Lead Plant Operator

PLEASE NOTE: This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, for earliest consideration, applications should be submitted as soon as possible.  

Lead Plant Operator Salary Ranges

• WWO III – $46.32 – $57.84
• WWO III + Water Treatment Operator Grade II or Water Distribution Operator Grade II or CWEA Mechanical Technician Grade II – $47.47 – $59.29

Under the direction of the Chief Plant Operator, performs a variety of skilled plant operation and repair work in a lead capacity; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Lead Plant Operator performs advanced level plant operations, requires little supervision and directs the activities of other plant operators on his/her shift. Incum­bents are regularly assigned to train lower level personnel in the performance of specified work. Positions at this level perform work which has considerable variation and which requires the application of judgment in the selection of appropriate work methods, materials and procedures. In­cumbents receive general instructions when tasks are as­signed and are expected to determine the appropriate proce­dures and materials necessary to complete the project unless significant unanticipated problems are encountered. Incum­bents at the Lead Plant Operator level assign, check, guide, correct, train and participate fully in the work of subordi­nates. Incumbents do not hire, evaluate or discipline sub­ordinates. Incumbents are expected to advise the supervisor of staff performance problems observed. This position is obtained through certification, training and experience. There are only two authorized Lead Plant Operator positions.

Example of Duties:

• Serves as assistant to Chief Plant Operator; 
• Assigns specific tasks to plant operators; 
• Trains, instructs, and as assigned, corrects the work of plant operators, ensuring that accepted work and safety methods are practiced; 
• Performs operational activities and maintenance of a complex primary/secondary and tertiary treatment system, processes demands and meets all National Pollution Discharge Elimination Standard (NPDES) ocean disposal requirements and Waste Discharge Permit Requirements (WDR); 
• Performs the operation of all auxiliary facilities such as potable water system, chemical handling, solids handling, pipeline conveyance, pumping stations, telemetry and industrial waste inspection; 
• Operate the facility using the plant SCADA and the telemetry system and understands daily reports and print-outs; 
• Provides hands-on training on systems, equipment and safety items; 
• Prepares and/or reviews procedures, programs, logs, charts and reports; 
• Makes operational adjustments to District plants; 
• Works safely to ensure plant compatibility during operations, maintenance or testing; 
• Performs laboratory process controls and NPDES tests; 
• Performs routine inspections of equipment, tanks, structures, air handling equipment and duct works, checking for damage, oil leaks, excessive noise or abnormal conditions and keeps supervisor informed of system status; 
• Assists other employees in the removal, repair, replacement, testing and servicing of plant and pump station mechanical equipment, vehicles, meters, valves, piping, engines and related parts; 
• Cleans and paints equipment, valves, tanks, piping structures as required; 
• Performs general building and plant custodial duties including minor repairs and site improvements, as directed; 
• Is available for assignment to stand-by duty;
• Performs pick up and delivery tasks; 
• Hauls trash to landfill; 
• Unloads trash and performs vehicle maintenance; 
• Originates repair requests to ensure equipment preventative maintenance procedures and system improvement modification tasks; 
• Operates dump trucks, tractors, boom trucks, and other such equipment required to operate within plant compound; 
• Assists in industrial waste inspection program; 
• Interface with public on deliveries; 
• Performs tasks on the in-house computers to process operational data; 
• Receives on the job training to perform qualified, specific tasks on de-energized high-voltage circuits, and energized or de-energized low-voltage circuits; and
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:  

Knowledge of:

• Operating concepts and complex, multi-faceted wastewater systems;
• Specific user agreements between District and recycled water users;
• All wastewater and recycled water discharge permit conditions issued by regulatory agencies having jurisdiction, including but not limited to, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, and state and local health departments;
• Operating principles of pumping equipment, associated motors and high voltage power systems;
• Operations record keeping procedures;
• The operation, capabilities, limitations, interrelationships and operating procedures of the District potable and non-potable water distribution systems;
• Variety of valves;
• Advanced mathematics applicable to the water/wastewaterworks trade;
• The operation of chlorinators and the safe handling of chlorine cylinders;
• Tools, equipment and methods used in the repair and maintenance of pumps, valves and pipeline equipment;
• English usage, oral and written;
• Safety precautions pertaining to the work, particularly relating to the operation of basic electrical pumps and motors;
• Basic principles of hydrology and hydraulics;
• Basic custodial tools and methods;
• Wastewater discharge limits.

