ORIGINAL CITY OF REEDLEY WWTP OPERATOR-IN-TRAINING/LAB TECHNICIAN TRAINEE WWTP OPERATOR/LAB TECHNICIAN WWTP OPERA TOR II/SENIOR LAB TECHNICIAN DEFINITION Under immediate superv1s1on 0/VWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee), general supervision (WWTP Operator/Lab Technician) and under limited supervision (WWTP Operator 11/Senior Lab Technician) by the Wastewater Systems 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. SUPERVISION EXCERCISED WWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee Exercises no supervision. WWTP Operator/Lab Technician May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff. WWTP Ogerator 11/Senior Lab Technician Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower level lab staff. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS WWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee 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-Training Certificate through the State of California Water Resources Control Board (CWRCB). The WWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee is distinguished from the WWTP Operator/Lab Technician 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 CWRCB, a Grade I Laboratory Analyst, and a Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector
Certificate both 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 successful performance evaluation. A vacant position must be available for the promotional process to take effect. WWTP Operator/Lab Technician 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 11/Senior Lab Technician in that the latter provides lead direction within the Laboratory. The V'MITP Operator/Lab Technician must obtain a V\NIITP Operator Grade II Certificate through the CWRCB, a Grade II Laboratory Analyst and a Grade II Environmental CompUance Inspector Certificate.both issued by (GWEA); they must demonstrate through precision and accuracy of results and proficiency in performance O f assigned duties; plus meet the educational and training requ,rements of the higher position before the incumbent may be considered for promotion to a WWTP Operator 11/Senior Lab Technician. In addition, this promotional process will be complemented with a successful performance evaluation. A vacant position must be available for the promotional process to take effect. WWTP Operator 11/Senior Lab Technician This is a lead and advanced technical level position in a three level series. The WWTP Operator 11/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 successful performance evaluation. A vacant position must be available for the promotional process to take effect. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Examples listed may not cover all duties that may be performed. Oversee, maintain and insure 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 predetermined methods, 2
i.e., Total Coliform; heterotrophic plate counts; total, volatile and suspended solids; biochemical oxygen demand; electrical conductivity; ph, setteable solids, dissolved oxygen, microscopic examinations, reagent water quality control monitoring. Maintain and follow the laboratories quality control/quality assurance 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 VVVVTP Operator series. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES At the journey and lead level of the environmental compliance officer 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. Write standard operating procedures for all lab procedures and tests performed, inspections, permitting and investigative procedures. 3
Write, develop, update and maintain the quality assurance/quality control manual and program. Design, develop and write lab, industrial, groundwater, biosolids, water and collections record keeping forms. 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; record keeping and writing. All levels perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS WWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee Knowledge of: Principles of mathematics and statistics. Principles and procedures of record keeping. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Safe driving principles and practices. 4
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. Conduct routine chemical and biological analysis and draw conclusions. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 5
Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records. Learn, follow and maintain quality control/quality assurance 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. Experience and Training 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. Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in chemistry, biology, microbiology or related field is desirable. License or Certificate: Possess a valid California driver's license. The ability to possess a WWTP Grade I Operator-In-Training Certificate through the State of CWRCB. Possess a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by CWEA or the ability to obtain one within twelve months of appointment. Possess a Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector Certificate issued by CWEA or the ability to obtain one within eighteen months of appointment. 6
WWTP Operator/Lab Technician In addition to the qualifications for the WWTP Operator-In-Training/Lab Technician Trainee, the WWTP Operator/Lab Technician 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/quality assurance 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. 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. 7
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. Experience and Training 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: E:x:perience; Two years of experience in an environmental laboratory, and one year 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... T rammg: 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. Possess a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by CWEA or the ability to obtain within one year of appointment, if have considerable prior lab experience and/or required educational training. Possess a Grade I Environmental Compliance Inspector issued by CWEA or the ability to obtain within eighteen months of appointment, if have prior experience and/or required educational training. WWTP Operator 11/Senior Lab Technician: The WWTP Operator 11/Senior Lab Technician should possess or have the ability to acquire 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, autonomy and independence is the major driving force. This position has little supervision; therefore, the candidate must be able to operate and function with minimum direction. 8
Experience and Training 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, is desirable. License or Certificate: Possess a valid California driver's license. Posses a VVWTP Operator Grade II issued by the CWRCB. Possess a Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by CWEA or the ability to obtain one within one year of appointment, if have considerable prior lab experience and/or required educational training. Possess a Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector issued by CWEA or the ability to obtain one within eighteen months of appointment, if have considerable prior lab experience and/or required educational training. Special Reguiremer1~: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, hearing, reaching with arms and hands, crouching, smelling, kneeling, stooping, talking, handling, fingering, data entry, keyboarding, repetitive hand/arm movement, climbing, balancing, lifting, carrying. The employee must be able to perform a moderate amount of physical labor, including lifting, carrying and/or moving items up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to hear alarms and respond. The employee is often exposed to outside inclement 9
weather and wet conditions. Other work conditions include exposure to unpleasant odors, moving mechanical parts, fumes, gases, airborne particles, moderate noise levels, electrical currents, dusts, chemicals, poor ventilation, work space restrictions and travel. May be required to wear respiratory protection and/or other safety equipment, such as: safety footwear, glasses/goggles, gloves, facemasks, lab coats, etc... The incumbent is often faced with having to deal with Spanish speaking customers and public; therefore, the ability to read, write and speak the language is desirable. Effective Date: September 24, 2013