County of Nevada, CA
February, 2001
WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM OPERATOR IV
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, to provide lead supervision to other operators in Grade III wastewater
treatment plants; 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 lead supervisory level in the Wastewater Treatment Systems Operator series, providing
lead supervision to others, and assuming responsibility for a plant requiring a Grade IV operators
certificate. Incumbents are required to have a Grade IV operator's certificate and possess
comprehensive knowledge of wastewater treatment plant and system operations. This class is
distinguished from the Wastewater Treatment System Operator III by the functional supervision of
subordinate operators including responsibility for primary hour to hour operations of a wastewater
treatment plant requiring a supervisor with Grade IV certification.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Essential:
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Provides lead supervision to skilled operators at a wastewater treatment facility requiring
a Grade IV operator's certificate; provides training to less experienced operators
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Assumes responsibility for the plant on assigned shift
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Develops maintenance procedures, preventive maintenance schedules, and checklists
for operations for approval
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Orders chemicals and supplies for assigned plants
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Conducts or attends safety meetings, and attends staff meetings
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Reviews plans and specifications for new plant construction or modifications to provide
input and operations and maintenance perspective
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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 container;
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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
Wastewater Treatment System Operator IV - Page 2
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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
Collects wastewater samples and observes chemical and physical parameters; performs
and interprets more advanced laboratory tests
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
Important:

Operates equipment such as backhoe, loader and tractor to turn or load solids in drying
beds, trenching for pipe, etc.
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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 lead supervision
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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 plant maintenance

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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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 recordkeeping
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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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Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of others
Monitoring, controlling and adjusting wastewater flow and chemical treatment
parameters
Performing advanced chemical and physical tests of wastewater and final effluent
Performing repairs, cleaning and preventive maintenance of plant equipment and
systems
Working independently
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
Wastewater Treatment System Operator IV - Page 3
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Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the
course of the work
Education and Experience:
Equivalent to completion of high school, and one year of experience with a Grade III
license performing duties at a level equivalent to Wastewater Treatment Systems
Operator III with Nevada County.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Possession of a Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate from the
State of California Water Resources Control Board.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Strength to lift and carry tools and chemical containers up to 50 pounds; mobility to
climb, stoop and crawl to perform inspection and maintenance; 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 and by telephone; working on ladders or catwalks, underground and in confined
spaces.
Working outside in inclement weather and in temperature extremes; working in exposure
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 accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified
individuals who require and request such accommodations.
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