DEFINITION
Performs journey-level duties in a specialty field related to wastewater collection and treatment. Such specialties include skilled operation or maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities or pump stations, laboratory services, pretreatment services, sampling services, or biosolids program activities. Duties are performed in a large complex activated sludge wastewater treatment facility, biosolids management facility, pump stations, or other related locations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Wastewater Technician classification series includes a variety of specialized positions that focus on skilled wastewater treatment activities. Based on the area of assignment, individual positions require specialized skills and may require specialized certification(s).
The Wastewater Technician 1 and 2 are flexible staffing classifications. While positions are usually filled at the full journey Wastewater Technician 2 level, successful applicants who do not have the depth of knowledge and experience required for that level may be hired as an (under-fill) Wastewater Technician 1. Once the employee’s supervisor determines that the required journey skill level has been achieved, the employee then flexes to the second level in the series.
The Wastewater Technician 2 is distinguished from the Wastewater Technician 3 in that the Technician 2 classification focuses on the performance of journey level duties, while the Technician 3 emphasizes planning, coordination, and decision-making responsibilities, and usually functions as a lead worker.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives supervision from a supervisory or managerial classification; receives direction from a Wastewater Technician 3 or a Technician 2 who has been assigned lead worker duties.
May provide ongoing lead direction and training to lower level classifications and seasonal staff; a Technician 2 may lead other employees on an irregular or work assignment specific basis.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES -- The following duties in the assigned specialty areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Operations:
Uses computerized control system to regularly monitor and control plant processes, and equipment and instrument activities for treatment plant operation.
Reads, inspects, and adjusts plant processes, equipment and instruments; troubleshoots and responds to alarms and potential issues; evaluates situations to make initial assessment of potential problems and decide on the appropriate problem solving approaches;
Performs preventive maintenance and equipment troubleshooting.
Performs sampling and routine laboratory tests to monitor plant activities and water quality parameters.
Equipment Maintenance and Pump Station O&M:
Operates, repairs, and maintains specialized equipment used in the conveyance and treatment of wastewater, including machine shop equipment, pumps, dredges, irrigation pivots, etc.; identifies and diagnoses equipment problems.
Performs equipment inspections and makes major and minor adjustments, equipment lubrication, alignments, and rotations. Assists in developing preventive maintenance time schedules and performs preventive maintenance and repairs; may inspect the work of contractors.
Uses a computerized maintenance management system to document work performed and to assist in the evaluation and planning of maintenance activities.
Plans, designs, and/or performs minor and major equipment rebuilds, fabrications, and modifications; may perform and/or participate in new equipment installation.
Inspects and monitors pump station operations to ensure proper equipment operation, and performs a variety of maintenance and repair activities.
May be assigned to work in anaerobic digesters, wet wells, manholes, or other confined spaces; may repair chlorine equipment and perform work using a respirator or other required personal protective equipment.
Biosolids:
Coordinates, evaluates, operates, and maintains various biosolids processes including facultative sludge lagoons, belt filter dewatering, air drying beds, and application of biosolids and reclaimed water to agricultural lands (including the Biocycle Farm). May operate specialized heavy equipment.
Uses control systems to regularly monitor processes, equipment and instrument activities for biosolids dewatering, Biocycle Farm, and farm irrigation.
Researches, evaluates, recommends, and assists with coordination of biosolids application processes in rural areas.
Researches, compiles, and provides information on biosolids and reclaimed water application; assists public with process applications; tracks permits and enforces permit requirements.
Performs preventive maintenance, equipment troubleshooting and minor repairs as appropriate.
Performs sampling and routine laboratory tests and uses equipment such as flow meters, pH meters, and automatic sampling equipment to monitor process activities and water quality parameters.
Laboratory:
Performs a variety of gravimetric, bacteriological and chemical analysis of wastewater, biosolids, groundwater, soils, and industrial waste. Applies appropriate standards and practices to perform skilled laboratory testing processes, including nutrient, high level, low level metal detection and monitoring.
Performs quality control checks on analyses, procedures, and equipment; performs checks and reviews data for compliance with regulations.
May perform minor and preventive maintenance of instruments.
