CITY OF REEDLEY Approved: Date: WWTP OPERATOR-IN-TRAININGlLABTECHNICIAN TRAINEE WWTP OPERATORILABTECHNICIAN WWTP OPERATORII/SENIOR LAB TECHNICIAN DEFINITION Under direction (WWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee), general supervision () and under limited direction (WWTP Operator II/Senior Lab Technician) by the assigned Supervisor, to perform routine inspections, collect samples, conduct chemical and biological procedures on water, wastewater, industrial and perform a variety of duties involved in the operation of the WWTP equipment and facilities; and do related work as required. SUPERVISIONEXCERCISED Exercises no supervision. WWTP Operator/LabTechnician May exercise technical and functionalsupervision over lower level staff. Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower level lab staff. May act as Designated Operator in Charge upon assignment. DISTINGUISHINGCHARACTERISTICS This is an entry level position and the first level in a three level series. The incumbent must be able to obtain a WWTP Grade I Operator-In-TrainingCertificate through the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The WWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee is distinguished from the in that the latter is a journey level position. For the incumbent to be considered for promotion to the position of WWTP Operator/Laboratory Technician they must demonstrate through precision and accuracy of results; proficiency in performance of assigned duties; obtain a WWTP Operator Grade I Certificate through the SWRCB and a Grade I Laboratory Analyst issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA); plus meet the educational and training requirements of the higher position. In addition, this promotional process will be complemented with a satisfactory or above average performance evaluation. A vacant position must be available for the promotional process to take effect. 1
WWTP Operator/LabTechnician This is a journey level position and the second level in a three level series. The WWTP Operator/Lab Technician is distinguished from the WWTP Operator II/Senior Lab Technician in that the latter provides lead direction within the Laboratory. The WWTP Operator/Lab Technician must obtain a WWTP Operator Grade II Certificate through the CWRCB, a Grade I Laboratory Analyst and the ability to obtain a Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector Certificate both issued by (CWEA); they must demonstrate through precision and accuracy of results and proficiency in performance of assigned duties; plus meet the educational and training requirements of the higher position before the incumbent may be considered for promotion to a. In addition, this promotional process will be complemented with a satisfactory or above average performance evaluation. A vacant position must be available for the promotional process to take effect. WWTP Operator IIISenior Lab Technician This is a lead and advanced technical level position in a three level series. The WWTP Operator II/Senior Lab Technician is distinguished from the two lower levels by the greater complexity of work involved and independence in which the incumbent is expected to function and oversee the laboratory. The incumbent must possess the advanced levels of required certifications (Grade II at a minimum), plus demonstrate through precision and accuracy of results and a high proficiency in the performance and functionality of the assigned duties with little supervision. In addition, this promotional process will be complemented with a satisfactory or above average performance evaluation. A vacant position must be available for the promotional process to take effect. EXAMPLESOF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIALDUTIES May include, but are not limited to, the following: Ensure and protect the Wastewater Treatment Plant compliance, operation, and maintenance requirements by performing the essential duties of a certified Wastewater Operator. Oversee, maintain, and ensure compliance of a potable water and wastewater control plant laboratory in accordance with health and safety rules as established under all requirements of agencies that certify or otherwise permit the City's laboratory, wastewater plant, industrial pretreatment, or collection operations. Collect samples and conduct field and laboratory chemical and biological tests on water, wastewater, industrial, groundwater, biosolids, performance evaluation samples, and illegal discharges by standardized? and in accordance with prescribed methods, i.e., Total Coliform; heterotrophic plate counts; total, volatile and suspended solids; biochemical 2
oxygen demand; electrical conductivity; ph, setteable solids, dissolved oxygen, microscopic examinations, reagent water quality control monitoring. Maintain and followthe laboratories quality control/qualityassurance program. Operate and maintain the laboratory and its equipment in a clean, orderly and safe condition; including, but not limited to, facilities, equipment, sample collection containers and glassware. Service, calibrate and repair equipment, as needed, following manufacturer's recommendations. Prepare and standardize chemical reagents and solutions. Perform routine calculations in analysis determination and report writing. Oversee and maintain the City's wastewater, industrial pretreatment and collection programs in permitting, performing routine inspections, billing and conducting field investigations. Maintain laboratory inventory. Contact industrial, commercial, residential and institutional customers concerning wastewater disposal requirements; and enforce local, state and federal standards for discharges into the wastewater systems. Read industrial meters. Record, assemble, prepare, submit and maintain a variety of written reports, charts, graphs and correspondence of test data, procedures, inspections, investigations, billing and technical reports. Operate, monitor and maintain the wastewater treatment plant and related infrastructure and facilities as specified in the WWTP Operator series. OTHERJOB RELATEDDUTIES At the journey and lead level of the series the following are examples of additional important and essential duties: Assume responsibility for ELAP certification of laboratory including application, pre-site visit, audit and follow-up. 3
