Field Operations Technician 2

Class Characteristics

Under direction, to inspect, repair, operate, and maintain sewer lines, pump stations, remote package treatment facilities, stormwater systems, and related equipment, machinery, and instruments; to lead teams on complex field projects; 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 the 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 repair of the wastewater collection system which transports wastewater from residences and commercial facilities to the treatment plants. Field Operations Technicians are also responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of the stormwater collection system and water quality facilities, which capture, convey, and filter stormwater runoff. The Field Operations Technician 2 is the third level in the series, with advanced responsibilities in determining appropriate sequences, methods, techniques, and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of sanitary and stormwater collection systems. Incumbents train and lead the work of lower-level technicians in the field, ensure WES standard operating procedures are followed and participate in work planning, and problem-solving as part of a work team.

The Field Operation Technician 2 differs from the Field Operations Technician 1 as the FOT 1 does not function as a lead and requires certification as a Grade 1 Operator. The Field Operations Technician 2 differs from the Wastewater Mechanic which performs advanced maintenance and repair work on equipment and pump stations, but generally does not work on sewer lines or in confined underground areas requiring specialized training and certification. The Field Operations Technician 2 is also distinguished from the Field Operations Coordinator, which requires advanced certification and is responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating activities of the Field Operations workgroup.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Leads the inspection, maintenance and general repair of sewer/stormwater lines and infrastructure projects in the field; maintains structural and vegetated water quality facilities; trains and leads crews in the examination of sewer and stormwater infrastructure for defects, debris, condition of materials, as-built map verification, collects asset data, smoke and dye tests, infiltration and inflow; performs and leads field crews on mechanical debris and blockage removal; adjusts access holes to specifications; applies chemical grout or excavates and replaces damaged pipe; leads and performs mainline tap ins, utility locates and vector control; leads and performs inspection and documentation of as-builts on new construction, and ensures all service request responses and work orders are documented in WES' computerized maintenance management system.
2. Operates, maintains, inspects pump station equipment, machinery, and instruments; investigates and corrects system failures and malfunctions; cleans wet wells and force mains; generates auxiliary power and performs emergency bypass pumping or hauling with tanker trucks.
3. Trains staff and leads field workers in the installation, calibration, and maintenance of flow monitoring and sampling equipment; trains and leads field staff in the collecting, recording, and reporting 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. Serves as a project or team leader of field projects requiring advanced knowledge and skills; collaborates with the Field Operations Coordinator and/or Supervisor to plan, schedule, and assign work to other team members; monitors and coordinates the work of contracted services; trains and leads the work of lower-level technicians and temporary employees; provides group safety training; demonstrates safe working practices in the field.
5. 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.
6. Maintains and inspects remote package treatment facilities; collects and performs simple and complex field tests on wastewater and stormwater samples; records data and prepares operating reports.
7. 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 complex and/or 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; Herbicide applications and techniques and skills in mowing, chemical spraying, hydroseeding, planting, and pruning; basic technical engineering practices used in the construction and inspection of wastewater collection facilities; math, algebra, and geometry; English grammar, spelling and punctuation; use of computers, computer applications, mobile devices and programmable logic controllers.

Skill to: Coordinate completion of projects within established budget and time guidelines; incorporate team participation in decision making; communicate professionally and 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, 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 push, lift up to 50 pounds, 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 elevated platforms.

Incumbents may perform after-hours emergency response on a 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 in the job announcement.

Experience: None required.

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

• Certification by the State of Oregon as a Wastewater Collection System Grade 2 Operator
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no restrictions to drive manual transmission, including tanker endorsement.

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 a valid driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Post-Employment Requirements

Within 6 months of hire:

• Obtain Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) Certification through NASSCO

Other Information

The Field Operations series is part of a promotional career path within Clackamas Water Environment Services. Incumbents in this classification may be promoted into this classification upon successful completion of an approved training and development plan.

Edited: 7/24

Classification No. 863
Established: 5/24
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 7