CITY OF OCEANSIDE NEW: September 2007

CLASS CODE: MAINT59

UNIT: OCEA

WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR IN TRAINING

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.
Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, to perform a variety of routine duties and to learn to perform more difficult and
complex tasks in the operations, monitoring and maintenance of a major wastewater treatment facility;
and to perform other duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level trainee classification for the wastewater treatment operations function designed to
provide the training and experience required for advancement. Incumbents work under close and
continuous direction of an experienced, licensed operator are assigned the more routine, simple, and
operational tasks and are expected to progressively accumulate working knowledge of the principles and
practices utilized in the operation, maintenance, repair of a major wastewater treatment facility. This
classification is distinguished from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I in that the higher level
Operator I must possess a working knowledge of plant operations and is responsible for operating a
wastewater treatment plant and related facilities during an assigned shift without immediate supervision.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Examples of duties performed by employees in this class may not include all
required duties, nor are all listed tasks necessarily performed by everyone in this class.
Assists in monitoring the operation of wastewater treatment plant pumps, motors, digesters and other
equipment; takes and records readings of gauges, dials and other instruments that record plant operations
including the SCADA system and off-site pump facilities; interprets operating data and make the less
complex operating adjustments; makes visual inspections of plant operations ensuring that operational
problems have been located and corrected; operates valves and controls to feed chemicals according to
plant flows; inspects, cleans and maintains pumps, motors, valves, filters, meters and related equipment;
performs required preventive maintenance and repairs; learns and applies the practices, procedures,
techniques, regulations, and laws relating to wastewater treatment; learns and applies safety practices and
procedures related to work; collects a variety of samples for laboratory testing; performs basic laboratory
tests and analysis; keeps records and logs of operations; updates information for reporting purposes;
establishes positive working relationships with staff, other agencies and the public; performs other duties
as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Basic laboratory operations, testing and analysis.
• Elementary repair, maintenance and adjustment procedures for wastewater treatment plant
equipment.
• Practices, materials and techniques used in general and grounds maintenance activities.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE
Wastewater Plant Operator In Training (Continued)

Ability to:
• Learn to operate, repair and maintain a wastewater treatment facility.
• Learn to read and interpret computer control system (SCADA) and other recording devices
reflecting wastewater treatment plant
operations and make operating adjustments based upon recorded data.
• Learn to take wastewater and sludge samples and perform basic laboratory tests; perform basic
calibration of equipment.
• Learn to diagnose a variety of operating problems and take effective corrective actions.
• Deal tactfully with the public and others in providing information, answering questions and
providing customer service.
• Work shifts, weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Read, understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; follow oral and written
directions; accept constructive criticism form supervisors.
• Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports and charts.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience:
One year of work experience in any field demonstrating responsibility and ability to learn and
acquire new skills.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade or GED equivalent.
License or Certificate:
• A current, valid, California driver’s license.
• Possession of the Operator-In-Training certificate issued by the California State Water
Resources Control Board within sixty (60) days of appointment.
• Possession of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the
California State Water Resources Control Board within two (2) years of appointment.
As a condition of employment, the incumbent must obtain the Operator-In-Training certificate issued by
the California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the sixty (60) days from the date
of appointment and the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the California
State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the two (2) years from the date of appointment.

Internal candidates: Failing to obtain the Operator-In-Training certificate issued by the California
State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the sixty (60) days from the date of
appointment will be reverted to their previous classification.

Failing to obtain the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certification issued by the
California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the two (2) years from the date
of appointment will be reverted to their previous classification.

External candidates: Failing to obtain the Operator-In-Training certificate issued by the California
State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the sixty (60) days from the date of
appointment will be terminated without right of appeal.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE
Wastewater Plant Operator In Training (Continued)

Failing to obtain the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the
California State Water Resources Control Board prior to the end of the two (2) years from the date
of appointment will be terminated without right of appeal.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Wastewater treatment plant environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical
energy, radiant energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather conditions; work in or with water and
wastewater. The availability to work different shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Physical Conditions:
Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking or
bending for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting; operating motorized equipment
and vehicles.