Government Jobs
Principal Water Pollution Control Plant Operator
Government Jobs, Sunnyvale, California, United States, 94086
Principal Water Pollution Control Plant Operator
The Principal Water Pollution Control Plant Operator, reporting to the Water Pollution Control Operations Manager, undertakes supervisory responsibilities at the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant (SWPCP). Their duties include providing instruction, troubleshooting, and maintenance related to plant operations, supervising training programs, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of equipment, and coordinating with various stakeholders. Distinguishing Characteristics: This Principal Operator position is the advanced journey-level classification in the Water Pollution Control Operator series. Incumbents are responsible for the coordination efforts between the Operations and Maintenance sections of SWPCP, administering the Operations portion of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), and ensuring preventative maintenance is performed as required. Incumbents supervise the Operator in Training (OIT) Program. The Principal WPCP Operator is distinguished from the next lower classification of Senior Water Pollution Control Operator in that the Principal WPCP Operator performs a complex range of duties in the scheduling, training, operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment systems and has supervisor level responsibility. Essential Job Functions
(May include, but are not limited to, the following): Provides leadership for water pollution control operators; works in a collaborative manner with other staff such as maintenance, laboratory, administration, contractors and other city staff to ensure that all safety, compliance and optimization efforts are diligently pursued. Coordinates emergency response measures at the plant; notifies the Department of Public Safety as needed; familiarity with contingency plans, emergency operations, layout and activities in the facility, including the location of all pertinent records and documents; offers suggestions to improve safety protocols when needed. Monitors all plant treatment processes to ensure that local, state, and federal regulatory requirements are met, and documents process conditions as required. Reviews, comments and makes recommendations on plans and specifications for Capital Improvement Projects during design and construction at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Acts as liaison and coordinator for contractors and vendors on an as-needed basis. Operates and makes minor repairs to engines, motors, pumps, sedimentation basins, flights, gates, valves, chlorinators, contact channels and other related equipment. Is proficient at the application, use, and administration of the SWPCPs CMMS and ensures that associated work orders are appropriate, properly submitted, approved, and issued in a timely fashion to ensure the SWPCP equipment is properly maintained. Reviews, adds critical relevant information if needed, and certifies logbook entries are accurate, complete and meet established guidelines. Performs and orders analytical tests as needed for pilot studies, process control evaluation or other troubleshooting efforts. Ensures cost effective operations through the control and monitoring of electrical loads, chemical usage, staffing overtime/training assignments, and other operations costs. Optimizes removal of all solids separation processes such as primary sludge pumping, sedimentation tank FOG skimming, programming of raw sludge pumping cycles, and algae float skimming treatment and disposal. Schedules work for all crews based on individual operator Shift assignment including annual vacation requests and other time off requests. Updates monthly schedule to ensure the plant is properly staffed at all times on all shifts every day of the year. Checks and reviews time cards, and ensures compliance with vacancy guidelines. Trains operations staff on new and existing systems and equipment, developing and modifying training materials as needed to keep up with existing and changing technology. Evaluates process control programs to ensure they work as designed, preform under extremes and tune/s the system/s when drift of the process is observed. May act as the Designated Operator in Charge for the Water Pollution Control Operations Manager in his/her absence. Working Conditions: Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires near and far vision when operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required in both the field and the office. The ability to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat, and cold. The incumbent may be exposed to chemicals, hazardous materials, skin irritants, fumes, and solvents. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to perform confined space entries, climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and work in heavy traffic conditions. All of the work at the plant requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and/or established safety programs to perform the job. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way: Graduation from High School or tested equivalent, AND Five years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant with at least 3 years at the shift supervisor level as defined by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The Senior WPC Operator position at the SWPCP is considered equivalent to the SWRCB Shift Supervisor definition. Knowledge of: Chemical, biological, physical and mechanical systems associated with the operation of: pre-treatment, primary treatment, oxidation (facultative) ponds, fixed growth reactors (Nitrifying Trickling Filters), dissolved air flotation tanks, dual media filtration, disinfection, neutralization and the production of recycled water. The application, control, monitoring, troubleshooting and the equipment to dose polymer, chlorine or sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite , and other related wastewater and water reclamation chemicals. Principles and practices necessary in the operation of filtration and disinfection for a Water Reclamation Plant. Principal and practices necessary in the operation of the Power (Co-Gen) Generation Facility, electrical distribution, and operation of related equipment. Regulatory agency guidelines as they apply to the collection, treatment and discharge of treated wastewater for both receiving waters and water reclamation supply. Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles. Safety procedures pertaining to plant operations, including the techniques for handling and storing hazardous chemicals, and responding to and reporting chemical spills and other emergencies. Skill in: The use of Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems to monitor, adjust, and evaluate plant process control parameters to meet performance targets and meet or exceed effluent water quality goals for NPDES compliance. The use of computers; SCADA generated trends for wastewater treatment processes analysis, troubleshooting and process control. The use of hand, power, other mechanical, electrical and pneumatic tools and other equipment. Ability to: Supervise Operations and coordinate activities during normal business hours requiring a high degree of competence. Communicate and prioritize assignments to ensure routine or emergency maintenance activities, maintenance or Capital Improvement Construction, and routine, special or emergency operations are carried out in a safe, compliant and effective manner. Carry out the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant standard operating procedures, and operations and maintenance requirements. Work with the mechanical support sections to ensure that required maintenance activities are completed in a safe, timely and effective manner. Read and interpret drawings, plans, schematics and specifications. Keep accurate records; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and memoranda. Supervise the SWPCP Operations Training Programs and train/mentor assigned staff. Perform all plant operations without supervision. Analyze and correct plant operations problems, and ensure continuous safe operation of the plant. Perform routine laboratory analysis for treatment and process control evaluation. Work as an effective team leader offering support to all levels of staff. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and to communicate in a professional manner both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Work with, in, and around influents containing municipal wastewater, plant treatment processes, wastewater treatment chemicals, hazardous materials, and residential, commercial and industrial sewage. Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices reflecting wastewater treatment plant operations and make complex operational adjustments based on recorded data. Be fit tested and wear/dawn and maintain the ability to use an air-purifying respirator and/or self contained breathing apparatus SCBA. Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner. Operate standard office equipment; use word processing and spreadsheet applications. Willingness to: Respond to emergencies at any time of the day or night, including weekends and holidays; occasionally perform duties for periods longer than the normal
The Principal Water Pollution Control Plant Operator, reporting to the Water Pollution Control Operations Manager, undertakes supervisory responsibilities at the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant (SWPCP). Their duties include providing instruction, troubleshooting, and maintenance related to plant operations, supervising training programs, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of equipment, and coordinating with various stakeholders. Distinguishing Characteristics: This Principal Operator position is the advanced journey-level classification in the Water Pollution Control Operator series. Incumbents are responsible for the coordination efforts between the Operations and Maintenance sections of SWPCP, administering the Operations portion of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), and ensuring preventative maintenance is performed as required. Incumbents supervise the Operator in Training (OIT) Program. The Principal WPCP Operator is distinguished from the next lower classification of Senior Water Pollution Control Operator in that the Principal WPCP Operator performs a complex range of duties in the scheduling, training, operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment systems and has supervisor level responsibility. Essential Job Functions
(May include, but are not limited to, the following): Provides leadership for water pollution control operators; works in a collaborative manner with other staff such as maintenance, laboratory, administration, contractors and other city staff to ensure that all safety, compliance and optimization efforts are diligently pursued. Coordinates emergency response measures at the plant; notifies the Department of Public Safety as needed; familiarity with contingency plans, emergency operations, layout and activities in the facility, including the location of all pertinent records and documents; offers suggestions to improve safety protocols when needed. Monitors all plant treatment processes to ensure that local, state, and federal regulatory requirements are met, and documents process conditions as required. Reviews, comments and makes recommendations on plans and specifications for Capital Improvement Projects during design and construction at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Acts as liaison and coordinator for contractors and vendors on an as-needed basis. Operates and makes minor repairs to engines, motors, pumps, sedimentation basins, flights, gates, valves, chlorinators, contact channels and other related equipment. Is proficient at the application, use, and administration of the SWPCPs CMMS and ensures that associated work orders are appropriate, properly submitted, approved, and issued in a timely fashion to ensure the SWPCP equipment is properly maintained. Reviews, adds critical relevant information if needed, and certifies logbook entries are accurate, complete and meet established guidelines. Performs and orders analytical tests as needed for pilot