Write standard operating procedures for all lab procedures and tests performed, inspections, permitting and investigative procedures. Write, develop, update and maintain the quality assurance/quality control manual and program. Design, develop and write lab, record keeping forms. industrial, groundwater, biosolids, water and collections Research and develop new tests to analyze water, domestic and industrial wastewater, gases, biosolids, groundwater and soils. Research and solve chemical and biological matrix problems. Read industrial meters, calculate billing rates, prepare and submit reports. Coordinate and manage outside laboratory analysis program. Create laboratory tracking mechanisms that meet regulatory requirements. Prepare and oversee budget for environmental program. Work independently, to complete projects and assignments with little or no direct supervision. Requisition supplies and equipment and maintain laboratory inventory. Train lower level personnel in laboratory processes and procedures; industrial permitting and inspections; water analysis; groundwater monitoring; biosolids analysis; billing; and record keeping. All levels perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATEDAND ESSENTIALQUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principles of mathematics and statistics. Principles and procedures of record keeping. 4
WWTP Operator II/SeniorLab Technician Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Safe driving principles and practices. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work. Customer service principles. Modern laboratory techniques and the basic principles of chemistry, biology and microbiology. Basic care, maintenance and operational requirements of laboratory and wastewater equipment and apparatus. Tools and equipment used in repair work. Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software applications. Operate the full range of laboratory and wastewater tools and equipment. Operate a motor vehicle safely. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to: Learn, interpret and apply new Federal, State, and local policies, laws and regulations. Learn occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the laboratory and wastewater treatment plant operations. Perform a variety of standardized laboratory tests. Handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Perform mathematical calculations. Troubleshoot and resolve problems. Learn new laboratory procedures, sampling and safe handling techniques. 5
Conduct routine chemical and biological analysis and draw conclusions. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records. Learn, follow and maintain quality control/qualityassurance procedures. Prepare a variety of reports. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Learn to inspect domestic and commercial facilities to insure compliance with Federal, State and local rules and regulations. Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. EXPERIENCEAND QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Experience: One year of experience in an environmental laboratory, wastewater treatment plant laboratory, industrial waste inspection and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as listed above. Education/Training: As required by the California SWRCB in Article 6 3687, the required minimum education is a high school diploma or equivalent a_nd six (6) educational points. Educational points may be obtained in accordance with Article 6 3685. Educational Points. License or Certificate: Possess a valid California driver's license. 6
WWTP Operator II/SeniorLab Technician Ability to possess a Wastewater Operator-In-TrainingGrade 1 Certificate issued by the California SWRCB within 90 days of employment. Ability to obtain, at a minimum, a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California SWRCB within one (1) year or maximum of three years from time of hire as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Trainee. Possess a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the ability to obtain one within eighteen months of promotion or hire. WWTP Operator/LabTechnician In addition to the qualifications for the WWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee, the should possess or have the ability to acquire the following: Knowledge of: Advanced techniques, materials, methods, equipment and procedures used in the examination and inspection of water, wastewater, industrial, biosolids and groundwater analysis and operation. Operational characteristics and maintenance needs of instrumentation of laboratory and wastewater equipment. Quality control/qualityassurance procedures, development, enforcement and maintenance. Principles of organic and inorganic chemistry and microbiological techniques and sterilization. Data interpretation and processing. Skills to: Operate modern equipment and software to the ability of performing more advanced and technical reports. Operate, care and maintain the operational requirements and troubleshooting of laboratory and wastewater tools and equipment. 7
