County of Nevada, CA
February, 2001
WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM OPERATOR II
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, to operate, inspect, monitor, and adjust wastewater treatment plant
operations to ensure proper processing and compliance with permits; to perform standard
chemical and physical tests of wastewater; to perform repairs, maintenance and general upkeep
of equipment and facilities; and to perform related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level in the Wastewater Treatment Systems Operator series, performing the
full scope of operations and maintenance activities appropriate to the license level. Incumbents
are required to have a Grade II Operator's certificate, and possess appropriate knowledge of
wastewater treatment plant and system operations.
This class is distinguished from
Wastewater Treatment Systems Operator III which is a lead supervisory class and requires a
Grade III Operator's certificate.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Essential:
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Monitors wastewater treatment plant operations and conditions by annunciator panel,
visual inspection, meters, and gauges to ensure that processing and treated effluent
meets permit requirements, and to verify proper operating conditions
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Calculates flow rates and interprets data
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Adjusts flow rates, and operates and adjusts a variety of plant and related equipment
including clarifiers, bio-filters, aeration basins, pipe galley, polymer feed equipment,
pumping stations, digesters, aeration ponds, etc.
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Monitors, regulates and maintains polymer, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia
systems and levels; calibrates valves and feeder systems; mixes chemicals and
changes chemical containers
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Cleans, clears, and maintains a variety of plant equipment; performs scheduled
preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and minor repairs such as plumbing,
replacing valves and fittings, adjusting and replacing pump packings, and related; builds
and repairs plant appurtenances
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Operates equipment such as backhoe, loader and tractor to turn or load solids in drying
beds, trenching for pipe, etc.
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Reads, records and maintains logs of readout results, flow rates, chemical/physical
conditions and treatment, and other information about plant and wastewater system
operations
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Collects wastewater samples and observes chemical and physical parameters; performs
and interprets basic laboratory tests
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Coordinates with and keeps others informed regarding plant status and needs, including
relaying information about plant status, reporting major maintenance needs to
appropriate personnel, and discussing plant problems with maintenance
Wastewater Treatment Systems Operator II – Page 2
Important:
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Monitors security of plant fences, gates and buildings and reports problems; performs
housekeeping and maintenance duties around plant buildings and facilities
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
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Principles and practices of the processing and treatment of domestic, industrial and
commercial wastewater
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Accepted chemical and physical parameters of wastewater processes and effluent
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Basic principles of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems
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Common hand and power tools used in minor plant maintenance
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Basic principles of microbiology and chemistry as pertains to wastewater treatment and
discharge
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Basic arithmetic, including fractions, decimals, and proportions, and basic algebra
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Principles and practices of the processing and treatment of domestic, industrial and
commercial wastewater
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Accepted chemical and physical parameters of wastewater processes and effluent
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Federal, state and local regulations and requirements governing wastewater processing,
effluent, and record keeping
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Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work, including techniques for
handling and storing hazardous chemicals, working in exposure to bacteria and viruses,
and hazardous gases associated with wastewater treatment
Skill in:
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Monitoring, controlling and adjusting wastewater flow and chemical treatment
parameters
Performing standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater and final effluent
Performing basic repairs, cleaning and preventive maintenance of plant equipment and
systems
Working independently
Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions
Recognizing unusual or dangerous operating conditions
Making sound judgments within established guidelines
Reading meters and gauges accurately
Reading and interpreting manuals and diagrams
Preparing and maintaining accurate logs and records
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the
course of the work
Wastewater Treatment Systems Operator II – Page 3
Education and Experience:
Equivalent to completion of high school, and two years of experience with a Grade I
license performing duties at a level equivalent to Wastewater Treatment Systems
Operator I with Nevada County.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate from the
State of California Water Resources Control Board.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Mobility and strength to lift and carry tools and chemical containers weighing up to 50
pounds; mobility to climb, stoop and crawl to perform inspection and maintenance, work
on ladders and/or catwalks, and to work underground and in confined spaces; manual
dexterity and arm strength to use tools and manipulate controls; vision to read dials and
annunciators, printed materials, and work in reduced light; speech and hearing to
communicate in person, by telephone and in noisy environments.
Willingness and ability to work in exposure to inclement weather and temperature
extremes and in controlled exposures to odors, bacteria, viruses, and hazardous
chemicals and gases with appropriate precautions.
Must work shifts including weekends and holidays, overtime and emergency call in.
Some accommodation may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified
individuals who require and request such accommodation.
Other Requirements:
Must maintain facial hair in such a way as to ensure proper fit of respiratory safety
equipment.
This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not allinclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents may
be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document
and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
FLSA: NE