Rev 1/93

City of San José
SENIOR PLANT OPERATOR (3613)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under general supervision, performs a variety of work of moderate difficulty in the lead supervision of either process areas or a shift at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Supervises a prescribed area of the sewage treatment plant process, to ensure compliance with high performance standards. 

• Provides lead direction to Plant Operators and Plant Operator Trainees.

• Supervises others in the preventive maintenance program in an assigned process area to keep breakdowns to a minimum.

• Supervises the utilization of chemicals in response to changes in system needs, to ensure that end results are achieved at the most effective cost.

• Performs process computations and graphing, as required.

• Maintains accurate records.

• Monitors conditions and alarms, and takes whatever action is required to keep the process and equipment operating for the best end results.

• Regulates and controls the flow of sewage including the operation of pumps, blowers, and other related equipment.

• Contains and secures chemical leaks from the rail cars, storage containers, and related equipment.

• Ensures the safety of employees and the safe operation of the chlorine and sulphur dioxide facilities.

• Monitors and makes adjustments to digital computer controlling specific process areas.

• Performs periodic preventive maintenance and repair work which may include disassembly, reconditioning and assembly of valves, flow rate controllers, chemical dispensers, screens, collectors, skimmers, and pumps. 

• Directs work of others on assigned shift.

• Conducts visitors through the plant and explains operations.

• Completes prescribed and special reports.

• Prepares performance evaluations and recommends disciplinary action for operators assigned to a prescribed area.

• Takes samples of sewage and makes simple and routine physical and chemical tests.

• Provides department staff with process training, presentations and tours.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

• This is the third level class in the Plant Operations series and is at the full working level. Incumbents provide lead direction and training to Plant Operators and Plant Operator Trainees, and performs work of moderate difficulty under general supervision, in the operation of the Water Pollution Control Plant.

• This class differs from that of Plant Operator in that incumbents of the latter have no continuing and permanent lead responsibility, and perform less responsible work. This class differs from that of Plant Shift Supervisor in that an incumbent of the latter is responsible for the activities of an entire shift in the operation of the Water Pollution Control Plant.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles of treatment plant processes and technology.

• Knowledge of mechanical devices common to a treatment plant, and how to repair and maintain them.

• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures used in a waste water treatment facility.

• Knowledge of routine laboratory tests used in sewage treatment operations.

• Knowledge of the operation of pumps, blowers, and other mechanical process equipment powered by electric motors or gasoline engines.

• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.

• Ability to operate a wide variety of waste water treatment plant equipment.

• Ability to read dials, gauges, and other process instruments correctly and interpret and record readings.

• Ability to perform routine laboratory analysis.

• Ability to perform a variety of plant operation duties.

• Ability to work effectively with others.

• Ability to follow oral and written communications.

Competency Knowledges, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of, and ability to utilize the computer to regulate the flow of sewage through the treatment plant.

• Ability to inspect, operate, adjust and maintain equipment in one of the waste water treatment plant sections.

• Ability to provide lead direction and training.

• Ability to supervise a prescribed area of the sewage treatment plant process.

• Ability to coordinate the utilization of chemicals in response to changes in system needs, to ensure effective costs.

• Ability to monitor and make adjustments to digital computer controlling specific process areas.

Training And Experience
   Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of high school, and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation of a waste water treatment plant at a level equivalent to Plant Operator or Plant Operator Trainee with the City of San Jose.

Licenses/Certificates
   Possession of a valid grade III California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Grade III Operator Certificate. Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Formerly Plant Senior Operator
(2788Z)