Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

The Department

The Public Works Department’s Environmental Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s 15.7 million gallon per day (MGD) advanced wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP serves a population of more than 140,000 with an annual operating budget in excess of $15 million and has a staff of 28 professional and technical personnel. Recently completed upgrades to the WWTP include new liquids treatment process facilities consisting of new headworks, primary treatment, and biological nutrient removal/membrane bioreactor (BNR/MBR) process. When you join the Public Works Department, you will work among collaborative and energetic colleagues who share a passion for serving our San Mateo citizens and improving the community in which we live and work. Our team is comprised of individuals with diverse talents and experience in various fields. We will provide you with a wide range of opportunities in a team-based collaborative environment while helping you achieve your professional goals.

Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Creativity, Transparency and Informed Risk-taking are attributes within the City’s mission, values and organizational principles that we are seeking in the candidates.

The Position

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III provides leadership and training for the Operations section. This position works closely with the WWTP Operations Superintendent and WWTP Shift Supervisors to maintain Operator readiness and further the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s mission to protect the local environment and public health. This role is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of the Operator Training Program, including developing and providing consistent training to Operations staff, reviewing plant procedures and recommending improvements, maintaining the electronic Operations & Maintenance manual database, and coordinating between sections to facilitate work while maintaining compliance with regulations.

• This position is distinguished from other Operator III positions by its fixed schedule (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).
• Supervise daily operation of plant in absence of Wastewater Treatment Plant Shift Supervisor; supervise and participate in special projects.
• Act as and perform the duties of the Designated Operator-in-Charge as needed in accordance with State regulations. Operate treatment plant vehicles and stationary machinery as required.
• Foster and maintain good working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Assist in the requisition and purchases of supplies and materials.
• Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Operate valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines, and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers; perform routine maintenance work on valves, tanks, related equipment, and facilities.
• Monitor, adjust and troubleshoot as needed plant operational processes utilizing data-driven technology, such as the SCADA or PCS system.
• Fully utilize the computerized work systems in accordance with workflow processes.
• Review and/or assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures in conjunction with training modules for plant operations.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Maintain the plant operations shift logbook.
• Supervise and train less experienced Operators on assigned shift.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/Index/86

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices necessary in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of wastewater plant machinery; hazardous gases associated with treatment of wastewater; automated equipment as applied to treatment plant operation; wastewater plant operator policies and procedures; safe work practices with high-pressure piping, vessels, gases, steam, corrosive liquids, electricity, and chemicals; safe driving principles and practices.
• Skills to operate wastewater valves, gates, pumps, engines, electric motors, hydraulic equipment, generators, filters, and other plant equipment; operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Ability to prepare simple reports; clean, clear, maintain and adjust motors, pumps, and other equipment; read meters and gauges correctly and to act quickly and competently; collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests; troubleshoot operational problems with plant processes and equipment; use computers and handheld electronic devices in the course of work; perform all plant operations without direct supervision; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; lead, train, and provide input in evaluation of Operators.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Training equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade

License/Certificate:

• Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Salary: $9,774.27 - $11,150.53 / month
• Comprehensive benefits package including generous paid leave and health benefits

Benefits

• CalPERS retirement 2% @ 55 for classic members; 2% @ 62 for new members. Classic employees contribute 8.30% to CalPERS and New members contribute 6.75% to CalPERS with participation in the Social Security Program
• Retirement Health Savings Account: City contribution of 0.75% of base salary
• Deferred Compensation: City will contribute 1% of base salary and match up to 0.5% of employee’s contribution
• Free Fitness classes through City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation, Employee Assistance Program and Credit Union Membership
• Bilingual Differential: $90 biweekly (if applicable)
• This classification is represented by the SEIU Maintenance unit. For more information, please refer to the San Mateo SEIU Maintenance Unit Summary document