Job Category
Work Schedule
Full-time
Employer
City of Williams
Job Open until Filled
Job Closing Date
Phone
5304732955 Ext100
Fax
5304732189
UTILITIES CHIEF PLANT OPERATOR
(Salary Range: $38.78 - $47.14 hourly)

DEFINITION
This single incumbent position is under the general direction of the Director of Public
Works. The incumbent performs a variety of duties essential to the management,
administration, and operations of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. The
position supervises Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and performs
related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position exercises supervision over the water and wastewater treatment facilities.
The position is typically assigned day shift work hours Monday through Friday but may
be required to provide supervision during weekends and nights during unusual
situations and is subject to call-in 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
The Chief Plant Operator is expected to be knowledgeable in the areas of Water and
Wastewater operations and maintenance. In addition, the Chief Plant Operator is
expected to promote employee empowerment and coach employees to develop
entrepreneurial and innovative ideas. A positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, and a
sincere interest in being a participant in a proactive and results-oriented culture are
important attributes.

With administrative guidance, directs the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant
Operators.

This classification specification is intended to present a descriptive list of the range of
duties performed by employees in a classification. Class specifications are not intended
to reflect all duties performed within the job. Duties may include, but are not limited to,
the following:

Plans, schedules, supervises, and performs the work of water & wastewater treatment plant operators.
Supervises and performs the operation and adjustment of wastewater treatment plant set points, equipment, and machinery such as valves, pumps, chlorinators, chemical feeders, motors, motor control panels, and other plant equipment. Establishes process set points.
Manages process controls to comply with NPDES standards.
Writes necessary reports to regulatory agencies; communicate with regulatory staff
concerning the plant’s performance. Prepares monthly reports for submission to the
Department of Public Health, Regional Water Quality Control Board and other
governmental agencies.
Supervises and performs the lubrication, packing, cleaning, adjusting, and any repairs to pumps, valves, gear cases, reduction units, and other mechanical equipment as required.
Supervises and performs maintenance of stormwater drainage facilities including ponds, ditches, piping, and pump stations.
Inspects and maintains water, wastewater, and storm pump stations.
Responds to customer/citizen complaints and comments both verbally and in writing.
Trains plant operators and other employees in work operations and job safety.
Maintains all required training and safety documentation.
Supervises and performs the major maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities in the sewage collection system.
Plan, organize, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review work of Department
personnel in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment
plant equipment, and wastewater collection pumping stations.
Supervises, evaluates, and assigns work to water and wastewater treatment plant
operators.
Recommend and assist in the implementation of Department goals and objectives.
Establishes and schedules methods for the operation and maintenance of the water
and wastewater treatment plant equipment and related facilities.
Provides and coordinates staff training in the proper operation of water and
wastewater treatment plant equipment and related facilities, preventative
maintenance procedures, record keeping, and safe operating procedures.
Oversees and maintains the quality assurance of facilities-related analytical
equipment.
Fosters a team environment relationship within the department and with other city
employees in the course of daily activities.
Develops and maintains positive public relations with an emphasis on customer
service.
Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as apparent or as
delegated.
Shall personally engage in work duties.
Gathers data for input in the annual department budget.
Manage the Supervisory and Data Control Acquisition (SCADA) System.
Manage the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Serve in a stand-by status after regular working hours and respond to emergency call-outs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
The principles of water and wastewater treatment plant operation and maintenance,
operating principles of valves, pumps, motors, motor control panels and other water
reclamation plant equipment.
Accepted chemical and physical parameters of wastewater processes and effluent.
Basic arithmetic, including fractions, decimals, and proportions and basic algebra.
Record-keeping procedures.
Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution,
training and performance evaluation.
Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Common hand and power tools used in plant maintenance.
Basis principles of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
Federal, State, and local regulations and requirements governing wastewater
processing, effluent, and record keeping.
Basic chemical tests for wastewater and sludge analysis.
Safety and hazards associated with water and wastewater treatment including confined
space and chemical hazards.
Report writing principles.
Personal Computer use and job-related software applications including Microsoft Office.
Analyze and prepare computer generated reports utilizing Microsoft Excel and other
similar software applications.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Ability to:
Follow oral and written directions.
Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Sit or stand for potentially long periods of time throughout the workday.
Work any shift, holidays and weekends as needed.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Carry out policies of the City.
Review, interpret, recommend, and implement complex California water and wastewater
policies.
Identify with management and City goals and objectives and understand and support
City priorities and needs.
Establish and maintain cooperation and working relationships with those contacted in
the course of work.
Motivate employees to perform at the best of their abilities, evaluate job performance
and recommend disciplinary actions if the situation requires.
Maintain discipline and enforce rules, regulations, and procedures.
Assist with budget preparation.
Meet the physical, mental, and environmental demands of the job.
Train, motivate, supervise, and make recommendations for evaluations of operational
personnel.
Prepare reports and efficiently maintain accurate records.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and written.
Demonstrate continuing effectiveness in maintaining the knowledge and skills required
of this position.
Keep abreast of new and changing technology relevant to this position; stay abreast of
new products and procedures.
Exercise sound judgment.
Use initiative and independent judgment.
Recognize, prioritize, and accomplish needed tasks.
Mentor, train, and instruct operations staff.
Coordinate the work of others.
Evaluate alternative solutions and present recommendations.
Read and interpret gauges and recording devices showing plant operation; make
adjustments to and maintain a variety of plant equipment, make basic chemical tests.
Recognize prioritize and accomplish the needed tasks.
Collect, analyze, and submit initial budget data.
Maintain records and prepare clean, concise and comprehensive correspondence and
written reports.
Respond quickly and effectively in difficult situations.
Maintain confidentiality.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the
course of work.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License. Possession of
Grade III, or higher Wastewater Operator Certificate issued by the California State
Resource Control Board. Possession of a safe driving record per the City’s driving
standards and policies.

Desired: Possession of a Grade T2 Water Treatment Plant Operator and D2 Water
Distribution Operator certificate as issued by the California Department of Public
Health. Appointee must acquire a Grade T2 Water Treatment
Plant Operator and D2 Water Distribution Operator certificate as issued by the
California Department of Public Health within 18 months of appointment.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Education: A Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university with
recognized coursework in Engineering, Physical or Biological Sciences, Electronics,
Public Administration or closely related field; and

Experience: Three (3) years of recent, increasingly responsible experience in a variety
of public works construction, water, and wastewater treatment operations or
management. Must include at least three years of administrative and supervisory
responsibilities.

OR

Education: An Associate Degree from an accredited college or university as listed
above; and

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible job-related work experience as listed
above. Two years of administrative and supervisory responsibilities is desired

OR

Education: Formal or informal education sufficient to assure the ability to read and write
at a level required for successful job performance with coursework in management and
supervisory skills; and

Experience: Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible job-related work experience as
listed above. One year of administrative and supervisory responsibilities is desired

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires the ability to bend, stoop, twist, and walk over uneven surfaces and climb
upstairs in the elements for potentially extended periods of time. The wastewater facility
is an elevated facility and requires climbing the equivalent of approximately fifty flights of
stairs per day. Manual dexterity sufficient to use handheld devices without experiencing
abnormal hand or wrist strain. Strength sufficient to use wrenches and other handheld
equipment. Hearing sufficient to understand conversations, both in-person and on the
telephone. Ability to safely operate and drive a motor vehicle.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions in the office are free from extremes of temperature and humidity.
Working conditions in the plant environment are subject to extreme variations in
temperature, humidity and can include wind and rain. The incumbent is subject to dust
and other contaminants.