Chief Wastewater Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $121,083.00 - $147,177.00 Annually
Location : St. Helena
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2023-12
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/15/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SHEA
Welcome to the exciting opportunity to join our team as a Chief Plant Operator - Wastewater Treatment.
Sign-on and retention incentive in the amount of $25,000 to be paid out as follows: DescriptionRequirementAmountPayment No. 1Date of Hire10,000Payment No. 2Completion of 18 months of continuous employment5,000Payment No. 3Completion of 36 months of continuous employment10,000
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The Position:
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.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Chief Plant Operator - Wastewater Treatment is a supervisory level class within Public Works responsible for assigning and supervising the day-to-day operation, development, repair, and maintenance of the City's wastewater treatment facilities, and incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Public Works Director in that the latter is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Utilities Division.
Supervision Received/Exercised:
Receives direction from the Public Works Director. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned staff.
Example of Duties:
Duties may 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.

Typical Qualifications:
The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:
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.

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills: (The following are a representative sample of the KSA's necessary to perform essential duties of the position)
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.
Retirement:

• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement: 2% at 55 formula for Classic members hired prior to January 1, 2012. 2% at 60 formula for Classic members hired on or after January 1, 2012. 2% at 62 for new (PEPRA) members hired on or after January 1, 2013.
  • Employee (EE) is responsible for payment of the EE share of the pension cost.
• City employees also participate in the Social Security system.
• Deferred Compensation Plan with a City match of $75/month.

Insurance:

• City-paid health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Life Insurance-$25,000 - City Paid
• Dependent Care Program
• Medical Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program

Leaves:

• Vacation accrues at varying rates for full-time employees. The beginning accrual rate is generally ten working days per year, increasing with tenure.
• Twelve holidays annually.
• Two personal convenience days per year (increases to five days after five years).
• Sick leave (twelve days per year).
• Bereavement Pay - 5 days for death of immediate family.

Additional Pays:

• Longevity Pay - Available after 5 years of continuous service.
• Bilingual Pay - 2.5% written, 2.5% verbal

01
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than High School Diploma or GED
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's Degree (at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units)
• Bachelor's Degree (at least 120 semester units or 180 quarter units)

02
Please indicate the field of study for your degree or N/A if not applicable.
03
Please describe any other relevant certifications or trainings you have completed.
04
How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have in operation, mechanical maintenance, and repair of a treatment facility?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years of experience but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 4 years
• At least 4 years of experience but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years of experience

Required Question