Water and Sewage Plant Operator, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Safety)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under general direction in a conservation camp in the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to perform a variety of skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a water/wastewater treatment plant, water, sewer, heating, boiler, air conditioning, ventilating, lighting, power, and other mechanical systems normally found in a State conservation camp facility; to work closely with Region, Headquarters facility planners, and various control agencies on facility maintenance problems and code requirements; to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates or wards; to instruct or lead inmates, wards, or resident workers in facilities maintenance while protecting and maintaining the safety of persons and property; and to do other related work.
Job Characteristics
Positions in this class are in Department of Forestry and Fire Protection conservation camps which are located in remote, isolated areas of California that preclude using existing local municipal water or wastewater systems. The camps have their own drinking water supply and treatment systems, along with on-site wastewater disposal systems that serve the inmate population as well as State staff. Assignments may include sole responsibility for the lead and instruction of inmates, wards, or resident workers and/or the protection of personal and real property.
Water/wastewater certificate requirements vary among camps. Specific camp needs will indicate which license is required.
Typical Tasks
Operates, inspects, maintains, and repairs all water and/or wastewater treatment systems per California Code of Regulations Title 22 and Title 23, including piping, pumps, ponds, sprayfields, leach fields, and storage used in conjunction with water and sewer systems; performs daily tests of water and sewage in various stages of treatment and personally makes the analyses; prepares and submits to the Department of Health Services and/or State Water Resources Control Board all required water quality monitoring documentation; interprets water quality tests and determines necessary changes in dosage and treatment processes; performs the maintenance of equipment and related facilities; adjusts and repairs mechanical equipment such as pumps, chlorinators, gas engines, and metering devices; monitors and directs the pumping of septic tanks and grease traps; maintains manholes, water and sewer pipelines, storm drains, hydrants, and water valves, and continually monitors cross connections per Title 17; repairs and maintains all types of motors and engines used to power pumps, compressors, and fans; operates and directs the operation of related equipment at incinerators and other mechanical equipment; prepares and processes a variety of purchase documents to order and maintain an adequate supply of parts, tools, and supplies necessary to maintain the facilities of a conservation camp; leads and instructs two or more inmates, wards, or resident workers; provides training and instruction in the maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment plants, water and sewer distribution lines, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), boilers, interior and exterior painting, laundry and culinary equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems; inspects, maintains, and repairs: water filters, softeners, piping, and pumps used in conjunction with water distribution, including all sinks and toilet bowls, supply lines, sewer lines, and water lines; all natural and manufactured gas distribution lines and manufacturing systems, including all valves and control devices; all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including control systems for air balance, humidistat, and solid-state electronic motor control amplifiers; single-phase and multiphase electrical circuits up to 220 volts, including emergency generators; boiler and steam generator plant; performs general building preventive maintenance and repair; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the Departments of Corrections and the Youth Authority; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves or others or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; and inspects premises and searches inmates or wards for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a valid State of California Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (Grade I or Grade II) and State Department of Health Services (Grade 1 or Grade 2).
(Applicants who are within six months of obtaining the required certification will be admitted to the examination but must secure and provide evidence of certification prior to appointment.) and Either I Completion of a recognized apprenticeship for Stationary Engineers. (Apprentices who are within six months of completing their apprenticeship program may be admitted to the examination but must provide evidence of completion prior to appointment.)
Or II
Experience: Four years of experience performing duties which may include the operation and maintenance of water and sewer systems; maintenance and repair of plumbing, boiler, heating, refrigeration, ventilation, laundry, and shop and power equipment of commercial, industrial, or institutional buildings, including the operation and maintenance of air conditioning systems involving the use of automatic controls; and repair of various mechanical equipment, in addition to performing minor building construction and maintenance. and
Education: Completion of 670 hours of formalized technical instruction relating to Stationary Engineering in training offered by such established programs as: Job Corps; Skill Centers; ROP; Trades Schools; Military; and Joint Training Partnership Act. (An Associate of Arts or Certificate in Mechanical Electrical Technology, which must have included at least 12 semester units of instruction in heating, ventilation, and refrigeration systems involving the use of automatic controls, may be substituted for the 670 hours of technical instruction. Students who are within six months of completing their degree will be admitted to the examination, but they must provide evidence of completion prior to appointment.) (Two years of additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Water, sewage, and other mechanical systems and equipment; methods, materials, and tools used in the operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment; principles of water and sewage treatment; boilers and auxiliary boiler room equipment; heating, lighting, ventilating, air conditioning, power, refrigeration, building electric and pneumatic controls, water treatment, and other mechanical or electrical equipment; methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in the operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment.
Ability to: Communicate effectively; make and interpret chemical and physical laboratory tests; prepare routine reports and keep accurate records; read, interpret, and work from plans, drawings, and specifications; think and act quickly in emergencies; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; install, operate, and make repairs to the various types of equipment listed above in the knowledge requirements; lead and instruct inmates, wards, or resident workers engaged in operating water and sewage treatment plants and facilities maintenance.
Special Physical Characteristics
Persons appointed to positions in this class must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well- being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates or wards.
