Wastewater Plant Operator 2

Class Characteristics

Under direction, to operate and control wastewater treatment plants, equipment, and processes; to plan, monitor, evaluate, and adjust the treatment process; 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 2 (WWPO 2) is responsible for the operation of the plant processes, equipment, records, and minor maintenance, as well as process and permit laboratory analysis in a wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater Plant Operator 2s perform the functions of a Wastewater Plant Operator 1 but with greater independence to identify and change operational processes and procedures to address and rectify issues. WWPO2s also participate in work planning, training, and problem-solving as part of a self-directed work team.

The Wastewater Plant Operator 2 differs from the Wastewater Plant Operator 1 which assists with the operation of equipment and process but does not have responsibility for modifying plant operations to comply with permit specifications and requires advanced certification. The Wastewater Plant Operator 2 also differs from the Wastewater Plant Operations Coordinator who is responsible for daily plant operations and also requires increased knowledge of operations, responsibility for future planning, has regular daily lead work responsibilities, and fills in for the supervisor.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Independently operates equipment used in the preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment of sewage; inspects, cleans, adjusts, and monitors equipment and instruments and makes repairs as needed; identifies problematic areas/issues and responds appropriately and effectively based on the issue. 
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; identifies, troubleshoots, and takes action on operational process and equipment issues to increase efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
3. Collects liquid and solid waste samples; performs standard and non-standard biological and chemical tests for troubleshooting or research work; accurately records results; analyzes data to look for issues; takes and records process lab and flow readings and downloads data to recordkeeping systems; independently takes action to problem solve issues when identified.
4. Assists in plant equipment operation and process control; inspects equipment and monitors gauges and 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.
5. Plans, organizes, researches, develops, designs, and validates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and updates and maintains the Electronic Operations Manual (EOM).
6. Analyzes and evaluates trends from SCADA or other software data to identify problems and take appropriate action to correct the issue; researches and identifies root causes; and communicates necessary information to District personnel.
7. Assists the Coordinator and Supervisor as needed in planning and prioritizing work to be performed by the work crew; leads, assigns, trains and reviews work of crew members.
8. 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 collection and processing systems.
9. Trains and leads the work of seasonal and temporary employees; demonstrates safe working practices in the field.
10. Keeps assigned area(s) clean and hazard-free; uses safe work practices and follows County safety policies and procedures.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Working 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; The operation of advanced biological and nutrient removal treatment systems; Including equipment, procedures, and processes required to meet or exceed permit requirements.

Skill to: Use of computers and software for process control recording and monitoring, spreadsheets, and word processing; operating, inspecting, and calibrating treatment plant equipment, instrumentation, and control systems; Process sampling and standardized lab analysis; operating mobile equipment such as trucks and fork lifts; Use of hand and power tools; assigning work to, training, and evaluating crew members; problem solving; planning; and decision making; 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; work with minimal supervision, give others clear written and oral instructions; provide informative feedback to supervisors and other workgroups, perform advanced analysis and troubleshooting of process problem.

Working Conditions

Duties require physical labor, including walking, reaching, squatting, kneeling, bending, balancing, climbing, shoveling, fine motor control, and the 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, licenses, 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.

Licenses/Certifications: Certification by the State of Oregon as a Wastewater Treatment Grade 2 Operator.

Pre-Employment Requirements

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 possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Post-Employment Requirements

Forklift Certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Other Information

The Wastewater Plant Operator series is part of a promotional career path within Clackamas Water Environment Services. Incumbents in the Wastewater Plant Operator 1 classification can be promoted to the Wastewater Plant Operator 2 classification upon completion of an approved training and development plan.

Classification No. 797
Revised: 8/78, 7/94, 5/15, 5/24
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 7