County of Alameda
4942 - WATER PLANT OPERATOR I, ZONE 7
4943 - WATER PLANT OPERATOR II, ZONE 7
4944 - WATER PLANT OPERATOR Ill, ZONE 7
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, to operate, inspect, and maintain water treatment plant, well field
and distribution system equipment and facilities; and to perform related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Water Plant Operator I is the first-level trainee classification in the series. Under close
supervision, individuals receive on-the-job training in treatment plant, well field and distribution
system operations. Individuals normally advance to Water Plant Operator II after gaining
knowledge, experience, proficiency and certification, which meet the requirements for the
higher level classification, typically after one year.
Water Plant Operator II is the second-level trainee classification in the series. Under direct
supervision, individuals continue to learn and perform treatment plant, well field and
distribution system operations. Routine decisions are made within standard operating
policies and procedures, subject to approval of a Water Plant Operator Ill and/or a supervisor.
Individuals are eligible to advance to the journey level upon attainment of the required
experience, proficiency and certification, typically after one year.
Water Plant Operator III is the fully-qualified journey level classification in the series.
Incumbents may assist in the training and instruction of Operator I’s and II’s. A Water Plant
Operator III is responsible for the efficient operation and routine maintenance of a water
treatment plant, well field and/or distribution system on an assigned shift. Incumbents of this
class exercise independent judgment within the framework of standard policies and practices;
supervisory personnel are consulted in unusual or emergency situations not covered by
operating procedures. Maintenance, adjustment and repair duties are of a routine nature.
Shifts and assignments, including Relief Operator, are typically performed on a rotational
basis.
These classes are distinguished from the Water Facilities Supervisor class, which is a
supervisory class with 24-hour plant responsibility.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However,
employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual
in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.
1.
Operates and monitors pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate the flow of
water through a treatment plant or other portions of a water distribution system; starts,
adjusts and shuts down plant operations, and/or adjusts well field and distribution
system flows, to meet production and storage requirements and water quality
standards.
Water Plant Operator I/II/III, Zone 7 – 4942, 4943, 4944 – Page 2
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Continued
2.
Takes water samples and performs standardized laboratory testing, such as chlorine
residual, pH, turbidity, temperature, taste and odor; calculates chemical dosages and
adjusts chemical feeders as necessary to maintain water quality.
3.
Controls filter operations; removes from service and backwashes filters as needed.
4.
Reads and interprets meters, gauges, charts, and instruments; logs plant operations,
test results, unusual operating conditions, maintenance work performed, and related
information; enters data into computer; prepares routine and special oral and written
reports as required; changes charts and inking pens as necessary.
5.
Periodically inspects and tests motors, pumps, valves, chemical feeders and related
equipment; reports unusual conditions and/or the need for maintenance and repair of
equipment, buildings and grounds.
6.
Takes inventory of chemicals and other treatment supplies; orders chemicals
according to standard procedures; receives chemicals and supplies delivered during
assigned shift and assists in their safe unloading and storage; handles hazardous
materials in accordance with safety rules and procedures.
7.
Lubricates and makes limited repairs and adjustments to equipment; maintains the
plant and operating equipment in clean and orderly condition; assists in periodic
cleaning of basins and pulsators, flushing of lines and related maintenance.
8.
Answers and relays or responds to incoming telephone calls; provides information and
assistance to customers, other agencies and the general public.
9.
May perform routine housekeeping tasks and/or supplemental painting and grounds
maintenance tasks.
10.
May operate radio communication equipment, motor vehicles, forklifts and/or hoists in
the performance of duties.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Water Plant Operator I
Possession of mechanical abilities.
And
Ability to obtain a Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certificate issued by the State of
California within two years of appointment.
Experience involving the operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment is desirable.
License:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Possession of a valid Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California
Department of Health Services.
Water Plant Operator I/II/III, Zone 7 – 4942, 4943, 4944 – Page 3
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Continued
Water Plant Operator II
Either I
Experience:
The equivalent of one year of full-time experience involving the use of pumps, motors, and
piping systems, such as are used in sewage works, refineries, food processing plants, large
marine equipment installations, or similar facilities.
And
Possession of a valid Grade Ill Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California
Department of Health Services within 2-1/2 years of appointment to the class of Water Plant
Operator II.
Or II
The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in operating a water treatment plant with a
system capacity of 1OMGD.
And
Possession of a valid Grade Ill Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California
Department of Health Services within 2-1/2 years of appointment to the class of Water Plant
Operator II.
License:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Possession of a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California
Department of Health Services.
Water Plant Operator Ill
Experience:
The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in operating water treatment plants.
License:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Possession of a valid Grade Ill Water Treatment Operator Certificate, or higher certificate,
issued by the California Department of Health Services.
NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the
announcement of an examination.
Water Plant Operator I/II/III, Zone 7 – 4942, 4943, 4944 – Page 4
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
NOTE: The required level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities relate to the
level of the position as defined in the distinguishing characteristics.
Knowledge of:
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Water treatment principles, practices, methods, tools and equipment.
Operation, basic maintenance and cleaning of water treatment plant and distribution
system equipment and facilities, including centrifugal pumps, electrical motors, and piping
and control systems.
Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
Safety rules, regulations and work practices, particularly in reference to hazardous
chemicals.
Standard chemical and physical tests of water.
Basic arithmetical calculations.
Abilities:
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Performing treatment plant and distribution system operations and maintenance activities,
using sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
Recognizing unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions and taking appropriate
action.
Making operating and maintenance adjustments to water treatment and distribution
equipment and facilities.
Performing standard water quality tests.
Reading, interpreting and recording data from charts, gauges and meters.
Keeping accurate records and preparing simple reports.
Making basic arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately.
Using a computer keyboard to enter and retrieve information.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the
course of work.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Requires willingness and ability to:
 Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
 Work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and in emergencies
 Work with and around hazardous chemicals
 Wear respiratory protection equipment
Requires sufficient physical strength and agility to perform equipment operation, inspection
and maintenance tasks, and to unload, store and transfer supplies and equipment.
Old document: 4942h
11/5/98
New document: Jobspecs/4942-4943-4944
ys/3/01
CSC Date: 1/20/99