The City of Vacaville is currently recruiting for Water Plant Operator III to fill one vacancy and to establish an eligiblity list for possible future vacancies.  Water Plant Operators operate a water treatment plant and related facilities in a safe, effective manner, and in accordance with State requirements.  The Water Plant Operator III is the advanced journey level in the Water Plant Operator series and requires possession of a current T3 certificate.  Employees at this level possess a high degree of understanding of concepts required to operate a plant unsupervised and have complete working knowledge of water treatment plant operations and related facilities.  The Water Plant Operator III is distinguished from the Senior Water Plant Operator in that the Senior is a leadworker level that exercises functional and technical supervision over less experienced operators.

Typical duties and responsibilities of the Water Plant Operator III include, but are not limited to: monitoring, operating, and adjusting controls at a water treatment plant, pumping plants, wells, and reservoir facilities; regulating pressures and flow rates in accordance with demand, storage, and production from other sources; reading, recording, and interpreting information taken from computers, gauges, dials, and other instruments and acting on that information as appropriate; monitoring, interpreting, and adjusting computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controls; controlling the application of hazardous materials and chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride; securing and transporting hazardous chemicals to various facility locations; collecting various water samples for laboratory analysis and performing simple water quality analysis testing; inspecting plant equipment and facilities to locate and report needed repairs and maintenance; performing preventative maintenance such as oiling, greasing, cleaning, and otherwise servicing plant equipment; using hand and power tools to remove, install, and make minor repairs, modifications, or additions to plant facilities; performing general plant upkeep such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning, sanding, and painting; performing general groundskeeping and housekeeping as required; guiding and explaining operations to visiting groups; providing on-the-job training to less experienced personnel as assigned; and may be called upon to provide functional supervision on a project basis as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to acquire the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade.
Experience: Two years of work experience performing the functions of a water treatment plant operator.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of a current T3 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Department of Public Health (DPH), plus any other State mandated certificate. Must maintain valid certification as a condition of continued employment. (Note:  Proof of current T3 must be submitted by November 30, 2009 for continuation in the recruitment process.  This documentation can be attached online to your application, submitted in person, mailed, or faxed (707-449-5306) to the Human Resources Department.)

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record are conditions of initial and continued employment.  Within 6 months of appointment, must obtain licensing adequate to maintain compliance with all State and Federal requirements for hazardous materials handling and transport. Current licensing requirements are: California Class C Commercial with hazardous materials endorsement. Department of Motor Vehicles age restrictions may apply. This is a safety-sensitive position and will be subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random testing). 

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Water Plant Operator III's walk and stand for extended periods of time; bend, stretch, reach, twist, kneel, squat, ascend and descend stairs and ladders; lift and carry, and push/pull up to 75 pounds to move equipment and maneuver washdown hoses; ability to see well enough to read gauges, documents and computer screens; ability to hear and distinguish various sounds, such as alarms, voices of co-workers and sounds of operating equipment in both quiet and noisy environments; hand and finger dexterity sufficient to use small tools; repetitive hand and arm motion; ability to work odd, irregular hours including any day, and any shift within a 24-hour period; work both inside and outside with exposure to weather, odors, dust and pollen; exposure to chemicals, skin irritants, fumes and solvents; ability to successfully complete a pre-employment medical exam prior to employment. 

Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for job assignments.  Must comply with respiratory program and Cal OSHA standards. 

OTHER REQUIREMENT

Water Plant Operator III's must be willing and able to work any day and shift within a 24-hour period.

All applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and only the best qualified will be invited to continue in the examination process. The examination process may consist of a performance exercise and an oral interview (weighted 100%). The oral board is tentatively scheduled for the second week in December 2009.  The examination process will evaluate the following areas:

Knowledge of: Operating principles of water treatment plant equipment, methods, and materials used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities; and basic computer operations, including computer applications relevant to water operations control.

Ability to: Safely operate, repair and maintain water works facilities; read and interpret gauges and recording devices; interpret and adjust computerized controls; and perform simple water quality laboratory tests; keep neat and accurate records of water system operations; demonstrate aptitude in practical mathematics; demonstrate mechanical aptitude and use of a variety of hand tools; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work any day and/or shift within a 24-hour period; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.