Operations Supervisor/Lead Operator

Under general direction, plans, schedules, lays out, supervises and participates in the work of personnel engaged in the operation of the District's wastewater treatment plant; assists with training of staff in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant; and performs related duties as required.

Incumbents provide first-line supervision, training and technical assistance to assigned wastewater distribution operations staff. Duties are carried out with considerable independence within the framework of established policies, procedures and guidelines. Work and results are reviewed through inspection and analysis of records, reports, and plant performance.

Employees in this classification are subject to on-call "Standby Duty", which may include rotating-duty schedule, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice. 

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Participates in the selection, training, and supervision of treatment plant operation personnel.
• Assists the Chief Wastewater Operator in evaluating the performance of assigned operations personnel; participates in the establishment of performance requirements and personal development targets for assigned operations personnel.
• Provides day-to-day leadership and work assignments and works with assigned staff to ensure the proper, safe and efficient operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Provides technical assistance and advice to assigned personnel.
• Provides for the training of assigned personnel in proper and safe procedures and practices.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints.
• Responds to emergency situations as necessary.
• Ensures the timely completion of preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Researches new operational methods, techniques and equipment and recommends their application.
• Submits requisitions for necessary tools, equipment and supplies.
• Carries out the District's safety program in assigned unit; ensures subordinates follow safety practices in work methods and procedures; enforces proper safety procedures while working in dangerous situations; educates employees on rules, regulations, codes, safe work habits and potential hazards presented by their work environment.
• Maintains a variety of records, logs and reports.
• Updates written manuals and instructions.
• May fill in for the Chief Wastewater Operator in the Chief Wastewater Operator's absence.
• Operates SCADA plant on emergency basis including RO, and UV treatment technologies.
• Operates vehicle to travel to various District facilities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Assists in the development and maintenance of best practice in unit work processes and supports the philosophy of continuous improvement.
• Develops and monitors team and individual performance measures, ensuring that they align with District's Strategic and Operational Plans.
• Ensures a thorough understanding of the Strategic Planning Cycle and participates in its development and deployment.

Knowledge of: 
Principles, methods and techniques for operating pumps, valves, electric motors, diesel and natural gas engines and electronic, computerized and manual control systems; functions and servicing requirements of the equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant; principles, methods, practices and techniques utilized in chemical, bacteriological and biological analysis; safety practices and procedures pertaining to the work; relevant federal and state laws and regulations; computer applications related to the work, including modern, state-of-the-art supervisory control and data acquisition systems; safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the operation of a wastewater treatment plant; word processing, databases, spreadsheets and purchasing; District personnel rules, policies and procedures.

Ability to: 
Operate a variety of pumping, treatment and control equipment and machinery; accurately read and interpret meters, gauges, valve books, blueprints and schematic drawings; troubleshoot and run treatment plants; make mathematic calculations, including metrics; prepare basic records and reports of work performed; operate and maintain hand and power tools pertaining to the work; operate personal computers and software programs; plan, organize, schedule, lay out and supervise the work of assigned personnel; exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of District management and staff; communicate effective, both orally and in writing.

Training and Experience: 
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent; three years of experience in the operations of a wastewater treatment plant and possession of a California State Wastewater Treatment Operator III certificate (Grade IV or Grade V is desired); or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 
A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
A California State Wastewater Treatment Operator III or IV Certificate is required.

Grade III - Lead Operator 
Salary range 14 $5,430-$7,277 per month

Grade IV - Operations Supervisor
Salary range 16 $5,987-$8,023 per month