Ability to: Design, develop, write and apply the lab's quality control/quality assurance manual and program. Design, develop and write standard operating procedures for all lab procedures and tests performed, inspections, permitting and investigative procedures. Write and generate advanced technical reports and forms for the lab, industrial, biosolids, and groundwater programs. Research, develop, and apply new tests to analyze water, domestic and industrial wastewater, gases, biosolids, groundwater and soils; as well as sampling and safe handling techniques. Inspect, permit, and bill domestic and commercial facilities to insure compliance with Federal, State and local rules and regulations. Perform wastewater treatment plant operations, work with accuracy, speed and minimal supervision. Train and supervise lower level personnel. EXPERIENCEAND QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Experience; Two years of experience in an environmental laboratory, and one year of experience working in a wastewater treatment plant, industrial waste inspection and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as listed above. Education/Training: An Associate's Degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology or related field is desirable. License or Certificate: Possess a valid California driver's license. Possess a WWTP Operator Grade I Certificate issued by the CWRCB. 8
Possess a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by CWEA or the ability to obtain within eighteen months of promotion or hire. : The should possess the required qualifications of the previous levels. This level in the three tier series differs from the other two in that this is a lead position characterized by great autonomy and independence.e. This position has little supervision; therefore, the candidate must be able to operate and function with minimum direction. EXPERIENCEAND QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Experience; Three years of experience in an environmental laboratory and/or wastewater treatment plant, industrial waste inspection and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above. Training: A Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology or related field is desirable supplemented by supervisorial or management coursework and/or experience. License or Certificate: Possess a valid California driver's license. Posses a WWTP Operator Grade II issued by the California SWRCB. Possess a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the CWEA. Possess a Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector issued by the CWEA or the ability to obtain one within eighteen months of promotion or hire. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Essential duties require the followingphysical skills and work environment: 9
- 100 50 100 City of Reedley Physical Abilities: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a plant, laboratory, and field setting and operate assigned equipment. The frequencies noted below are general and may change depending upon the specific physical activities necessary to complete assigned tasks. Continuous:walking, standing. Frequent: sitting, standing, walking, reaching with arms and hands, crouching, smelling, kneeling, stooping, talking, handling, fingering, data entry, keyboarding, repetitive hand/arm movement, climbing, balancing, lifting, carrying, bending, and squatting. Occasional: pushing and pulling, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; lifting of objects weighing up to 75 lbs. form below waist level to above shoulder level, with or without assistance; lifting objects weighing from 76 lbs. from below waist level to shoulder level, with or without assistance; transporting of objects weighing up to 25 lbs. for distances up to 300 yards, with or without assistance; - transporting of objects 26 lbs. for distances up to 100 feet, with or without assistance; - transporting objects weighing 51 lbs. for distances up to 50 feet, with or without assistance; transporting objects weighing over 100 lbs. for distance up to 50 feet with assistance; hand strength and manual dexterity to grasp and manipulate tools, parts and supplies; fine finger dexterity to operate computer and laboratory equipment. Infrequent: crawling, lifting of objects weighing over 100 lbs. with or without assistance. below and at waist level, Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, meter-reading equipment, dials, and gauges and to operate vehicles and equipment; color vision acuity. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Environment: Wastewater TreatmentPlant: Exposure to noise, heat and vibration of plant machinery and other equipment; mechanical and electrical hazards of operating equipment; fumes and odors of sewage, chemicals, and gases; explosive materials/environments; confined spaces; toxic substances such as chemicals, cleaners, solvents, and gases; all types of weather and temperature conditions; health hazards such as bacteria and viruses; traffic hazards. Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various 10
WWTP Operator II/SeniorLab Technician types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks with variable pace and pressure. Work is performed mainly outdoors in the City streets and alleyways. Work is performed both indoors in plant area and outdoors in field and collateral facilities. Other: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Incumbents in this class class work under the direct supervision of a certified plan operator while gaining the required 1,800 hours of experience and knowledge needed to pass a Grade I Wastewater Treatement Plan Operator exam to qualify for an Operator certificate. May be assigned to work any shift, varying hours, overtime, and weekends. Subject to 24-hour emergency callbacks to assist Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators. Safety regulations prohibit incumbents from wearing contact lenses when working with certain chemicals, or from wearing beards or other facial hair that prevents a proper respirator fit as required, depending on work assignment, Must pass annual respirator physical and fit testing depending on work assignment. Subject to required immunizations. 11