Wastewater Plant Operator 1

Class Characteristics

Under general supervision, to assist in the inspection, monitoring and process control of a wastewater treatment plant; to clean and maintain wastewater plant facilities; to learn to participate as a member of a self-directed work team overseeing plant operations; 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.

The Wastewater Plant Operator 1 (WWPO1) is responsible for assisting in the operation of the plant, which includes plant equipment, plant records, minor maintenance, and some permit laboratory analysis in a wastewater treatment plant. The WWPO1 has operational responsibility to ensure all procedures are performed safely and in compliance with local, state, federal rules and laws, and environmental permits.

The Wastewater Plant Operator 1 differs from the Wastewater Plant Operator 2 (WWPO2) which independently operates plant equipment and maintains appropriate treatment processes in compliance with permit specifications. In addition, the WWPO2 has a deeper understanding of the sequence of treatment processes and interrelated effects, and is able to independently identify problematic areas/issues and respond appropriately and effectively based on the priority level of the issue.

Typical Task

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Operates equipment used in the preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment of sewage; inspects, cleans, adjusts and monitors equipment and instruments and makes minor repairs.
2. Monitors and operates the sewage treatment process in accordance with permit and process control standards; measures biological and chemical levels and liquid flow; measures inventories of the process; troubleshoots process and equipment problems.
3. Collects liquid and solid waste samples; performs standard and non-standard biological and chemicaltests for troubleshooting or research work; records results.
4. Takes and records process lab and flow readings and downloads data to recordkeeping systems.
5. Assists in plant equipment operation and process control; inspects equipment and monitors gaugesand instruments; collects and runs process control tests on liquid and solid waste samples; operates biosolids equipment including digested sludge thickening, digested sludge dewatering, and waste-activated sludge thickening.
6. Keeps assigned area(s) clean and hazard-free; uses safe work practices and follows County safety policies and procedures.
7. Trains and leads the work of seasonal and temporary employees; demonstrates safe working practices in the field.
8. Assists in providing public and customer service support to County operations and other municipalities;responds to complaints and inquiries; conducts facility tours and provides assistance at public information meetings; explains wastewater collection and processing systems.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of: Materials, methods, practices, processes, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment plants and related facilities; safe work practices and precautions connected with the operation of wastewater or water reclamation facilities; software applications related to the work, including the Supervisory Control Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA); NPDES permit parameters; mechanical operation of equipment in primary, secondary and advanced wastewater treatment facilities; standard processes and chemicals used in testing and treating wastewater and sewage samples; state laws, regulations and permit requirements applicable to wastewater treatment.

Skill to: Use computers and software for process control recording and monitoring, spreadsheets, and word processing; operate, inspect, and calibrate treatment plant equipment, instrumentation, and control systems; process sampling and standardized lab analysis; operate mobile equipment such as trucks and forklifts; use hand and power tools; understand and follow oral and written instructions; analyze data from meters, monitors, lab results, control systems, and process reports, assess alternatives, exercise sound judgment and take corrective action; read and interpret blueprints and mechanical drawings; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including co-workers, other District officials, and the public; operate effectively in a team environment; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Working Conditions

Duties require physical labor, including walking, reaching, squatting, kneeling, bending, balancing, climbing, shoveling, fine motor control, and ability to lift up to 50 pounds, carry, and push/pull up to 70 pounds. Duties also involve exposure to bacteria, viruses and toxins in wastewater, chemicals, exhaust fumes and dust, loud noises, and vibration. 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 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 on the job announcement.

Education: A High School Diploma, GED or equivalent is required for State of Oregon certification as a Wastewater Treatment Grade 1 Operator.

Licenses/Certifications: Certification by the State of Oregon as a Wastewater Treatment Grade 1 Operator.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

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

Post-Employment Requirements

Forklift Certification within 90 days of hire.

Other Information

The Wastewater Plant Operator series is part of a promotional career path within Water Environment Services Department. Incumbents in the Wastewater Plant Operator 1 classification will be promoted to the Wastewater Plant Operator 2 classification upon satisfactory completion of an approved training and development plan. Possession of the required knowledge, skills and certification of the higher level must be documented in an approved Training and Development Plan.

CLASSIFICATION NO. 796
Established: 8/83 
Edited: 9/24
Revised: 7/94, 6/07, 5/15, 5/24
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 7