Operator I, II, III, G12, Utilities Department

Job SummaryUnder supervision (Plant Operator I), general supervision (Plant Operator II), or direction (Plant Operator III), performs a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the County's water or wastewater treatment plant; performs adjustments and repairs to plant equipment; collects and documents samples for laboratory testing; performs lead supervision and training to assigned staff (Plant Operator III); and performs a variety of related duties as assigned.Major DutiesPerform assigned treatment plant rounds; inspect, monitor, troubleshoot, performance test, and document plant processes by reading plant equipment gages, dials, graphs, online analyzers, computer screens, meters, SCADA systems, and other instrumentation.Operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.Maintain, compile, and update plant operation logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.Mix and add treatment chemicals; install and replace chlorine cylinder tanks; ensure adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines.Install, maintain, repair, modify, troubleshoot, and service plant operations machinery and equipment, including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, reservoirs, feeders, and online analyzers; change lubrications.Collect and document liquid and solid samples and perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; work closely with the laboratory on testing processes; monitor laboratory results; collect water samples as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities; perform various grounds maintenance duties as required.Operate a variety of heavy equipment, including backhoes, loaders, scrapers, rotovators, forklifts, dump trucks, truck-mounted sludge/compost mixers, and tractor-trailer combinations; assist in unloading chemicals as necessary.Coordinate construction, maintenance, material selections, and repair activities with maintenance, laboratory, contractors, vendors, and other staff.As assigned, participate in a variety of special projects such as the construction of piping, electrical, and structural systems related to the assigned work area.Conduct tours for the general public, schools, and County staff as necessary.Participate in the development of goals and procedures for water or wastewater treatment activities; gather and analyze data; develop a variety of reports.Work with a variety of vendors, outside contractors, and the general public on water or wastewater activities; answer questions and resolve conflicts.Perform any other related duties as assigned.In addition to the above duties, incumbents in Plant Operator III positions may perform the following duties:Provide lead supervision and training to assigned personnel; assign tasks and projects to plant operations staff; train staff in appropriate treatment methods and techniques; schedule staff to ensure proper plant coverage; audit and enter time-sheet information into the County's computer system for assigned employees.Participate in establishing schedules and methods for providing maintenance and repair services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate supervisory and/or management staff; allocate resources accordingly.Purchase assigned equipment and supplies for the assigned work utilizing the County's automated purchasing program.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment plant operations.Knowledge of operating principles of plant equipment, such as valves, pumps, and motors.Knowledge of methods and techniques for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting water or wastewater plant equipment and processes.Knowledge of standard principles of the natural sciences, including chemistry and biology.Knowledge of basic mathematical principles.Knowledge of laboratory analysis techniques and health standards for water or wastewater.Knowledge of operational and safety regulations pertaining to water or wastewater treatment plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage.Knowledge of water or wastewater treatment chemicals used within the plant and their safe use and applications.Knowledge of sampling methods and techniques.Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications.Knowledge of occupational hazards, standard safety practices, and procedures.Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to water or wastewater treatment.Ability to read, interpret, and calibrate gages and other recording devices related to water or wastewater treatment plant operations.Ability to take liquid and solid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.Ability to diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action.Ability to make independent technical decisions to maintain the proper treatment process.Ability to maintain pertinent records and compile data into written reports.Ability to perform routine to difficult maintenance, repairs, and installations to plant equipment such as pumps, valves, and electronic monitoring devices.Ability to read, interpret, and understand technical manuals, drawings, blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.Ability to perform heavy manual labor.Ability to schedule maintenance and repair of water or wastewater treatment plants.Ability to use and operate self-contained breathing apparatus equipment.Ability to logically solve problems.Ability to participate in and complete safety training courses, including CPR and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) training.Ability to operate office equipment, including computers and supporting software applications.Ability to adapt to changing technologies and learn the functionality of new equipment and systems.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English and Spanish, both orally and in writing.