost, time, and materials estimating; principles and practices of bacteriological and sampling techniques and mathematical analysis; methods and techniques of supervision, training, and motivation; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including those governing wastewater treatment, quality monitoring and control; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices. office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Skill to:
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; safely and effectively operate the tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, and supervise the operation of a wastewater treatment plant and associated collection systems; ensure equipment is maintained appropriately; accurately supervise and perform water quality laboratory testing and analysis; ensure chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests are conducted in accordance with mandates; analyze and interpret laboratory tests and make modifications to wastewater treatment plant operations as required; read and interpret plant operations equipment; maintain accurate and updated logs, records, and reports; prepare and submit comprehensive and mandated reports; perform plant operation and maintenance assignments; represent the City’s wastewater treatment functions with other governmental agencies and community groups; plan, organize, train, evaluate, and direct work of assigned staff; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Qualifications:
Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Chief Utility Operator – Wastewater Treatment. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of four years of experience in the operation, mechanical maintenance, and repair of a wastewater treatment facility, at least two of which were while in possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate, and possession of a high school diploma or equivalent with 24 continuing education units needed to renew certification.
License/Certificate:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.
- Possession of a Grade III Certification as a Wastewater Plant Operator from the California State Water Quality Control Board.
- Possession of a Grade IV Certification as a Water Treatment Plant Operator from the California State Department of Health Services.
