County of Nevada, CA
February, 2001
WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS OPERATOR I
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, operates, inspects, monitors, and adjusts wastewater
treatment plant operations to ensure proper processing and compliance with permits;
performs standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater; performs repairs,
maintenance and general upkeep of equipment and facilities; and performs related work
as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry, training and first working class in the Wastewater Treatment Systems
Operator series. Incumbents are expected to learn a basic working knowledge of the
County's wastewater treatment plants and collection systems and be able to perform a
variety of operations, maintenance, and upkeep assignments throughout the systems.
Incumbents must obtain a Grade I certification from the California State Water
Resources Control Board within one year of employment. This class is distinguished
from Wastewater Treatment Systems Operator II which is the journey level and requires
a Grade II Operator’s certificate.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Essential:

Monitors the operation of wastewater treatment plant pumps, motors and other
equipment

Reads gauges, dials and other instruments that record plant operations

Computes plant flows

Makes visual inspections of plant operations; inspects, cleans, and maintains lift
stations; inspects pumps, valves, motors, filters, meters and related equipment

Performs preventive maintenance and repairs

May collect samples for laboratory analysis and perform basic laboratory tests;
cleans and maintains laboratory equipment; exercises proper safety precautions;
tests for chlorine and SO2 leaks

Performs a variety of general maintenance and cleaning work on plant facilities
and equipment

Handles digested sludge in drying beds or other drying equipment; removes
dried sludge from drying facilities

May prepare chemical reagents for laboratory tests

Operates vehicles and other equipment
Important:

May occasionally be required to maintain sewage collection systems, including
the flushing of lines and respond to emergency calls to clear blockages and
make repairs to sewage collections lines
Wastewater Treatment System Operator I – Page 2
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Basic principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations

Operating principles and maintenance procedures for valves, pumps, and motors

Basic principles and methods of bacteriological and chemical sewage sample
collection and analysis

Inspection, maintenance, and repair of sewage collection systems

Safe work practices
Skill in:








Operating, repairing, and maintaining wastewater treatment plant equipment
Reading and interpreting gauges and other recording devices reflecting
wastewater treatment plant operations
Performing routine laboratory tests on wastewater and sludge samples
Maintaining logs, records, reports, and charts
Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing sewage collection systems
Using tools and equipment necessary for wastewater treatment plant and
sewage collection system maintenance and repairs
Understanding verbal and written directions
Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those
contacted in the course of work
Education and Experience:
Equivalent to graduation from twelfth grade, and some working background or
training in wastewater treatment facility and sewage collection systems
operations, maintenance, or repair.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Possession of Grade I certification from the California State Water Resources
Control Board, as issued through procedures established by the Board, within
one year of employment.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Mobility and strength to lift and carry tools and chemical containers weighting up
to 50 pounds; mobility to climb, stoop and crawl to perform inspection and
maintenance, work on ladders and/or catwalks, and 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.
Wastewater Treatment System Operator I – Page 3
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 all-inclusive. 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