The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II positions. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. For first consideration, apply immediately. 

About the Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II Positions

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training

Definition: Under direct or general supervision, operates, monitors, and maintains plant and collection system equipment, including engines, motors, boilers, compressors, and pumps, to control unit processes; monitors and controls wastewater flow; performs adjustments and repairs to plant equipment; collects samples for laboratory testing; and performs minor maintenance such as flushing sludge lines to digesters, adding oil, and cleaning drains.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Under supervision, perform assigned treatment plant rounds, inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
• Under supervision, operate plant equipment including engines, motors, boilers, compressors, conveyors, and pumps to control unit processes such as raw sludge pumps and primary clarifiers, digesters, belt presses, activated sludge, dissolved air flotation, scrubbers, prime movers and pumping facilities regulating the flow of wastewater through the treatment plant; ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Under supervision, monitor and control wastewater flow and plant processes to ensure efficient and safe operation and compliance with permit requirements; perform sight and sound inspections of equipment; take readings of meters and gauges; collect wastewater and sludge samples to perform lab tests; adjust processes within authorized parameters, including plant flow, sludge pumping cycles, and chemical addition units.
• Maintain equipment or working area by cleaning grit bins, screen bins, pump rooms, solids dewatering area, tunnels, and general facilities.
• Perform minor operational tasks on equipment such as flushing sludge lines to digesters, adding oil, flushing y-screens, and clearing drains; report malfunctions to the appropriate department; perform emergency repair work on plant operation equipment, as directed, or assist other divisions with repairs.
• Respond to maintenance and construction requests to facilitate process operation equipment; perform isolations, shut-downs, tag-outs, and start-ups of plant operation equipment before and after testing, maintenance, and emergency repairs are performed.
• Under supervision, record data related to plant operation processes, including digester temperatures, sludge density, blanket levels, and dissolved oxygen reading; complete daily operating logs of routine and unusual operating or maintenance conditions encountered and any repair work performed; initiate work orders, memos and requests for maintenance repairs as necessary.
• Read and review a variety of pertinent data connected with plant operations, including logs of previous shifts, lab reports, emails, status boards, and bulletin boards.
• Receive and store chemicals, equipment, and parts necessary for plant operations.
• Operate a variety of equipment and tools necessary to maintain the wastewater treatment plant system and equipment.
• Perform general plant maintenance, including cleaning, rolling of hoses, sweeping and removal of trash and debris; maintain work area to ensure safety and order.
• Maintain security of plant facilities.
• As assigned, provide guidance and training to less experienced operators in training.
• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Principles, practices, materials, chemicals, and operating procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, and motors.
• Methods and techniques of reading and interpreting gauges, recording devices, and related system monitors.
• Tools, equipment, and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant facilities.
• Emergency maintenance and repair procedures related to wastewater treatment facilities.
• Operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Principles and procedures used in the proper handling of chemicals.
• Principles of chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications.
• Maintain accurate and detailed logs and records of work and laboratory tests performed.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Under supervision, operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment, facilities, and systems.
• Read and interpret gauges, recording devices, and related monitors.
• Under supervision, collect a variety of wastewater samples and conduct appropriate tests in accordance with state and federal regulations and requirements.
• Diagnose operational problems and perform effective maintenance on equipment.
• Perform inspections and preventive maintenance of treatment plant facilities and equipment.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work and laboratory tests performed.
• Operate assigned equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Operate office equipment, including computers and applicable software applications.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Make sound decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by specialized training in wastewater treatment plant operations or a related field.
• Some experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant performing basic operation and control of plant operation equipment and unit processes is desirable.
• Must obtain an OIT certificate within one (1) month and a valid Grade I California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate within one (1) year from the date of employment.
• Possession of a valid California class B commercial driver’s license with tanker & air brake endorsements within 6 (six) months from the date of employment.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in the plant; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing a minimum of 40 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements:

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Wastewater Operator I

Definition: Under general supervision, to operate the District’s wastewater treatment plant and collection system; to perform a wide variety of operation and maintenance duties; and to do related work as required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do all the listed examples include all tests, which may be found in positions of the class.

Laboratory:

• 30-minute Settleable Solids
• PH
• Temperature of water samples
• Suspended Solids
• MLSS and MLVSS
• Bacteriological analyses for MPN, and Colilert for the drinking
• Fill out the necessary logs and input information into the computer
• Know the location of all sample points for wastewater sampling
• Chlorine residual both Hach and Titration methods
• Microscopic slides of wastewater
• COD and BOD
• Making of media for Bacteriological tests. 

