COLLECTION SYSTEMS OPERATOR

DMV printout required with application.

JOB SUMMARY
Under supervision performs skilled labor inspecting, maintaining and repairing the City’s sanitary and stormwater conveyance systems; and performs a variety of related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level within the series. Under general supervision, incumbents in this classification perform routine semi-skilled tasks and skilled tasks and receive training in performing inspection, construction, maintenance, and repair duties of the City’s wastewater and stormwater conveyance systems. Over time assignments become more varied and are performed with greater autonomy. Incumbents generally work as a member of a small crew but may be given independent assignments. Advancement in the series is conditioned upon gaining the experience, certification, licensing, and proficiency required of a Collection Systems Operator II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED

• Receives direct supervision from the Collection Systems Manager and general supervision from the Wastewater Division Manager or other Public Works and Utilities Division management

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform physical labor including shoveling, raking, lifting, and digging; clears debris and brush, loads, unloads and operates trucks to transport maintenance supplies and materials
• Places traffic control flags, signs, and cones to direct traffic around work sites; may direct traffic
• Performs occasional simple fabrication and repair of equipment, tools, parts and accessory items using arc and gas welding
• Uses a variety of general carpentry and mechanical hand tools
• Operates equipment such as air compressors, pneumatic hammers, concrete saws, pipe cutters, sprayers, compactors, forklifts, and rollers
• Performs routine maintenance and repair of hand and power tools
• Maintains work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the end of the day
• Prepares and keeps written records, makes supply and equipment requests
• Operates equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, and trucks
• Drives and operates a hydraulic vacuum or flush truck to clean sewer lines
• Operates power rodding equipment
• Operates closed-circuit television equipment to inspect sewer lines and diagnose problems
• Constructs and repairs sewer-related structures such as manholes and cleanouts
• Locates sewer lines by reading maps, drawings, and street markings
• Descends into confined manhole spaces using appropriate safety procedures
• Installs, repairs and replaces sewer mains and laterals
• Applies chemicals and rodent bait to sewer lines
• Performs routine maintenance and repair of sewer pump stations such as cleaning and greasing; adjust and replace packing; change float balls, and replace minor mechanical parts
• Responds during off-hours to emergencies
• Works weekends or holidays when required
• Serves on an on-call status on a rotating basis
• Conducts regular inspections of all lift stations to assure proper operational efficiency
• Lubricates pumps and other mechanical apparatus
• Adjusts valves and controls as necessary to maintain proper flow and treatment of wastewater
• Conducts periodic readings of meters and gauges and records data in the lift station operating logs; maintains detailed and accurate operation and maintenance records
• Adjusts and regulates chemical feeds in pump station wet wells
• Performs a variety of manual tasks involving the handling of equipment exposed to raw sewage including the cleaning and maintenance of clogged pumps, wet wells, sump basins, etc.
• Performs a wide variety of preventative maintenance work and mechanical repair in connection with the repair and upkeep of the pumping facilities
• Performs related duties as assigned

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:

• Proper use and care of common hand tools
• Safety procedures for operating equipment and power tools
• Principles, practices, tools, and materials for installing, cleaning and repairing wastewater and stormwater collection systems
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations relevant to assigned area of responsibility

Ability to:

• Work effectively as a member of a crew
• Dress appropriately in provided uniform
• Learn and follow department practices and procedures and city policies related to assigned duties
• Skillfully use hand and power tools involved in maintenance, repair, and construction work
• Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus
• Operate equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, and trucks
• Work outdoors in adverse weather conditions
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Perform physical tasks involving frequent bending, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of weights up to 50 pounds
• Use a keyboard
• Drive an automobile
• Grasp with right and left hands
• Walk on uneven surfaces
• Hear and distinguish various sounds, such as abnormal equipment sounds, voices of co-workers in noisy environments, pager, cell phone, etc.
• Maintain good public relations with people contacted during course of business
• Maintain First Aid and CPR certification
• Speak English with Spanish being highly desirable
• Perform math calculations
• Read and understand material safety data sheet (SDS)
• Employ safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals and confined space entries
• Interpret and implement traffic control procedures and sign regulations
• Provide a high level of customer service
• Perform semi-skilled construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on wastewater collection and stormwater systems infrastructure such as found in the City
• Determine materials and supplies required for repair
• Maintain accurate logs, records and basic written records of work performed
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines
• Provide needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities combined with any required license is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:

• Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

1. High school diploma or equivalent, and two years of mechanical experience that includes the routine maintenance of standard drive equipment such as motors and pumps
2. Classroom training with CWEA or other equivalent agencies

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:

• Possession and maintenance of a California Class C driver’s license
• Must possess a California Class A driver’s license within one year of hire
• Must Possess valid Grade I Collection Systems Maintenance Certificate issued by the California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) within one year of hire
• Must possess First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within one year of hire

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply online, visit our website at www.cityofwatsonville.org by the application deadline Thursday, December 10, 2020.

The candidate selected will be appointed for a 12-month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list which normally remains in effect for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment List at any time the needs of the City so require. The position is represented by the Operating Engineers Local #3 bargaining unit.

Prior to appointment to the position of Collection Systems Operator I, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.

*Contract negotiations are underway.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.

NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.