WES Technician

Class Characteristics

Under general supervision, to operate medium and heavy-duty trucks, including tanker trucks with four-wheel trailer to haul biosolids materials, solid waste grit or decant materials; to operate solids handling equipment; to operate spray equipment to apply biosolids to agricultural land; to perform general plant maintenance and groundskeeping; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Department of Water Environment Services (WES) manages and operates the County's utility service districts, including sewerage facilities, collection systems, pumping stations, treatment plants and surface water management.

WES Technician operates heavy-duty diesel truck and trailer combinations to load, unload, haul and transfer liquids and dewatered biosolids for reuse at agricultural sites or for further treatment or disposal. Incumbents also load, unload, haul and transfer solid waste grit, screenings and stormwater decant material to landfills and operates solids handling equipment to prep biosolids.

The WES Technician differs from other truck driving or equipment operator classifications which do not handle biosolids. It also differs from the Biosolids Technician which is responsible for coordinating and scheduling the transportation of biosolids and who makes final inspections of application sites. The WES Technician differs from the WES Assistant as the latter does not haul biosolid materials or require a CDL.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Primarily responsible to operate medium and heavy-duty gas and diesel-powered trucks and solids handling equipment to prep, load, transport, and unload biosolids from wastewater treatment plants to agricultural fields or designated hazardous waste disposal sites; fills tanker trailer by pumping biosolids from holding tank; drives on urban streets and rural roads and highways; evaluates field conditions and operates field application equipment.
2. Applies biosolids directly from tanker or with other application equipment; determines appropriate application pattern; operates mobile field spreading equipment.
3. Operates diesel truck and trailer combinations to load, unload, haul and transfer solid waste grit, screenings and stormwater decant material to landfills.
4. Performs basic plant maintenance activities; washes and cleans treatment plant equipment; assists in maintaining and operating collection system, sampling, and biosolids application equipment including pumps and tanks; cleans plant, collection system, and storm water, structures; operates high pressure hoses.
5. Performs general custodial duties at the facilities; maintains grounds by mowing grass, trimming shrubs and trees; plants, maintains, and weeds flower beds and landscape plantings.
6. Performs routine maintenance and minor repair of vehicles and equipment operated; inspects trucks, trailers and related equipment for safety hazards and mechanical problems; assists with the coordination of truck repair and servicing; maintains vehicle condition and maintenance records; washes and cleans trucks and equipment.
7. Maintains daily records of mileage, fuel consumption, locations and amounts of biosolids applied and related information in compliance with local, state and federal regulations; takes soil samples and records field conditions.
8. Maintains good public relations with landowners, neighbors, and the public; explains the biosolids application process and may respond to complaints or escalate as needed; ensures compliance with environmental regulations.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Working knowledge of: Mechanical operation, maintenance and repair of heavy-duty trucks and trailer combinations; environmental, traffic and safety laws, regulations and codes, rules and regulations governing the operation of double and triple axle trucks, tanker trailers, equipment and the land application of biosolids.

Skill to: Safely and efficiently operates a variety of light and heavy duty trucks, including gasoline and diesel powered, and tanker trailers to haul liquid biosolids throughout the County in urban and rural traffic situations; safely and efficiently operate equipment used to load and unload trucks, including pumps, hoists and irrigation systems; evaluate field conditions and determine best method of operation and biosolids application; ensure uniform biosolids application on fields; clear truck and trailer combinations bogged down in fields or other difficult field situations or adverse weather conditions, using chains, winch and related tools; coordinate routine maintenance; learns and applies safe and effective operation of hand and power tools and equipment; works effectively as part of a team or independently; takes direction; maintains effective working relationships with customers, neighbors, the public and County employees; communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; understands and follows oral and written instructions.

Working Conditions

Duties require frequent driving, walking, squatting, bending, kneeling, twisting, shoveling, climbing, fine motor control, and the ability to lift up to 60 pounds, carry, and push/pull 90 pounds. Duties also involve frequent exposure to exhaust fumes and dust, loud noises, vibration, and adverse weather conditions.

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.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.

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

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a tank endorsement and no restrictions in order to drive manual transmission.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must pass a 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.

Edited: 8/17

Classification No. 788
Established: 8/78
Revised: 7/94, 8/09, 2/24
Re-titled: 2/16, 2/24
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 8