Plant Operations:

• Location of valves
• Understand flows inside the plant
• Take D.O. readings and fill out reports. Adjust only under supervision
• Name and understand the major parts of the plant's components
• Reset all equipment and restart the plants after a power failure
• Fill the plant basins from the EQ tanks, influent pump station, or with effluent
• Take air compressor and manometer readings
• Read meters and fill out the necessary logs
• Follow mandated protocol for reporting spills or sanitary overflows
• Report malfunctioning plant equipment to the supervisor
• Fill out work orders and purchase orders
• Read and understand pump curves
• Clean digester, reaeration, and clarifier basins as necessary
• Follow all safety requirements
• Know and recognize confined spaces and their entry procedures
• Adjust air to the plants
• Adjust air volumes from air compressors
• Change plants from contact stabilization to extended aeration
• Adjust Return Activated Sludge Flows
• Participate in plant operating decisions
• Check the performance of equipment and perform repairs with little or no supervision
• Read maps of the plant
• Know the effluent requirements from the plant
• Enter FM and MCRT reports on the computer
• Know all safety aspects of job requirements
• Know and recognize confined spaces and their entry procedures

Sludge Disposal:

• Transfer sludge as required under supervision
• Haul and unload sludge to the disposal site
• Maintain disposal site as necessary
• Decant digester as necessary
• Operate all equipment needed to load the sludge truck
• Inspection of sludge disposal site
• Report problems to the supervisor
• Know general quantities of sludge dumped and locations
• Know the sludge rules governing the sludge disposal site 

Spray field:

• Locations of valves from ponds to spray field
• Setup of sprinklers or ponds as necessary
• Maintenance of spray field and equipment
• Operation of caterpillar tractor for disking
• Location of non-potable pumps and operation
• Inspection of spray fields
• Reporting problems to the supervisor
• Know the effluent requirement for the ponds and spray field
• Know the requirements regarding pounding of the sprinkler system

Collection System:

• Basic understanding of pump stations and their control panels
• While on call, respond to alarms and emergency problems in the collection system
• Notify supervision of all problems
• If a spill occurs, notify the appropriate agencies
• Make appropriate repairs to the collection system to prevent spills
• Make repairs to equipment and pump station to prevent spills
• Qualified personnel shall do all electrical repairs only
• Call the appropriate people to make repairs if you are qualified
• Proper operation of the Vactor, portable hydraulic pump
• Operation of on-site generators, and electrical control panels
• Know and recognize confined spaces and their entry procedures
• Operates and maintains the wastewater treatment system and collections system
• Checks performance and assists in the repair and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, motors, switchgear, controls, meters, and air compressors
• Cleans and maintains the appearance of plant equipment, buildings, lift stations, and vehicles
• Collects samples and runs required laboratory tests
• Maintains logs and records of laboratory testing, equipment history, and operations and maintenance

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations; operating principles of valves, pumps, and motors; principles and methods of bacteriological and chemical analyses; types and functions of equipment commonly used; safety requirements and practices required for systems operation and maintenance.
• Perform routine operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and the collection system; perform property testing procedures of routine analysis; record pertinent information in logs and records; and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Required Qualifications:

• One year of experience in the wastewater field and the passing of the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Examination.
• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Valid California class “B” driver’s license within six (6) months. Must maintain satisfactory DMV record and ability to maintain insurability.
• Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certification California State Water Resources Control Board.

Wastewater Operator II

Definition: Under the supervision of the Wastewater Systems Superintendent, operate the District’s wastewater treatment plant and collection system; perform a wide variety of operation and maintenance duties; and do related work as required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do all the listed examples include all tests, which may be found in positions of the class.

Laboratory:

• 30-minute Settleable Solids
• PH
• Temperature of water samples
• Suspended Solids
• MLSS and MLVSS
• Bacteriological analyses for MPN, and Colilert for the drinking
• Fill out the necessary logs and input information into the computer
• Know the location of all sample points for wastewater sampling
• Chlorine residual both Hach and Titration methods
• Microscopic slides of wastewater
• COD and BOD
• Making of media for Bacteriological tests. 