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contracted in the course of work.In addition to the above, incumbents in Plant Operator III positions require the ability to:Knowledge of principles of lead supervision and training.Knowledge of principles and practices of timekeeping, including proper time codes.Ability to operate and monitor water or wastewater treatment plant equipment.Ability to audit time sheets and enter information into a computer system.Ability to assign tasks and special projects to lower-level plant operation staff.Ability to lead and train lower-level plant operations staff.Minimum QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:* Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate from an accredited institution supplemented by specialized training in waste or wastewater treatment plant operations.Preferred Qualification:License Requirement:Plant Operator I: Requirement to attain a Class D license and obtain a Class C license within 1 year of employment.Plant Operator II: Requirement to attain and maintain a Class C license.Plant Operator III: Requirement to attain and maintain a Class B license.Experience:Experience commensurate with each Class level of certification as required by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, which includes some coursework in the area of assignment.Class D License; No experience.Class C License; 2 years of experienceClass B License; 5 years experience (2.5 Yrs. with a Bachelor's Degree).Supplemental InformationComplexity/Scope of WorkPlant Operator I- This is the entry-level certified class in the Plant Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Plant Operator II by the performance of more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series, including updating operation logs and adding and mixing treatment chemicals under the supervision of higher-level operators. Advancement to the Plant Operator II level is based on meeting minimum qualifications and satisfactory job performance.Plant Operator II- This is the full journey-level class within the Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from Plant Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the work unit's operating procedures and policies. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed, and positions at the Plant Operator II level are normally filled by advancement to the Operator I level. This class is distinguished from Plant Operator III in that the latter assumes lead supervisory responsibility over lower-level staff. Advancement to the Plant Operator III level is based on meeting minimum qualifications and satisfactory job performance.Plant Operator III- This is the advanced journey-level class in the Plant Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned, including performing lead supervisory activities and participating in developing goals and procedures for wastewater treatment activities. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to their assigned areas of responsibility and to hold the appropriate certification.Physical Demands/Work EnvironmentOccasionallyAscending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, and poles.Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.Operating machinery and/or power tools.Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.Driving a County vehicle or a personal vehicle for County business.Working in low temperatures.Working in high temperatures.Working in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.Working in noisy environments.Working in hazardous conditions.Working in poor ventilation.Working in small and/or enclosed spaces.Working in adverse environmental conditions is expected.Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.Light work that includes carrying objects up to 20 pounds.Medium work that includes carrying objects up to 50 pounds.ConstantlyCommunicating with others to exchange information.Repeating motions that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.Other Requirements/InformationMust possess a valid and current Texas driver's license.The Webb County Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to this position. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, and a criminal background check are required.This position is covered by Civil Service; therefore, is subject to the Civil Service Rules and Regulations in addition to all other Webb County Policies.Valid Texas Driver's License** If the applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver's License must be obtained prior to employment.Webb County provides a variety of benefits available to employees.Please visit the Risk Management website for more details.https://www.webbcountytx.gov/RiskManagement/EmployeeBenefits/The following list of benefits is offered only to benefits-eligible employees in Full-Time positions:Medical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceWellness ProgramLife InsuranceAncillary productsEmployee Assistance Program*Employee Clinic*Vacation and sick leaveAccrual rates increase based on years of serviceSixteen (16) County-observed holidays and four (4) personal holidaysRetirement benefits (TCDRS)Available to ALL employeesAvailable to Permanent Part-Time employees01What is your highest level of education?Less than High SchoolHigh School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalentSome College HoursVocational CertificateAssociates DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreeDoctoral Degree or higher02Do you possess a valid and current Texas driver's license?Yes, I have a valid and current Texas driver's license.Yes, I have a valid and current out-of-state driver's license.No, I do not have a valid or current Texas driver's license.03Please confirm your understanding that if selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be required to provide a high school diploma, a GED certificate, college transcript from an accredited institution, and/or other documentation of achievement (whichever is applicable) prior to being hired. (We highly recommend you begin obtaining documentation to avoid delays in the hiring process if applicable)* Yes, I understand this requirement and would be able to provide required documentation prior to hire.* No, I would not be able to provide required documentation.Required QuestionEmployer Webb County (TX)Address 1110 Washington StreetSuite 204Laredo, Texas, 78040