Sampling:
Collects samples of wastewater, soil, groundwater, surface water, or industrial waste following established methodologies; may include collection of toxic or hazardous pollutants; evaluates samples for benchmarks; develops sampling schedules and ensures conformance with permit requirements where applicable. May perform limited testing and analysis of samples collected.
Operates a variety of sampling equipment, such as flow meters, pH meters, and automatic sampling equipment.
Prepares samples for laboratory analysis following handling and preservation protocol, and in accordance with chain-of-custody procedures.
Industrial Source Control & Stormwater Monitoring:
Issues pretreatment or stormwater permits to a variety of industries or mobile waste haulers.
Evaluates and researches industry applications and industrial processes; performs onsite inspection for original application; participates in the evaluation process and recommends conditions of permits.
Monitors and inspects permitted industries or sites to ensure regulatory compliance with permit standards; evaluates industrial self-monitoring reports. Enforces permit standards, reviews compliance status; and recommends enforcement actions; prepares inspection reports.
Maintains industry files and records in accordance with State, Federal, and City program requirements.
Enforces City, State, and Federal codes and regulations and laws regarding pretreatment activities.
Consults with industry representatives and provides assistance with code interpretations, pretreatment needs, technology, and pollution control plans; assists industry representatives with compliance issues.
The following duties may be performed in all specialty areas:
Coordinates duties with other Wastewater Division activities and personnel, City and external agencies, and/or vendors.
Maintains a variety of written and automated records, files, and spreadsheets; extracts data and develops reports; may compile and draft technical reports and trend analyses in the assigned specialty area.
Researches and evaluates processes and procedures; may develop and draft procedures and guidelines.
Acquires knowledge through researches or training about developments and trends in the assigned specialty.
May be assigned individually or as part of a project team; may participate on design review teams and provide guidance in the area of expertise.
Keeps equipment neat, clean and properly stored; cleans up spills in work area.
May be assigned to committees in support of division, department, or City-wide activities or services.
Provides training to Wastewater Technicians 1 or other employees as assigned.
Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Depending on the area of specialization may require specialized knowledge in any of the following areas:
Safety policies and practices.
Wastewater treatment facility operation and process control.
Equipment maintenance.
Wastewater pump station operation and maintenance.
Laboratory principles and procedures.
Sampling methods, practices and processes.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures and requirements.
Biosolids and reclaimed water application processes, crop and farm practices.
Local, state and federal regulations related to wastewater facility operations.
Local, state and federal regulations related to pretreatment, permitting, and reporting activities.
Personal computer word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Applicable tools for area of assignment.
Ability to:
Depending on the area of specialization may require any of the following:
Understand plant processes and systems especially as they relate to the area of specialization.
Operate specialized equipment.
Maintain written and automated records and reports; research and draft technical reports; develop and maintain spreadsheets and databases.
Read and understand blueprints and piping schematics.
Understand and follow technically complex procedural manuals.
Work independently with minimal supervision.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, particularly in the technical language of the field of wastewater technology.
Perform physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions, such as standing, sitting, reaching, crawling, bending and walking over rough terrain; ability to climb ladders and work from heights, ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to physically enter and work in confined spaces.
Work in close contact with wastewater or wastewater residuals including grease, rags, grit, sludge, and biosolids.
Wear personal protective equipment including steel toed boots and respirators.
Be available and respond for emergency call-back and work shifts as assigned.
Diagnose problems and troubleshoot.
Work independently and make appropriate decisions.
Follow instruction and procedures including emergency procedures.
Experience and Training Guidelines -- Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Experience that provides the applicable journey level knowledge and skills directly related to the area of assignment. Previous experience in a similar facility may be preferred.
Training:
Specialized course work in chemistry, biology, wastewater operations, maintenance, industrial inspections, pretreatment regulations, and/or related field, including computer spreadsheet applications.
Specific positions may require an Associate's degree in the specialty area.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain a valid Oregon State driver's license with appropriate classification or endorsement as determined by the equipment operated.
State of Oregon Grade II Wastewater Treatment certification, Grade III preferred, for specific positions.
State of Oregon Grade II Wastewater Collection certificate, Grade III preferred, for specific positions.
Possession of a State of Oregon Journeyman Certificate in a work-related trade may be desired (examples of a work related trade include millwright, maintenance mechanic, limited maintenance electrician, or welder).
