collection system operator i

DEFINITION
This position is located in the Collections System Sections of the Operations Department and performs a variety of routine to skilled work in the installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of the District's wastewater collection systems and the District's 13 lift stations. Assists in project inspections during maintenance and construction of District wastewater collection systems, sewer lift stations, Ozone treatment plant, trunk lines, service laterals, and force mains; obtains meter readings; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
This position reports to the Collections System Supervisor. No direct supervision of staff is exercised. May provide technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level class in the systems operations and maintenance series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents with basic maintenance experience learn District infrastructure, systems, lift stations, and facilities, use of tools and equipment, and a wide variety of practices and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. This class is alternately staffed with System Operator II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications, which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

The incumbent ensures that her/his activities are aligned with and support the South Coast Water District's policies, mission, vision, core values, core strategies, and annual action items and performance measures.

Examples Of Essential Job Functions
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
When Performing Wastewater Collections Systems Assignments

• Maintains and repairs, in a safe and sanitary manner, Force mains, sewer lines, manholes, pressure hoses, mains, parts, and other related facilities and equipment to ensure compliance with established codes; methods include smoke testing, CCTV work, packing, and sealing of lift stations pumps.
• Inspects and tests underground wastewater collection pipes, lateral connections, storm drain interceptors, easement lines, and associated appurtenances using closed-circuit television devices and other specialized testing equipment to locate leaks, breaks, infiltration, and the buildup of dirt, debris, roots, and other materials on a scheduled preventative maintenance basis.
• Operates and maintains the District's close circuit television system and equipment used to monitor and prevent problems in the wastewater system.
• Examines, maintains, cleans, and unplugs collection lines with various specialized equipment, including hydro-cleaning, video vehicles.
• Tests and monitors manholes for dangerous gases and uses proper safety precautions when entering underground areas; cleans out manholes and other collection facilities.
• Provides installation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater mains and laterals; excavation and repairs damaged sections of pipe; cuts, installs, threads, and assembles new pipe.
• Performs a variety of semi-skilled work to repair, maintain, install, inspect, troubleshoot, and adjust a variety of mechanical equipment relating to the District's lift stations, including compressors, hydraulic controls, generation and bypass pumps, mechanical, structural, and plumbing apparatus, belts, chains, conveyors, and diesel and gas engines.
• Response to customer complaints and emergency calls for service; use inspection equipment to identify causes; and assists in mitigating overflow spills and damage as required.
• Operates a combination hydro-cleaning/vacuuming truck to clean and flush sewer lines on a scheduled or emergency basis.
• Performs asphalt and concrete repair and patchwork; removes trees, brush, and debris from rights-of-way or easements to access sewer main lines and laterals.
• Installs and maintains different metering devices throughout the District's infrastructure to monitor wastewater flows.

When Performing Wastewater Lift Station Assignments

• Repairs, maintains, installs, inspects, troubleshoots, and adjusts various mechanical equipment at lift stations, such as pumps, compressors, hydraulic controls, and mechanical, structural, and plumbing apparatus; belt, chain, and conveyors; diesel and or gas engines and related equipment.
• Performs complex mechanical maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and rebuilding of shop and field equipment used in lift stations and collection systems from work orders, drawings, specifications, schematics, sketches, verbal and written instructions.
• Maintains, installs, inspects, and repairs various pumps, such as centrifugal, positive displacement, and screw; determines excess wear and pump efficiencies, and follows preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
• Performs horizontal and vertical welding, fabricating, silver soldering, hard facing, and brazing using acetylene, arc, MIG, and tig welder on most ferrous and nonferrous metals; makes specialized cuts and complex angles using a band saw; and performs blacksmithing and parts fabrications.
• Maintains, installs, inspects, and repairs piping systems of PVC, black and cast iron, stainless steel, and copper tubing; installs, removes, and repairs larger pipes and valves; draws minor new designs; modifies existing piping systems and welded steel pipes, such as nozzles and saddles; and taps, cuts, and threads pipes.
• Performs regularly scheduled maintenance, inspection, and repair tasks on comminuting and grinding devices; overhauls equipment, such as cutters, bearings, chains, mechanical seals, gear reducers; performs close tolerance checking and testing.
• Performs basic to complex maintenance, inspection, and repair or overhauling tasks on drive components, such as right-angle drive gears, reduction drives, variable speed, and belt and chain drives.
• Overhauls maintains, installs, adjusts, inspects, and repairs various hydraulic and pneumatic systems and compressors.
• Uses a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) maintenance program to conduct preventative maintenance and record-keeping of all work performed.
• Uses Supervisory Control and Data Aquisition (SCADA) program to conduct Lift Station checks as assigned.
• Provides assistance in operation and maintenance of the District's wastewater collection system safely and sanitary to ensure safe conditions for the District, including repairing broken wastewater mains and parts and hydro-cleaning to provide clean and open distribution.
• Maintains light, medium, and heavy-duty equipment and trucks appropriate to the functional area of assignment.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignments as instructed.
• Installs street barricades and cones and controls traffic around worksites to ensure safe conditions for the general public and District workers.
• Ensures that safe work methods are being used and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform specific work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Answers inquiries from citizens regarding work performed; maintains accurate records of work performed.
• Performs confined space entry and rescue operations.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies and assists other maintenance crews as needed and in emergency or relief situations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