 

Ability to:

• Plan and organize the activities of assigned plant operators; 
• Perform skilled-level water/wastewater systems operation work in the operation of wastewater and recycled water conveyance and distribution system;
• Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and take rapid appropriate action;
• Monitor and control treatment plant and lift station operations without immediate supervision;
• Maintain accurate records;
• Perform mathematical calculations related to the position;
• Monitor system operation from the plant SCADA system; 
• Troubleshoot wastewater and recycled water distribution system problems which require in depth understanding of the systems;
• Interpret Recycled Water Agreements between the District and recycled water customers;
• Use tools and make repairs to pumps, valves and motors;
• Make accurate inspections of operating equipment, and assess the operational condition of the wastewater and recycled water equipment;
• Operate groundskeeping equipment;
• Perform custodial duties;
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to maintain and understand safety sensitive requirements associated with Process Safety Management, Risk Management Program and California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP).

 

Education, Training and Experience:

A high school diploma or GED; 

Any combination of training, education, and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position.

A typical qualifying entrance background is four years of experience at a skilled level in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, preferably in a leadership role;

or

Experience at or equivalent to the level of Plant Operator II in the Fallbrook Public Utility District from which the incumbent has acquired the knowledge and abilities listed above.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver’s license;
• Possession of current certification as HAZWOPER (Hazardous Materials Responder Training [24 hours]);
• Possession of minimum certification as a Wastewater Operator, Grade III by the State of California Water Resources Control Board; 
• Certification(s) as Water Treatment Operator, Water Distribution Operator, Collection Systems Maintenance, Backflow Prevention Device Tester, Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist, and/or Mechanical Technologist is desirable.

Physical Demands

• Walking: Moves about on foot often through uneven terrain.
• Carrying: Transports objects by holding them in hands or arms.
• Handling: Seizes, holds or works with hands; specifically operating valves, adjusting control knobs, hand and power tools, computer, and calculator.
• Lifting: Raises and lowers pumps, motors, hoses, and miscellaneous awkward objects.
• Reaching: Extends hands and arms in any direction.
• Pulling: Manipulates hoses up to four inches in diameter and up to forty feet in length.
• Stooping: Bends body downward and forward by bending at the knees or waist.
• Climbing: Ascends and descends ladders up to 50 feet in height.
• Vision: Reads work tickets, meters, meter dials, reservoir levels, data sheets, video messages, scales and gauges and operates District vehicles.
• Sitting: Drives (often over rough terrain) and sits in District vehicles for up to four hours per day.
• Talking: Communicates by radio and in person.
• Hearing: Hears well enough to receive communication by radio and in person.

Physical Strength

• Lifting: Up to 50 pounds; infrequent exertion.
• Dragging/Pushing: Up to 100 pounds; infrequent exertion.

Environmental Conditions

• Noise: Works in conditions with constant or intermittent noise.
• Temperature/Weather: Works outside with variations of temperature and weather.
• This position may include periodic to frequent disagreeable working conditions including dirt, fumes, vibration, heat, cold, dampness, sewage, wastewater solids and hazardous chemicals.

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire online by March 5, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire online, https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fpud. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

 All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

 Please consider applying early if you are new to the GovernmentJobs.Com application system to ensure timely and successful navigation. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Human Resources at (760) 728-1125. For technical assistance with the application system, please contact GovernmentJobs.com’s applicant support at (855) 524-5627.