Wastewater Systems Technician I, II, III

Valley Center Municipal Water District is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Wastewater Systems Technician I, II or III. Incumbents perform a variety of duties related to operating treatment plants, performing maintenance, reading meters and gauges, and collecting samples. Incumbents work a varied work week, different shifts, stand-by duty, and must be able to respond to emergencies as necessary.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this position. Wastewater Systems Technician I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

Assists in maintaining, operating and checking the operation of all collection systems and lift stations, and chlorination facilities; operating pumps, valves, and other equipment by hand or mechanical means to regulate the flow of wastewater through various primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes; and, maintaining an even flow to assure maximum efficiency of plant equipment and delivery of effluent to customers. Maintains areas around meters, inspects meters and lines for damage or leaks. Assists in collecting samples of wastewater and other materials at scheduled times; performing standardized control tests; operating, adjusting and maintaining chemical feed equipment to ensure compliance with established standards; performing record keeping functions such as logging plant operations, test results, maintenance work performed, and unusual operating conditions encountered; preparing special reports as required.

Inspects plant equipment and remote facilities and reports on failures or operating difficulties; stopping and starting equipment as required for repair; and, cleaning, lubricating, and performing routine maintenance of plant equipment and facilities. Performs routine and higher-level maintenance at plant facilities and grounds including washing down facility daily, maintaining grounds, the sludge handling facilities including odor control and performing general housekeeping duties; performs maintenance of plant machinery, equipment, piping and structures; cleans air diffusers, clears blockages from pipes and valves; performs repairs as necessary. Reads and interprets meters, gauges, charts and instruments; changes recording charts and ensures their continuous operation. (A more detailed job description can be found on the District’s website http://www.valleycenterwater.org/Jobs).

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Knowledge of: Operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater reclamation plant equipment and facilities; wastewater treatment and reclamation principles, methods and practices; operation and maintenance of a wide variety of shop equipment, hand, and power tools and machinery used in the work; shop mathematics; safety rules, codes and regulations and safe work methods and precautions related to the work; using computer and related software applications; basic first aid and CPR techniques; methods and precautions in storing and handling chlorine and other hazardous gases, chemicals and pesticides; routine process control tests; preventative maintenance practices and procedures as applied to wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems.

Ability to: Operate wastewater treatment plant equipment; perform routine maintenance and make operating adjustments to wastewater equipment; confined space entry procedures; SCADA systems; cleaning and painting facilities and equipment; recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions and take appropriate action; read and record data from gauges and meters; read and interpret plant piping and distribution diagrams and schematics; instruct and direct the work of less skilled employees; perform routine control tests and adjust plant equipment accordingly; keep records and make oral and written reports of work performed; understand oral communication and be understood while using the District’s radio communication system; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and those contacted in the course of the work.

Education, Experience, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Education: Equivalent to a High School Diploma.

Experience: Wastewater Services Technician I – One year of experience operating and performing maintenance in a treatment plant or similar environment.

Wastewater Services Technician II – Two years of experience as a Wastewater Systems Technician I, or its equivalent; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Wastewater Services Technician III – Two years of experience as a Wastewater Systems Technician II, or its equivalent; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licenses and Certifications: Wastewater Services Technician I – California Class C Driver’s License; Ability to obtain within two years as a condition of employment: Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade I.

Wastewater Services Technician II – CWEA Collection System Grade I, Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade II; California Commercial Class C Driver’s License with Tanker Endorsement.

Wastewater Services Technician III – CWEA Collection System Grade II, Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade III; California Commercial Class C Driver’s License with Tanker Endorsement.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to use hands and fingers to grasp and feel, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear.  The incumbent is occasionally required to sit.  The incumbent must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. May be required to medically qualify and wear a District approved respirator.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.  The incumbent is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; high, precarious places; and vibrations.  The noise level will range from moderate to very loud.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A District Application is required for consideration for this position and is available online at www.valleycenterwater.org or at our District office located at 29300 Valley Center Road, Valley Center. Office hours are 7:00am to 4:30pm Monday – Thursday and 7:00am to 3:30pm on Friday. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed District application. Please direct any questions to Stephanie Lackerdas at (760) 735-4525.

The provisions of this notice do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision in this notice may be modified or revoked without notice. Persons selected for employment will be required to take, and pass, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check. They will also be required to present documents establishing qualifications, personal identity and the legal right to work in the United States.

The District makes reasonable accommodations for the disabled. If candidates require special arrangements to participate in the interview process, they should state their needs when invited to participate in an oral panel interview. Valley Center Municipal Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.