When Performing All Assignments

• Reads and interprets maps and diagrams in the performance of the work.
• Observes safe work methods and make appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Operates and maintains a variety of light, medium, and heavy-duty equipment and trucks and hand and power tools appropriate to the functional area of assignment.
• Ability to use Geographical Information System (GIS).
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignments as instructed.
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Installs street barricades and cones and controls traffic around worksites to ensure safe conditions for the general public and District workers.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform specific work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Answers inquiries from citizens regarding work performed; maintains accurate records of work performed.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies and assists other maintenance crews as needed and in emergency or relief situations.
• Performs confined space entry and rescue operations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Responds to emergency calls within 30 when on duty.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

• Operates District vehicles and equipment.
• Must be able to carry, push, pull, reach, and lift equipment and materials up to 75 lbs.
• Stoops, kneels, crouches, and climbs during field maintenance and repair work.
• Works in an environment with exposure to dust, dirt, water, sewage, and significant temperature changes between hot and cold. The daily work environment involves indoor and outdoor activities.
• Communicates orally with District staff in face-to-face and one-on-one settings.
• Regularly uses telephone and two-way radio for communication.
• Uses office equipment such as computer terminals, scanners, and copiers.
• Stands and walks for extended periods.
• Hearing and sight within normal ranges.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

Collection Systems

• Maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing wastewater collection systems, including gravity and pressurized wastewater lines, manholes, wastewater cleanouts, and other related facilities and equipment.
• The operation and minor maintenance of various hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Shop arithmetic.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Basic computer software related to work, such as SCADA and other telemetry systems.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and District staff, in person and over the telephone.

Lift Stations

• Principles, practices, methods, tools, and equipment related to the mechanical maintenance and repair of pumps, motors piping systems, and related equipment and facilities used in wastewater lift stations.
• Principles, practices, and materials used in maintaining and repairing storm and sanitary wastewater collection systems, including gravity and pressurized wastewater lines, manholes, wastewater cleanouts and pump systems, and other related facilities and equipment.
• Computer software related to work such as SCADA and other telemetry systems and CMMS.
• Basic electrical maintenance principles and methods.
• The operation and minor maintenance of various hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Shop arithmetic.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Confined space entry/rescue, including the use and operation of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and District and departmental standard operating procedures
• Basic welding techniques and practices.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and District staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability To
Collections Systems

• Perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on wastewater collection systems, facilities,s and equipment found in the District.
• Operate specialized maintenance and repair equipment related to wastewater mainline cleaning.
• Set up and operate traffic area construction zones, including arrow boards, cones, barricades, and flagging.
• Locate underground utilities using blueprints and electronic locating equipment per Underground Service Alert (USA) regulations.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and essential written records of work performed.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Lift Stations

• Perform various journeyman-level mechanical repair, maintenance, servicing, and cleaning tasks on assigned equipment, facilities, and machinery in the sanitary lift stations.
• Operate a variety of maintenance and repair equipment safely and effectively.
• Read and understand technical manuals, blueprints, shop drawings, and sketches.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Accurately diagnose mechanical repair needs.
• Perform moderately heavy manual labor.
• Perform preventative and corrective mechanical maintenance and basic electrical maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Perform safety inspections and identify safety hazards.
• Perform assigned work following appropriate safety practices and regulations.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and essential written records of work performed.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Experience And Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education

• Equivalent to completing the twelfth (12th) grade. College-level coursework in Environmental Studies; Wastewater/Sanitation, Mechanics, Construction methods, or a related field is desirable.

Experience

• No experience required.

License And Certificate Requirements

• Valid California Class B driver's license with the appropriate endorsements (within the first 12 months of employment) and a satisfactory driving record.
• Grade I Wastewater Collection System Maintenance Certificate (obtained within the first 12 months of employment) issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).

Abilities
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Language And Interpersonal Communication Ability
Must possess the ability to speak, read, and write English. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office, management, and field employees. Professionally represent District when dealing with outside vendors, board members, the public, or other District personnel. Ability to explain, demonstrate, and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures, and standards and the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.

JUDGMENT AND SITUATIONAL REASONING ABILITY

Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Ability to remain calm in crisis and emergencies. Ability to use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive information.

Technology Ability
Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), are sufficient to perform the job duties noted.

Mental Ability
Must be able to work under pressure with frequent interruptions while communicating and interacting with a variety of District personnel, the public, and others encountered in the course of work. The ability to explain, interpret, and apply related rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; and work on multiple concurrent assignments, often within tight timeframes using sound business judgment, is necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff, public and private representatives, and contractors to interpret and enforce departmental policies and procedures.

Physical
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and operate the tools mentioned above and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 75 pounds and heavier weights using proper equipment.

Vision
See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and operate assigned equipment.

Hearing
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction—hearing and speech abilities to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and off-hour shifts for an emergency callback response.

The specific statements shown in each section of this classification description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent the essential functions and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the assigned functions successfully. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the job's essential functions.