Under general supervision this job classification performs mid to high journeyman-level operational tasks involved in the operation and maintenance of the City's wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes. Provides daily leadership and direction for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprentice, I and II. Acts as the On-Site Operator to verify compliance with State and Federal environmental regulations, and City policies, procedures and standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversees the operation of plant equipment and processes related to water and wastewater treatment systems during an assigned shift in accordance with the strategies developed by the Operations Supervisor and Plant Superintendent, including the operation of ancillary facilities and equipment; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Monitors Wastewater operations to verify treatment plant performance is stable, and in compliance with State and Federal environmental and safety regulations, and City policies, procedures and standards.
• Inspects all treatment plant equipment, and assures equipment is functioning within technical parameters.
• Monitors and evaluates Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) process control systems information; monitors data and error reports, evaluates operational and maintenance issues, and makes functional adjustments to treatment components within scope of authority and training.
• Identifies and diagnoses operational problems, discusses scope and attributes of problems with staff and management, and recommends alterations, adjustments, and procedural changes to correct problems and maintain system stability.
• Oversees treatment chemical and their uses; including making chemical feed adjustments, how to unload, store and uses various chemicals, i.e. sulfuric acid, caustic soda, and chlorine .
• Acts as the treatment plant Onsite Operator as defined by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and coordinates the activities of lower level operations staff; responds to operational incidents, and takes command when appropriate
• Samples and analyzes influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water and permeate to detect quality variations, interpret results, reading sheets, process test, computerized data and information trends to identify variations in flow and water quality and make appropriate changes.
• Uses a variety of standard testing procedures to determine problems and any adjustments needed in the treatment process.
• Records operational data, telemetry readings, work logs and other prescribed work documentation.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

High School Diploma or GED equivalent AND a minimum of three years of work experience in advanced and complex wastewater treatment facilities.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation of water or wastewater treatment plants.
• State and Federal laws and regulations governing wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Protocols for industrial chemical usage and storage
• Advanced computerized systems utilized in wastewater treatment facilities.

Wastewater:

• Laboratory practices required to properly evaluate treatment processes, such as BOD, DO, pH, jar test, CL2 residual, turbidity, COD, color, TSS, TDS, fecal coliforms and total coliforms.
• Chemical/physical and biological processes used in wastewater treatment processes, such as coagulation, flocculation, settling, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection and activated sludge.
• Experience in mechanical and electrical trouble shooting.
• OSHA guidelines related to large treatment facilities.
• Microsoft Windows Office products.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying technical standards and procedures, Federal and State rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures.
• Determine processing requirements; sample the influent and effluent at various stages of processing and identify problems and ensure proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
• Determine processing requirements; sample the influent and effluent at various stages of processing and identify problems and ensure proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
• Complete mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to equipment.
• Following safe work practices, and verbal and written instructions.
• Inspecting and monitoring machinery and equipment to verify compliance with prescribed operating conditions and safety standards,
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Must possess a Grade III operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, or equivalency through reciprocity within 60 days of hire, within the discipline of Wastewater Treatment. Additional training and/or certifications may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed on location at City wastewater treatment plants with moderate physical requirements, and strength sufficient to lift and move items weighing up to fifty pounds; may be exposed to safety hazards including extreme weather conditions i.e. excessive heat and cold, dangerous gases, dangerous chemicals, biological hazards, confined spaces and dangerous tools and equipment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position may require working rotating shifts, rotating on-call schedule, including weekends and holidays.