Under the general direction of Chief Plant Operator, the Advance Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance and repair of the AWPF equipment to maintain regulatory compliance and maintain production.
Join our Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) in Santa Cruz, CA as an Advanced Water Treatment Operator. The AWPF is a complex state-of-the-art facility comprising of Ozone, Membranes, Ultraviolet-Advanced Oxidation, and waste treatment processes. It is designed to treat an average of 1,500 acre-feet per year (AFY) or approximately 1.3 million gallons per day (MGD) of Secondary Wastewater Effluent to recharge the groundwater basin and combat seawater intrusion.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Operates valves, pumps, and gates manually and/or through local control center (SCADA).
• Maintains facilities, office building, vehicles, equipment, and pump stations for advanced water treatment operation. Responsible for general housekeeping of job sites, work areas and other areas as assigned including heavy labor as needed.
• Observes variations in operating conditions, records meter, sensor and gauge readings.
• Performs routine in-plant lab sampling and analysis; conduct inspections and collect samples. Conduct flow meter and field measurements readings of specific parameters throughout individual treatment processes.
• Conduct routine rounds of assigned process areas and records operating data such as run times, chemical usage, flows and other process information.
• Records operating data in shift logs and perform mathematical calculations.
• Performs preventative maintenance of water quality analyzers and instrument and help with other maintenance activities.
• Responds to system emergencies.
• Prepares technical and administrative reports as requested.
• Maintains logs and prepares other required reports as needed.
• Performs necessary process control adjustments.
• Operates treatment facilities to control flow and processing of water, etc.
• Performs routine laboratory analyses for process control measures as well as specific permit reporting as trained & assigned.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships client employees, vendors, and the public.
• Able to work weekends, holidays, and shift work as assigned.
• Perform operations and maintenance under a variety of safe weather & working conditions.
• Able to climb stairs, ladders, prolonged walking and standing.
• Being able to safely and properly operate hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment as trained and assigned.
• Develop a commitment to personal safety and the safety of co-workers.
• Performs custodial and other duties as assigned.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associate or Bachelor degree in related field is preferred.
• Must have and maintain a valid CA Driver’s License
• Ability to meet risk management guidelines is required.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years’ experience in wastewater/water treatment operations.
• SWRCB Grade II or higher Wastewater/Water Treatment Certification
• Preferred CWEA AWTO Grade 3 or ability to obtain and AWTO Grade 3 within 12 months of hiring date.
Ideally, you'll also have:
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of collection system operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize the materials, methods, tools and equipment used in the construction, maintenance and operation of wastewater treatment systems.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to wastewater system operations.
• Knowledge and ability to analyze data and maintain computer records.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform standard laboratory sampling and testing.
• Available for stand-by duty and emergencies as needed.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals and/or SOPs.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as chemical dosing, flow calculations, pipe or tank capacity.
• Ability to define problems, collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and factual variables.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
The physical and environmental demands required to perform the essential duties of this position include standing, walking, sitting, coordination, balance and agility demands, which may include the ability to stoop, kneel, squat, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements. Additional demands may involve a specific level of dexterity, grip strength, climbing and cardiorespiratory demands. The work areas may be indoor, outdoor, have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, and chemicals. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.
