The Water Treatment Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for the health, safety and comfort of all American Canyon residents, workers and visitors by treating for delivery approximately 2,600 acre-feet of water a year. Our goal is to meet the essential needs of the City and our larger service area in a way that brings pride to the community with little or no awareness by the public.

American Canyon is looking for experienced Chief Plant Operator to participate in and supervise the day-to-day technical operations and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant and related facilities to meet water quality regulations and serve as the Chief Operator in accordance with State of California regulations. We want people with hands on experience and skills they can demonstrate, and an attitude of community service and teamwork ahead of personal gain. The City also wants to help you grow in your career through continuing education, certifications and training.

This position is not designated for Retired Annuitants as that term is used by CalPERS and other public retirement systems with reciprocal arrangements with CalPERS.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Chief Plant Operator provides first-line supervision to Plant Operators. The incumbent has overall functional responsibility for planning and supervising the work of assigned staff. The Chief Plant Operator is a fully qualified plant operator who is capable of efficiently operating the water treatment or wastewater plant when necessary. The Chief Plant Operator will be assigned to the Water Treatment Plant and will be appropriately certified as required by the State of California.

This position is an FSLA-exempt position represented by the Mid-Management Unit of Teamsters Local 315. The incumbent receives general direction from the Water Systems Manager and performs duties without immediate supervision. The Chief Plant Operator provides direct and indirect supervision to Plant Operators and other assigned City staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises, prioritizes, plans, assigns, and reviews the work of staff involved in water or wastewater treatment operations;
• Directs the more complex operating adjustments;
• Serves as Chief Operator in accordance with California standards and requirements, performs all duties required of that role, and ensures compliance with State and Federal regulatory operating requirements;
• Complete and submit reports to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements;
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives;
• Establishes schedules and methods for treatment plant operations;
• Implements policies and procedures;
• Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities;
• Recommends improvements and modifications;
• Prepares various reports on operations and activities, including development and distribution of standard operating procedures for plant operation and safety;
• Performs plant safety inspections and prepares work orders to correct deficiencies;
• Conducts operational inspections of plant equipment and facilities to locate and direct needed repairs and preventive maintenance;
• Oversee and coordinate facility maintenance to ensure regulatory compliance;
• Reviews daily plant records to ensure compliance with operating conditions and parameters established by the Water Systems Manager;
• Oversees and maintains the quality assurance of plant analytical equipment;
• Interfaces with private contractors in the performance of City contracts;
• Participates in budget preparation and administration by preparing cost estimates for budget recommendations, submitting justifications for staff, equipment, supplies, and materials, and assisting in monitoring and controlling expenditures;
• Performs and assists in a variety of personnel actions, including performance evaluations, training, selection, and disciplinary actions;
• Assists with research and project development and implementation;
• Oversees and enforces the safety program;
• Perform all duties associated with Plant Operator classification as necessary;
• Represent the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.
• Foster an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Being an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public;
• Investigates complaints and recommends corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints;
• Interfaces closely with laboratory and plant maintenance personnel to optimize treatment processes;
• Acts in the absence of assigned supervisor.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The level and scope of the required knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this section are related to the job duties as defined in the Distinguishing Characteristics section above.

Knowledge of:

• Complex operating principles of water treatment/distribution, facilities, and related systems and equipment in accordance with the scope of duties allowed by State license at the level required for position;
• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants and related facilities;
• Principles and objectives of biological and chemical processes and laboratory analysis for treatment and control;
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, regulations and codes;
• Basic instrumentation and computerized operational control systems;
• Report writing principles;
• Principles and practices of leadership, supervision, training, performance evaluation, budgeting and safety management.
• Common software packages, such as Microsoft Office, and specialized software related to the work of the unit, including SCADA systems.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Plan, develop, and implement operational policies and procedures;
• Diagnose operational problems and take effective courses of action;
• Work independently with no direct supervision;
• Coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously;
• Exercise good judgment;
• Respond quickly and effectively in difficult situations;
• Analyze problem situations and make recommendations;
• Supervise, direct, train, mentor, and evaluate subordinate employees, and provide effective leadership;
• Identify and correct safety hazards;
• Identify, interpret and use technical and numerical information including laboratory test results and manufacturer's specifications and manuals;
• Interpret SCADA PLC programming/control strategies for plant operations;
• Maintain accurate records;
• Analyze and prepare work papers, reports and special projects;
• Use computer e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheet programs;
• Use computerized operational control systems utilized in water or wastewater treatment operations;
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Typical Qualifications:

Any combination of education, training and experience sufficient to provide the required knowledge and abilities described above is qualifying. Typical qualifications include:

Education:

Experience & Certification:

• One year of experience as a Plant Operator III with the City of American Canyon – OR – Five years of increasingly responsible experience performing water treatment system operational duties. An Associate degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field can substitute for one year of required experience. A bachelor's degree in environmental science or a closely related field can substitute for two years of required experience.
• For Water Treatment Assignment:
  • Possession of a valid California Drinking Water Operator Certification Program T3 Water Treatment Operator certification is a condition of initial and continued employment.
  • Possession of a valid California Drinking Water Operator Certification Program D3 Water System Distribution Operation certification is desirable.

License Requirement:

The City of American Canyon reasonably expects operating a motor vehicle to be a job function of this position. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an outdoor and treatment plant environment on a year-round basis. (1) Mobility: frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stretching, reaching, squatting, climbing, kneeling and twisting; ascending and descending stairs and ladders; frequent use of keyboard; frequent standing for long periods of time. (2) Lifting: frequently up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 75 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision; ability to distinguish colors. (4) Dexterity: frequent grasping; pushing, pulling, fine manipulation, finger and hand coordination. (5) Hearing/Talking: acute hearing to distinguish various sounds, such as audible alarms, voices of co-workers and sounds of operating equipment in both quiet and noisy environments, and to use radios and/or phones. (6) Emotional/ Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. (7) Environmental: frequent exposure to heat, cold, dampness, toxic materials, noise, and water.

Special Requirements:

• Must respond to emergency situations during off-hours as necessary.
• Intermittent weekend and/or evening or other than usual business hours work is required.
• Pursuant to California Government Code §3101, and American Canyon City Code §2.48.040(G)(3), all City employees are deemed Emergency Disaster Workers and may be charged with duties incident to the protection of life and property in the City during any emergency.