Field Operations Technician 1

Class Characteristics

Under general supervision, to inspect, repair, operate and maintain sewer lines, pump stations, remote package treatment facilities, stormwater systems and related equipment, machinery, and instruments; to participate as a member of a work team responsible for sanitary and stormwater systems; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) produces clean water, protects water quality and recovers renewable resources. WES provides wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education, which protects public health and supports the vitality of communities, natural environment, and economy. WES operates and maintains five resource recovery facilities, 23 pumping stations, and more than 360 miles of pipes within Clackamas County.

Field Operations Technicians are responsible for the operation, maintenance and general repair of the wastewater collection system which transports wastewater from residences and commercial facilities to the treatment plants. The Field Operations Technician 1 is responsible for the operation, maintenance and general repair of the stormwater collection system and water quality facilities which capture, convey, and filter stormwater runoff. Incumbents provide field and administrative support to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations regarding collection system management.

The Field Operations Technician 1 differs from the entry-level Field Operations Technician Trainee who receives direct oversight, training and regularly assists higher-level technicians in sanitary and stormwater system operations and maintenance. The Field Operations Technician 1 differs from the Field Operations Technician 2 which has the responsibility to participate in the development and implementation of maintenance programs and lead field projects requiring advanced knowledge, experience, and certification.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Inspects, maintains, and performs general repairs of sewer/stormwater lines and infrastructure; maintains structural and vegetated water quality facilities; examines sewer and stormwater infrastructure for defects, debris, condition of materials, as-built map verification, collects asset data, smoke and dye tests, infiltration and inflow; mechanically removes debris, protruding taps and blockages; adjusts access holes to specifications; applies chemical grout or excavates and replaces damaged pipes; performs mainline tap ins, utility locates and vector control; inspects and documents as-builts on new construction, documents all service request responses and work orders in WES' computerized maintenance management system.
2. Operates, maintains and inspects pump station and equipment, machinery and instruments; investigates and corrects system failures and malfunctions; may perform basic repairs; cleans wet wells and pressure mains; generates auxiliary power and performs emergency bypass pumping or hauling with tanker trucks.
3. Installs, calibrates and maintains flow monitoring and sampling equipment; collects, records and reports on data for billing, investigative and research purposes; collects samples and performs field tests; investigates illegal dumping; responds to hazardous spills and other field emergencies.
4. Participates in the development and implementation of the collection and stormwater systems operation and maintenance program; prepares and implements preventive maintenance priorities and schedules; tests, monitors and evaluates the efficiency of machinery, equipment and instruments.
5. Maintains and inspects remote package treatment facilities; collects and performs field tests on wastewater and stormwater samples; records data and prepares operating reports.
6. Provides public and customer service support to County operations and other municipalities; responds to complaints and inquiries; conducts facility tours and public information meetings; answers technical questions and explains wastewater and stormwater systems.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Working knowledge of: Machinery and equipment used in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater collection and stormwater systems and components; environmental, occupational and health safety practices, rules and regulations; stormwater, wastewater and industrial pre-treatment sampling techniques; basic technical engineering practices used in the construction and inspection of wastewater collection facilities; math, algebra and geometry; English grammar, spelling and punctuation; herbicide applications and techniques and skills in mowing, chemical spraying, hydroseeding, planting, and pruning; use of computers, computer applications, mobile devices and programmable logic controllers.

Skill to: Incorporate team participation in decision making; communicate professionally effectively, both orally and in writing; safely operate maintain and repair combination vacuum truck, closed circuit television inspection equipment, hydrocleaner, front end loader, sewer rodder, pipe saws, tappers, pumps, motors, generators, utility locators, air blowers, flow monitors, sampling equipment, electrical components, electronic systems and telemetry systems; diagnose and repair malfunctions in pumps, generators, compressors and blowers; read and understand record drawings; read and interpret maps and construction plans; prepare and maintain accurate records; establish and maintain professional effective working relationships with customers, contractors, vendors, County employees and the public.

Working Conditions

Incumbents are exposed to bacteria, viruses and toxins in wastewater. Positions require strenuous physical labor, including frequent walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, standing for long periods of time and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push/pull and carry heavy objects up to 70 pounds. Some duties involve exposure to adverse weather conditions and hazardous locations, such as streets, live sewers, confined underground areas and on elevated platforms.

Incumbents may perform after-hours emergency response on call-out basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: None required.

Licenses/Certifications: The following licensure/certifications are required at the time of hire.

• Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a tanker endorsement and removed airbrake restriction.
   
• Certification by the State of Oregon as a Wastewater Collection System Grade1 Operator

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test (DOT Regulations for CDL).

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Possession and maintenance of an acceptable driving record in accordance with the County's Driving/Vehicle Policy.

Post-Employment Requirements

Within six (6) months of hire:

• Cal State Water Collections Volume 1 and 2 Certifications
• Confined Space Certification
• ODOT Flagging Certification

Other Information

The Field Operations series is part of a promotional career path in Clackamas Water Environment Services. Incumbents in the Field Operations Technician 1 classification may be promoted to a Field Operations Technician 2 classification upon successful completion of an approved training and development plan. Possession of the required certification, knowledge, skills and abilities at the higher level must be documented in an approved promotional evaluation and the established training plan.

Classification No. 861
Established: 5/24
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 7