SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: All applicants must provide proof of education at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department by the filing date. The City of Salinas will accept copies of high school diploma, GED, copy of college degree, or copies of unofficial transcripts as proof of education. Applications are incomplete without the required document and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received.

Summary of Duties: Performs activities which ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility. Activities include plant operation, inspections, execution of proper emergency action steps. The Operator-In-Training collects samples, performs standardized testing, and performs various routine operational duties to gain the experience necessary to become a certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the trainee level in the Wastewater Operator series. Positions in this class receive on-the-job training and experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant to meet the California Water Board’s certification requirements for Class I Operator, this includes a minimum of 1800 hours of training. Upon possession of a Class I Operator Certificate and recommendation of the designated Chief Wastewater Operator and Wastewater Manager, incumbent may be appointed as a probationary Wastewater Operator.

Supervision Received and Exercised:This classification exercises no supervision. Receives direct supervision from designated Chief Wastewater Operator, Wastewater Manager and Wastewater Crew Supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

Receives on-the job training. Assists and performs essential functions listed below
Operates light to heavy construction equipment such as backhoe, roller, bulldozer, scraper, tractor, grader, grade all, and front-end loaders for a variety of construction and maintenance
Conducts regular inspections of all plant equipment and lift stations to assure proper operational efficiency
Collects samples, performs standardized tests, and logs meter readings
Maintains treated wastewater quality according to established guidelines; assures proper procedures for obtaining, handling and transporting wastewater samples; utilizes appropriate lab equipment
Monitors facility equipment and systems including valves, pumps, motors, tanks and gauges; adjusts equipment as necessary; performs routine maintenance and minor repairs as appropriate; refers major repair needs to appropriate personnel
Makes simple mechanical adjustments
Loads, unloads, and transfers materials, supplies, equipment, and other pesticide chemicals
Maintains the Wastewater Facilities in a clean, orderly and safe condition
Follows all safety rules and protocols included in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program; takes appropriate action as required to identify and correct safety hazards and report safety concerns to their supervisor
Attends meetings and in-service training sessions as assigned
Performs routine maintenance such as cleaning component parts of equipment
Makes mechanical repairs, paints machinery and equipment and assists with vegetation maintenance, as assigned
Evaluates problems and takes recommended corrective action
Assists during emergencies and natural disasters
Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Basic electro-mechanical systems
Proper use of common hand tools
Safe work practices around machinery, electricity, and chemicals
Piping and pumping systems

Ability To

Effectively apply the knowledge and skills necessary for this position
Keep accurate records
Do basic mathematical calculations
Learn the division policies, procedures, permit provisions
Provide continuous improvement in the areas of assigned responsibility
Learn to interpret mechanical systems and piping diagrams
Learn to operate a variety of equipment including tractors, skip loaders, dump trucks, lab instruments, computers, and assigned software
Read labels and Hazardous Materials Safety Data Sheets for chemicals and other written materials
Accurately read and record technical data from meters and gauges
Learn to recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgements within established guidelines
Apply basic knowledge and training to specific job tasks
Establish and maintain effective work relationship with those contacted in the performance of required duties
Understand and follow written and verbal instructions
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Education: High School Diploma or GED.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience performing responsible construction maintenance.

Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Class B Operator’s License with appropriate endorsements must be obtained within six months of appointment. Obtain a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within eighteen months of employment.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read fine printed materials on labels, Material Safety Data Sheets, manuals, maps, diagrams, to work with color-coded wires with no color deficiencies; hearing sufficient to conduct in person, radio and telephone conversations occasionally over the noise of operating equipment; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about uneven terrain of un-landscaped terrain; physical strength to lift from the floor up to 50 lbs. and up to 80 pounds with assistance; physical stamina sufficient to sit or walk for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.

Working environment is shared between and office and the out-of-doors. Work outdoors under adverse conditions in heat, wind, cold and rain. Occasional need to perform heavy manual labor for several hours in a given day bending, crouching, kneeling, pushing/pulling and reaching in all directions. Work in and around potentially hazardous substances, including pesticides, herbicides, and motor fuel. Physical mobility sufficient to move frequently about a water treatment ant and its grounds, either by walking, driving a truck or while operating apparatus, and in an office work environment. Office environment work is subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions with some time spent working at a computer terminal. Drive a motor vehicle, and travel to attend classes, seminars, and occasional out-of-town meetings during work and non-work hours. May occasionally be required to work evenings, weekends or holidays.

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.

Veteran’s Preference: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the City’s Veteran’s Preference Application and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Selection Process: Applicants’ qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION.Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request.

Salary Steps: The following applies for Full-Time Regular positions only. Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of the probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a probationary period.)

For a complete listing of benefits, please click here to visit the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this position.

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Wastewater Operator-in-Training