WATER RESOURCES OPERATOR – TRAINEE

WATER RESOURCES OPERATOR – GRADE I

WATER RESOURCES OPERATOR – GRADE II
WATER RESOURCES OPERATOR – GRADE III

DEFINITION

Under direct to general supervision, Water Resource Operators perform duties engaging in the
operation, treatment, reclamation, and disposal of wastewater; operate a variety of equipment
used in the continuous operation of a wastewater treatment plant and related facilities; and
perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Water Resources Operator – Trainee – This is the trainee level class in the Water Resources
Operator series that typically has little or no directly related work experience and works under
immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Water Resources Operator – Trainee
class is distinguished from the Water Resources Operator – Grade I level by performance of
basic tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series that do not require possession of
a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate.

Water Resources Operator – Grade I - This is the entry level class in the Water Resources
Operator series. It is distinguished from the lower level by performance of less routine tasks
and duties than those assigned to the on-the-job training mode of the lower level, as well as by
possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate. This class is
distinguished from the higher level of Water Resources Operator – Grade II in that Grade II
Operators are designated to perform their duties under the “Lone Operator” designation, as
defined by the State of California.

Water Resources Operator – Grade II - This class is the journey level class in the Water
Resources Operator series. It is distinguished from the Grade I operator by its possession of a
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate and the designation to perform as a
“Lone Operator”, as defined by the State of California. This class is distinguished from the
Water Resources Operator – Grade III in that the Grade III Operator is a journey level class
that is able to perform the broadest and most comprehensive range of duties assigned
including those that require a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate.

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Water Resources Operator – Grade III – This is a higher journey level class in the Water
Resources Operator series and is distinguished from the Water Resources Operator – Grade
II by the ability to perform the broadest and most technically difficult range of duties assigned
including those that require a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate.
Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique
situations arise. This class is distinguished from the Senior Water Resources Operator in that
the Senior performs advanced journey level duties requiring specialized knowledge and the
ability to perform the most complex and difficult work, requires a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Operator Grade IV certificate, and provides lead direction to operations personnel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Water Resources Operator – Trainee and the Water Resources Operator – Grade I
Receives direct supervision from one or more Water Resources Supervising Operators and
the Water Resources Operations Manager; and receives lead direction from one or more
Water Resources Senior Operators.

Water Resources Operator – Grade II and the Water Resources Operator – Grade III
Receives general supervision from one or more Water Resources Supervising Operators and
the Water Resources Operations Manager; and receives lead direction from one or more
Water Resources Senior Operators.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED (All classes)

None

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties are performed based on appropriate licensure level and may include, but are not
limited to, the following:

Operations Functions
Reads, records, interprets, and monitors meters, gauges and laboratory test results to
assess system functions and determine processing requirements; extracts wastewater
samples, performs laboratory tests, identifies the treatment adjustments, and operates
direct and remote controls to implement treatment changes; manages the application of
chemicals to treatment processes; records shift operations information in standard logs and
checklists; troubleshoots situations and determines appropriate course of action; consults
off-duty superiors as appropriate; handles emergency and urgent situations; inspects
treatment plant, wells, pump stations, power generators and all related facilities and
equipment to assure effective operations are maintained; identifies and assists in
diagnosing existing and potential repair requirements; interpret computer, meter and gauge
readings; check, standardize, and calibrate instruments, analyzers and chemical feed pumps;
start and stop electric driven pumps and motors to control and adjust flow and treatment
processes; performs routine scheduled preventative maintenance work on equipment;
prepares maintenance and repair service requests and recommends changes to
preventative maintenance schedules and actions; assists external contractors and internal
repair crews locate, evaluate, adjust, maintain, and replace equipment, systems, and
facilities; maintains and oversees the maintenance and proper housekeeping of all central

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and remote work places; may provide lead direction to operators on shift in the absence of
a Lead or Supervising Operator, as needed; and performs routine maintenance work on
facilities and grounds as needed.

Administrative Support Functions

Accurately maintains records and documentation, including shift log entries; reviews and
initiates actions needed to respond or comply with memoranda and other instructions;
receives service requests and complaints from service users and the public;
investigates and takes actions needed to respond to service needs; prepares records of
service calls and complaints and submits follow-up reports; prepares drafts and final
copy of written procedures, instructions and other materials for use in shift operations;
responds to utility service alerts on behalf of the system; monitors and maintains
operating supply inventories; places orders to replenish supplies; receives and receipts
materials and supply deliveries; records and submits administrative documentation on
activity; reviews manuals, diagrams, blueprints, and other equipment and system
documentation; identifies operating requirements; creates documentation needed for
operations as necessary; responds to information requests and conducts operations
tours for regulatory inspectors, members of the public, potential bidders on system
projects, and City personnel; prepares and presents formal reports and
recommendations as appropriate; participates in City committees; participates in teams
engaged with process and customer service improvements and cross-training; and
assists with the orientation and training of operations personnel.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Water Resources Operator - Trainee

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles, including tools used in general repairs
and adjustments to motors and pumps; arithmetic calculations; use of personal computers for
entering and retrieving data; workplace safety practices; and general laboratory testing and
analysis procedures.

