Wastewater Plant Operator I

The City of Lodi Public Works Department is recruiting for a Wastewater Plant Operator I (OIT). This position will be assigned to work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant/White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility. If you are interested in working in the wastewater field, this is an excellent opportunity.  The successful applicant will be required to obtain their Operator-In-Training (OIT) certificate immediately upon hire.  

This recruitment is limited to the first 50 applications or will close on December 22, 2023 at 11:59pm, whichever comes first; therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.  

Job descriptions are intended to present a broad and general range of duties which includes, purpose, responsibilities, and scope of work. Job descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

Inspects, operates, and maintains the water/wastewater treatment facility.  Assists with or is responsible for daily operational controls and monitoring of plant processes.  Performs corrective, repair work and general maintenance on plant systems and facility. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a flexibly staffed class series in that I level positions are required to progress to progress to the II level with training, experience, appropriate certificates, and satisfactory performance, within specified time frames.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Receives direction from higher level staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Inspects, operates, and maintains the water treatment facility; assists with daily operational controls and monitoring of plant processes. Performs corrective repair work and general maintenance on plant systems;

Reads gauges and makes adjustments to operating controls to meet operating standards;

Performs some lab tests and interprets results for purposes of plant control; cleans, adjusts and repacks valves and pumps; collects samples for tests; monitors delivery of chemicals and materials;

Performs preventative maintenance and repair work on plant equipment; maintains grounds and plant building; 

Maintains safety checklists;

Monitors operation of aeration tanks, including return sludge recirculation pumps transferring sludge to digester; operates lagoons; checks treatment and and storage ponds;

Performs other duties related to the operation of the department and the city, including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community.

Knowledge of: 

The operation and routine maintenance of mechanical equipment, including pumps and electric motors; 

Basic tools, equipment and methods in maintaining stationary power equipment, pumping systems and electrical systems;

Basic water and wastewater treatment processes and the tests used to check the effectiveness of such processes;

Ability to: 

Inspects, operates, and maintains the water treatment facility; assists with or is responsible for daily operational controls and monitoring of plant processes, including corrective and repair work on plant systems and general maintenance work;

Read and interpret gauges and recording devices reflecting plant operations; perform mechanical repairs, maintenance work, and modification to equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant;

Use various mechanic's tools with skill and accuracy;

Learn standard laboratory tests;

Exercise sound judgment in response to operational problems; understand and carry out oral and written instructions;

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical was to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Equivalent to the completion of high school; completion of courses on wastewater treatment is desirable.

Experience:

This is an entry level position; however, one year of experience in water or wastewater systems or maintenance and repairs to pumps and motors or similar equipment is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Persons entering this position are required to immediately obtain an Operator in Training Certificate, and within 18 months of appointment, are required to obtain a Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. 

Within 18 months of obtaining a Grade I wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate, employees are required to obtain a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Possession of a valid Class C driver's license issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

WORKING CONDITIONS:                                                                      

Environmental Conditions:

Exposure to safety hazards including, fumes or odors, dust or gases, chemicals, toxic materials, oil, and a variety of mechanical machinery. Must participate in a medical monitoring program to ensure respiratory fitness for using required respiratory equipment.

Physical conditions:

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical conditions necessary for standing, walking, sitting, driving, carrying, pushing, climbing, bending at waist, stooping, crouching, reaching, kneeling, crawling, hearing, sense of smell and sense of touch, lifting and pulling up to 50 pounds.

*FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Interested applicants must submit an online application at www.lodi.gov.  No paper applications will be accepted.  For technical difficulties with your online application, please call the Neogov helpline at 855-524-5627.

Telephone: 209-333-6704.  Persons with hearing impairment, please call the California Relay Service 7-1-1.

Selection Process: Only the best qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - The City of Lodi is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of fair employment practices regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, age, mental or physical disability or perceived disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation or belief, or other unlawful discrimination.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the City of Lodi provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations must contact the Human Resources Division upon application submittal to confirm the request.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION - City of Lodi is authorized and required by the state of California to access Local, State, and/or Federal criminal history as part of the testing process. This process can be completed by initial fingerprinting and/or a full Background investigation pursuant to Penal Code §11105(b)(10), §11105.3, §13300(b)(10); Education Code §10911.5; Public Resources Code §5164) and in compliance with the City of Lodi's Fingerprinting Policy and Procedure. As a future employee or volunteer, you are required to be fingerprinted and processed through the Department of Justice and cleared before you can start. All information obtained will be kept in strict confidentiality.

HIRING PROCEDURE - Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications by the final filing date. Eligible lists are established upon successful completion of the selection process. The candidates must be successful in each part of the testing. To fill each vacancy the hiring department will request names to be certified from the eligible list and will make a selection from this certification list.

CONDITIONAL JOB OFFERS - Conditional job offers are subject to successful completion of a medical drug screen and/or physical. Candidates should not quit or give notice to their current employer until final notification has been awarded by the Human Resources Division.

MEDICAL-DRUG SCREENING – All positions may be subject to a physical or drug screen issued by a qualified medical physician assigned by the Human Resources Division. Under the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Lodi has been designated as a drug-free workplace.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance and complete Form I-9 - Employment Eligibility Verification in compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act. United States citizenship is not required. All new appointees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of twelve months.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

SALARY - The starting salary is the first rate shown on the job announcement. Advancement to the higher steps of the salary range is based upon merit in accordance with the Salary Ordinance and Rules for Personnel Administration. Eligibility for the first merit increase is effective after 12 months and for additional merit increases after one year intervals until the employee has reached the maximum step.

HOLIDAY, VACATION, SICK, AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE - Holiday - An average of 13 paid holidays per year. Vacation - 2 weeks paid vacation annually, increasing with length of service depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Sick Leave - 10 days per year depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Administrative Leave - Management/Mid-Management positions receive 80 hours per fiscal year, and specified professional/technical positions receive 40 hours per fiscal year (Pro-Rated).

HEALTH INSURANCE - Medical, Dental and Vision plans are available for employee and dependents. A portion of the premiums may be the employee's responsibility.

LIFE INSURANCE AND LONG TERM DISABILITY - The City pays the full premium for employee and dependent life insurance, and offers a long-term disability plan that provides up to approximately 2/3 of an employee's salary.

RETIREMENT AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION - The City of Lodi is a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (P.E.R.S.). Lodi is not a member of the Social Security System except for the required medical contribution. Employees may participate in a 457 Deferred Compensation program.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This bulletin does not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provisions or job duties contained in this bulletin may include modifications pending labor agreements and/or council approval.

Salary : $64,335 - $78,200