studies, process control evaluation or other troubleshooting efforts. Ensures cost effective operations through the control and monitoring of electrical loads, chemical usage, staffing overtime/training assignments, and other operations costs. Optimizes removal of all solids separation processes such as primary sludge pumping, sedimentation tank FOG skimming, programming of raw sludge pumping cycles, and algae float skimming treatment and disposal. Schedules work for all crews based on individual operator Shift assignment including annual vacation requests and other time off requests. Updates monthly schedule to ensure the plant is properly staffed at all times on all shifts every day of the year. Checks and reviews time cards, and ensures compliance with vacancy guidelines. Trains operations staff on new and existing systems and equipment, developing and modifying training materials as needed to keep up with existing and changing technology. Evaluates process control programs to ensure they work as designed, preform under extremes and tune/s the system/s when drift of the process is observed. May act as the Designated Operator in Charge for the Water Pollution Control Operations Manager in his/her absence. Working Conditions: Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires near and far vision when operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required in both the field and the office. The ability to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat, and cold. The incumbent may be exposed to chemicals, hazardous materials, skin irritants, fumes, and solvents. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to perform confined space entries, climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and work in heavy traffic conditions. All of the work at the plant requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and/or established safety programs to perform the job. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way: Graduation from High School or tested equivalent, AND Five years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant with at least 3 years at the shift supervisor level as defined by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The Senior WPC Operator position at the SWPCP is considered equivalent to the SWRCB Shift Supervisor definition. Knowledge of: Chemical, biological, physical and mechanical systems associated with the operation of: pre-treatment, primary treatment, oxidation (facultative) ponds, fixed growth reactors (Nitrifying Trickling Filters), dissolved air flotation tanks, dual media filtration, disinfection, neutralization and the production of recycled water. The application, control, monitoring, troubleshooting and the equipment to dose polymer, chlorine or sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite , and other related wastewater and water reclamation chemicals. Principles and practices necessary in the operation of filtration and disinfection for a Water Reclamation Plant. Principal and practices necessary in the operation of the Power (Co-Gen) Generation Facility, electrical distribution, and operation of related equipment. Regulatory agency guidelines as they apply to the collection, treatment and discharge of treated wastewater for both receiving waters and water reclamation supply. Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles. Safety procedures pertaining to plant operations, including the techniques for handling and storing hazardous chemicals, and responding to and reporting chemical spills and other emergencies. Skill in: The use of Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems to monitor, adjust, and evaluate plant process control parameters to meet performance targets and meet or exceed effluent water quality goals for NPDES compliance. The use of computers; SCADA generated trends for wastewater treatment processes analysis, troubleshooting and process control. The use of hand, power, other mechanical, electrical and pneumatic tools and other equipment. Ability to: Supervise Operations and coordinate activities during normal business hours requiring a high degree of competence. Communicate and prioritize assignments to ensure routine or emergency maintenance activities, maintenance or Capital Improvement Construction, and routine, special or emergency operations are carried out in a safe, compliant and effective manner. Carry out the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant standard operating procedures, and operations and maintenance requirements. Work with the mechanical support sections to ensure that required maintenance activities are completed in a safe, timely and effective manner. Read and interpret drawings, plans, schematics and specifications. Keep accurate records; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and memoranda. Supervise the SWPCP Operations Training Programs and train/mentor assigned staff. Perform all plant operations without supervision. Analyze and correct plant operations problems, and ensure continuous safe operation of the plant. Perform routine laboratory analysis for treatment and process control evaluation. Work as an effective team leader offering support to all levels of staff. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and to communicate in a professional manner both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Work with, in, and around influents containing municipal wastewater, plant treatment processes, wastewater treatment chemicals, hazardous materials, and residential, commercial and industrial sewage. Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices reflecting wastewater treatment plant operations and make complex operational adjustments based on recorded data. Be fit tested and wear/dawn and maintain the ability to use an air-purifying respirator and/or self contained breathing apparatus SCBA. Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner. Operate standard office equipment; use word processing and spreadsheet applications. Willingness to: Respond to emergencies at any time of the day or night, including weekends and holidays; occasionally perform duties for periods longer than the normal