Demonstrated Skills to:

On a continuous basis, know and understand operations, and observe safety rules;
intermittently analyze problem equipment, identify and locate equipment, interpret work orders,
remember equipment location, and explain job to others; utilize a variety of spreadsheet and
database computer applications for interpretation and application to wastewater treatment
plant operations; read and interpret blueprints and mechanical drawings; keep and maintain
written records, logs, and reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in
writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and exemplify an enthusiastic,
resourceful, and effective service attitude with those contacted in the course of work

Ability to:
Effectively apply the knowledge and skills necessary for this position; learn practices and
procedures of operating a wastewater treatment plant, including related local, state, and
federal regulations; learn to operate tractors, loaders, sewer jetters, remote television cameras,
and other equipment used in maintaining and repairing wastewater treatment plant operations
and related facilities; learn the division and departmental policies, procedures, terminology,

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regulatory codes, laws, and permit provisions; and provide continuous improvement in the
areas of assigned responsibility.

Water Resources Operator - Grade I

In addition to the qualifications for the Water Resources Operator – Trainee:

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and regulations related to operating a wastewater treatment plant in
accordance with the duties allowed by a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I certificate.

Demonstrated Skill to:

Perform wastewater treatment plant operations/activities as provided within the scope of a
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate.

Ability to:
Effectively apply the knowledge and skills necessary for this position; learn the division
policies, procedures, terminology, regulatory codes, laws, and permit provisions; and
provide continuous improvement in the areas of assigned responsibility.

Water Resources Operator - Grade II

In addition to the qualifications for the Water Resources Operator – Grade I:

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and regulations related to operating a wastewater treatment plant in
accordance with the duties allowed by a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II certificate.

Demonstrated Skill to:

Perform wastewater treatment plant operations/activities as provided within the scope of a
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate.

Ability to:
Perform duties of a “Lone Operator,” as defined by the California State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB); effectively apply the knowledge and skills necessary for this
position; learn the division policies, procedures, terminology, regulatory codes, laws,
and permit provisions; and provide continuous improvement in the areas of assigned
responsibility.

Water Resources Operator - Grade III

In addition to the qualifications for the Water Resources Operator – Grade II:

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and regulations related to operating a wastewater treatment plant in
accordance with the duties allowed by a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III certificate.

Demonstrated Skill to:

Perform wastewater treatment plant operations/activities as provided within the scope of a
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate.

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Ability to:
Effectively apply the knowledge and skills necessary for this position; learn the division
policies, procedures, terminology, regulatory codes, laws, and permit provisions; and
provide continuous improvement in the areas of assigned responsibility.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best
qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would
be:

Water Resources Operator - Trainee

Experience: One year of experience in mechanical maintenance, laboratory

procedures, underground construction, or the building trades or 6 months of
experience in a water/wastewater treatment facility.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Certification: Possession of the California State Water Resources Control

Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I
Certificate prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Water Resources Operator - Grade I

Experience: One year of experience in wastewater operations and

maintenance, or an equivalent combination of experience and education
as required by the California SWRCB to possess the Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Certification: Possession and maintenance of the California SWRCB

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I Certificate at the time of
appointment. A California SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Grade II Certificate within four years of appointment is highly desirable.

Water Resources Operator - Grade II

Experience: Two years of experience in wastewater operations and

maintenance, or an equivalent combination of experience and education
as required by the California SWRCB to possess the Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Certification: Possession and maintenance of the California SWRCB

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II Certificate at the time of
appointment.

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 Water Resources Operator - Grade III

Experience: Three years of experience in wastewater operations and

maintenance, or an equivalent combination of experience and education as
required by the California SWRCB to possess the Wastewater Treatment
Plant Operator Grade III certificate.

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Certification: Possession and maintenance of the California SWRCB

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certificate at the time of
appointment.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines (All class levels)

Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best
qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Training: Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs,
which are relevant to this job classification.

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver's

License with a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City. Possession
and maintenance of a valid California Class A license with the appropriate
endorsements is required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) Requirement: Individuals in possession of

a California Class A drivers’ license who perform safety sensitive functions, are
subject to the Federal Highway Administration D.O.T. regulations and the City’s
policy concerning drug and alcohol testing as a continuing condition of
employment with the City of Livermore.

Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work any shift, holidays,

weekends, and scheduled and emergency overtime; be available on-call as
required; work in adverse conditions such as in confined and awkward spaces, in
heat, cold, rain and potentially hazardous areas; and attend classes and
seminars during work and non-work hours, as required.

Special Requirements: Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability
to drive vehicles and equipment; see fine detail, and read fine print and computer
monitors; identify mechanical noises; converse on the telephone and in person
over the noise of machinery; detect odors; climb at least 10 flights of stairs daily;
bend, stoop, and stand for long periods of time; safely lift and maneuver
equipment such as hoses, grates, and boards weighing up to 75 pounds; work at
heights of up to 75 feet on outdoor catwalks and exterior walkways of large
structures; by CALOSHA guidelines, withstand periods of physical exposure to
the presence of fumes, odors, dust, and pollen without incapacitating adverse
effect; safely wear self-contained breathing apparatus; and safely work in

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 confined spaces.

Water Resources Operator – Trainee

Water Resources Operator – Grade I
Title:
Water Resources Operator – Grade II
Water Resources Operator – Grade III
Trainee: 455
Grade I: 451
Job Code: Grade II: 453
Grade III: 452 (Note: title change from WR
Operator II effective 3/9/09)
FLSA: Nonexempt
Bargaining Unit: Municipal Employees’ Agency for Negotiation
Created: March 2009

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