Plant Operations:

• Location of valves
• Understand flows inside the plant
• Take D.O. readings and fill out reports. Adjust only under supervision
• Name and understand the major parts of the plant's components
• Reset all equipment and restart the plants after a power failure
• Fill the plant basins from the EQ tanks, influent pump station, or with effluent
• Take air compressor and manometer readings
• Read meters and fill out the necessary logs
• Follow mandated protocol for reporting spills or sanitary overflows
• Report malfunctioning plant equipment to the supervisor
• Fill out work orders and purchase orders
• Read and understand pump curves
• Clean digester, reaeration, and clarifier basins as necessary
• Follow all safety requirements
• Know and recognize confined spaces and their entry procedures
• Adjust air to the plants
• Adjust air volumes from air compressors
• Change plants from contact stabilization to extended aeration
• Adjust Return Activated Sludge Flows
• Participate in plant operating decisions
• Check the performance of equipment and perform repairs with little or no supervision
• Read maps of the plant
• Know the effluent requirements from the plant
• Enter FM and MCRT reports on the computer
• Know all safety aspects of job requirements
• Know and recognize confined spaces and their entry procedures

Sludge Disposal:

• Transfer sludge as required under supervision
• Haul and unload sludge to the disposal site
• Maintain disposal site as necessary
• Decant digester as necessary
• Operate all equipment needed to load the sludge truck
• Inspection of sludge disposal site
• Report problems to the supervisor
• Know general quantities of sludge dumped and locations
• Know the sludge rules governing the sludge disposal site 

Spray field:

• Locations of valves from ponds to spray field
• Setup of sprinklers or ponds as necessary
• Maintenance of spray field and equipment
• Operation of caterpillar tractor for disking
• Location of non-potable pumps and operation
• Inspection of spray fields
• Reporting problems to the supervisor
• Know the effluent requirement for the ponds and spray field
• Know the requirements regarding pounding of the sprinkler system

Collection System:

• Basic understanding of pump stations and their control panels
• While on call, respond to alarms and emergency problems in the collection system
• Notify supervision of all problems
• If a spill occurs, notify the appropriate agencies
• Make appropriate repairs to the collection system to prevent spills
• Make repairs to equipment and pump station to prevent spills
• Qualified personnel shall do all electrical repairs only
• Call the appropriate people to make repairs if you are qualified
• Proper operation of the Vactor, portable hydraulic pump
• Operation of on-site generators, and electrical control panels
• Know and recognize confined spaces and their entry procedures
• Operates and maintains the wastewater treatment system and collections system
• Checks performance and assists in the repair and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, motors, switchgear, controls, meters, and air compressors
• Cleans and maintains the appearance of plant equipment, buildings, lift stations, and vehicles
• Collects samples and runs required laboratory tests
• Maintains logs and records of laboratory testing, equipment history, and operations and maintenance

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations; operating principles of valves, pumps, and motors; principles and methods of bacteriological and chemical analyses; types and functions of equipment commonly used; safety requirements and practices required for systems operation and maintenance.
• Perform routine operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and the collection system; perform property testing procedures of routine analysis; record pertinent information in logs and records; and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Required Qualifications:

• One and one-half years of experience as a Grade I in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s certification/California State Water Resources Control Board.
• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Valid California class “B” driver’s license within six (6) months. Must maintain satisfactory DMV record and ability to maintain insurability.
• Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certification California State Water Resources Control Board.

These positions are within the SEIU employee group. To review the position descriptions, please click the links below.

Benefits

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training: $55,149 to $67,034 annually
• Wastewater Operator I: $57,970 to $70,463 annually
• Wastewater Operator II: $65,342 to $79,423 annually
• 11 standard paid holidays per year
• 3.08 hours biweekly (120 hrs/yr) of paid vacation
• 3.70 hours biweekly (96 hrs/yr) of sick leave
• Regular employees, after completion of their probationary period, shall be eligible for the Health Care Reimbursement Program. Eligible employees receive a credit of $1300 each January 1.
• The district pays 85% of the health premiums currently in effect for employee and dependent coverage for the lowest cost plan available to district employees offered through CalPERS.
• The district pays 85% of the dental premiums currently in effect for employee and dependent coverage for the lowest-cost plan.
• A Group Life Insurance Plan will be provided with a $25,000 life insurance policy, a $1,000 policy for each employee's spouse, and a $1,000 policy for each employee dependent under the age of 21.
• CalPERS 3% @ 60 retirement plan for covered employees hired prior to October 1, 2012, including single highest year computation and credit for unused sick leave; 2% @ 60 retirement plan for covered employees hired on or after October 1, 2012 up through December 31, 2012, including the 36 highest consecutive months’ final compensation provision; covered employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who are defined as “new members” under PEPRA will be covered by the 2% @ 62 retirement plan and the 36 highest consecutive months’ final compensation provision. Employee pays 100% of the CalPERS employee contribution.
• The district provides a Deferred Compensation 457 matching monthly contribution of $25.

Application Process

Electronic submittals are strongly preferred and should be directed to administration@cambriacsd.org and include the following: completed application, cover letter, resume, and proof of required qualifications. All applicants will be reviewed, and only those candidates determined to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training, and education as submitted will move forward in the hiring process. The candidate who has successfully completed all prior phases of the hiring process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.