Under direction to perform a variety of skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment plants, water production equipment, and reservoirs.
Distinguishing Characteristics
These are the journey levels in the class series. Positions at these levels perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at these levels receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from lower levels by meeting the minimum requirements, successful performance, budget availability, and management recommendation. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the position level.
Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:Â
- Operates and monitors water treatment plant facilities including, but not limited to, disinfection, coagulation, flocculation, and filtration process equipment;
- Collects samples and uses laboratory test equipment to ensure water meets all State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and EPA standards;
- Observes variations in plant functions and operating conditions through the use of SCADA;
- Monitors charts, graphs, meters, instrument gauges, and electronic systems;
- Interprets changing process needs from laboratory results, chemical dose calculations, and observations;
- Makes adjustments to plant flow rate, chemical dosages, and process functions;
- Cleans and backwashes filters to maintain optimal treatment within DDW guidelines;
- Utilizes computers for operations and updating data;
- Receives, transfers, and handles hazardous materials;
- Changes out 1-ton chlorine gas cylinders and delivers sodium hypochlorite to well sites;
- Operates potable and nonpotable systems, including, but not limited to, seven distribution system pressure zones, reservoirs and transmission facilities, two conventional surface water treatment plants utilizing control valves, booster pump stations, wells, and SCADA system;
- Operates wells to maintain reservoir storage;
- Tests and adjusts regulators to maintain and ensure proper chlorine residual, tabulate flow readings, and make appropriate adjustments for proper operation;Â
- Responsible for housekeeping of treatment facilities;
- Performs general maintenance on chlorination equipment (gas chlorine and sodium hypochlorite);
- Sounds well levels;
- Records and interprets water table information for all well sites;
- Assesses facilities deficiencies and makes minor repairs;
- Coordinates major repair activities with maintenance personnel;
- Informs supervisor and co-workers of present and potential problems and hazards;
- Conducts tours of treatment facilities;
- Performs minor, and assists in major, plant equipment maintenance to electric motors, pumps, gear housings, chlorination equipment, analyzers, and process control equipment;
- Conducts quarterly and annual maintenance to facilities;
- Inspects and cleans plant and reservoir structures;
- Performs a variety of custodial duties to ensure treatment plant and associated facilities are maintained in a clean, orderly, and safe condition;
- May assist with the lead supervision and training of new personnel; and
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Experience
For Water Treatment Operator I
- One year of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant or water distribution system.
For Water Treatment Operator II
- Two years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.Â
For Water Treatment Operator III
- Three years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.
For Water Treatment Operator IV
- Four years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.
For Water Treatment Operator V
- Five years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.
Education
For Water Treatment Operator I/II/III/IV/V
- Equivalent to a high school diploma. Additional college level course work in water treatment and distribution systems, chemistry, biology, or a related field is desirable.
Licenses and Certificates
For Water Treatment Operator I
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment.
- Possession of a Grade T1 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of a Grade D1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate within one year.
For Water Treatment Operator II
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment.
- Possession of a Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of a Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
For Water Treatment Operator III
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment.
- Possession of a Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
For Water Treatment Operator IV
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment.
- Possession of a Grade T4 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
For Water Treatment Operator V
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment.
- Possession of a Grade T5 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of a Grade D4 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
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Special Requirements
Essential functions and duties require the following physical abilities and work environment
- Ability to travel to different sites and locations;Â
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.;
- Exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards, toxic substances, foul odors, wastewater, sludge, effluents, bacteria, viruses, and traffic hazards.
- Ability to walk on uneven surfaces;
- Available for rotational standby and on-call duties.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONSÂ
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position.Â
The employment application must be completed and submitted online. Â Applicants must list current and past work experience. Â Do not indicate "See Resume".Â
Proof of education such as but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees must be submitted online with your application. Â Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply. Â
The following documents are required for this position
- Verification of a Grade T1 or higher Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
- If applicable, verification of a Grade D1 or higher Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.Â
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. This evaluation must be submitted by the application deadline.
Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.
Please note, the City of Redlands' preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening depending upon job classification). Â The City of Redlands utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Julie Maher at jmaher@cityofredlands.org
