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DATE: October 21„2013
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through the City Manager
FROM Dan St. John, Director of Public Works and Utililies.
Pamala Stephens, Human Resources Manager
SUBJECT`. Resolution Amending the Classification and Compensation Plan by Revising the
Classification Specification of Water Recycling Plant-Lead Operator.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Amending the
Classification and`Compensation Plan by Revising the Classification Specification of Water
Recycling PlantLead`Operator.
BACKGROUND
The State Water,Resource Control Board has-,designated,theEllis Creek Water Recycling
Facility a "Class: V” Wastewater Treatment Plant based on the facility's designed flow and
treatment processes. The State Water Resource Control`Boardy defines operator certification
requirements:in Title'23 of the California=Code of Regulations, and a Water Recycling-Plant
Lead Operator at the Ellis'Creek WRFis legally required,torhold a Grade III Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator certification.
The current classification specifications for the position of Water.Recycling Plant Lead Operator
was adopted;on May 5, 2008,and established possession of a Grade IV Wastewater Treatment
Plant Operator certificate as a minimum qualification. Staff recommends revising the minimum
qualification to reflecttheirequiretnents:set forth in CCR Title 23 forinitial.eligibility of
applicants;-and permit an operator:hired with a Grade III certificate 24 months to obtain,a Grade
IV certificate: This revision will increase promotional opportunities and increase the pool of
qualified candidates without:compromising the overall level of operational competency.
Maintaining the requirement for a Water Recycling Plant Lead Operator to obtain a Grade.IV
certificate maintains,the operational integrity'of the position by requiring the operator to hold a
higher level certificate than is required°for`the Water Recycling Operator III`position, and
qualifies a Lead Operator to be designated'"Chief Plant Operator", as defined by the State Water
Resource ControlBoard, in the absence,of the Operations Supervisor.
Agenda Review: —'10P
City Attorney Finance Dire tor ity Man � �
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The proposed,changes to the:classification specifications are limited only to the certification
requirements, and do not affect the essential duties, skill and demands of the position.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The financial impacts for revising the classification specification will not affect the
compensation plan for the position. Amending the classification of Lead Operator.has no
financial impact on the City.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Exhibit.A—Class Specification
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Attachment 1
Resolution No 2013-XXX.N:C.S.
of the City of Petalurna, California
RESOLUTION AMENDINGTHE'CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
PLAN BY REVISING THE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION OF WATER
RECYCLING PLANT LEAD OPERATOR
WHEREAS, the City wishes to keep current its Classification and Compensation
Plan; and amendments and or revisions to the Classification and Compensation Plan are
effective upon approval by;the7City Council; and,
WHEREAS,.the City Manager/ Personnel Officer has determined that certain
duties and responsibilities are appropriately allocated to+the classification of Water
Recycling Plant Lead Operator (as•attached hereto and marked Exhibit A); and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED-that the City CounciLof the City of
Petaluma:
1. Approve the Tamendment to the Classification and Compensation Plan as
written in this Resolution including the amendment in the Competitive
Service of the Personnel System.
2. Takes;this"action pursuant to Personnel Code.3.04.020 and Personnel
Rules and Regulations (Rule•IV- Classification and Rule V —
Compensation) and, that the notice of this action has been properly posted.
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Exhibit A
Olt: CITY OF PETALUMA
CLASS SPECIFICATION
Date: 10/21/13
Job Class 02JVRLO
Water Recycling Plant Lead Operator
Summary •
Perform responsible duties as a. shift supervisor for the City's water recycling plant and related facilities;
serve as a lead worker over subordinate.Operators as well as other assigned plant support staff during an
assigned shift; and perform the full range oftasks pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the plant.
Class Characteristics
Thisis;the lead worker/shift supervisor,level class in the Water Recycling PlantOperatorseries. An incumbent
in this class works under the direction of the Water Recycling Plant Operations Supervisor. At this level, an
incumbent is fully certified and competent to serve as the plant shift supervisor on a regular and ongoing basis:
Incumbents also serve as lead workers byscheduling,,assigning, directing, monitoring and reviewing the-work
of subordinate Operators and other assigned staff: To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the California State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB);
This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Water Recycling Plant Operator Ill because
incumbents in the latter class;do not have lead worker responsibilities, serve in a shift supervisor capacity on
an;interrnittent and as needed basis. This class.can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Water
Recycling Plant Operations Supervisor because the incumbent in the latter class has full supervisory
responsibility for operational activities and staff, including staff performanceevaluation. In addition, the Water
Recycling Plant Operations Supervisor must possess a Grade V Operator certificate.
Essential Duties, Skills, andDemands ofdhePosition
The duties, skills and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential'functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with a disability to perform theessential duties, skills and demands:
Duties:
Serveasthe designated plant shift supervisor for an assigned shift.
Serve as a lead`worker,over,assigned staff; schedule, assign, direct, train, monitor and review the work of
subordinate:Operators and other assigned staff; develop schedules and training plans.
Perform the full range of duties pertaining to monitoring,. operating and adjusting controls at the City's water
recycling plant and"related:facilities.
Direct and control the operation of treatment-, pumping and recycling facilities to regulate the flow of
wastewater through the system as well as achieve proper processing of wastewater and the re-use of bio-
solids and recycled water within mandated operation'requirements.
Assign,and perform plant rounds-and inspections; review and monitor readings and recordings.of gauge and
instrument information to evaluate the function of pumps, chemical feed and other equipment. Mo dify and
.update plant round sheets as necessary for efficient operations.
Monitor and adjust the plant Supervisory Control and Data..Acquisition (SCADA) system to maintain proper
operating conditions. Populate the appropriate operator actions in the alarm descriptions and evaluate
automatic actions to assure proper computer and manual responses. Clear all alarms in the system 14
Page 1 of 4
Exhibit A
coordinate assistance and respond to alarm conditions. Tune'control„loops with assistance to optimize river
discharge;recycled waterdisdharge, chemical usage, and electrical usage.
Direct and oversee the collection of,wasteWater, sludge and other samplestfrom various phases of the water
recycling and/or treatment process; assign and monitor basic chemical and physical testing processes on
these samples to ensure that`the plant is operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being
met.
Review and analyze operational information and test results, and revise equipment settings as appropriate.
Direct the appropriate response to and control of accidental,releases of..hazardous liquids and gases.
Assign and direct the preventive maintenance and•cleaning for a°variety of plant equipment such as pumps,
chlorinators, filters, chemical valves, bar screens, sludgeaagoons, agitators and electric motors; oversee the
cleaning of clarifiers, oxidation ditches and other treatment-related equipment. Verify preventative
maintenance tasks have been completed.
Direct and perform adjustments and troubleshooting for electrical motors and controls.
Ensure that chemical feeders have a.constant supply of treatment chemicals.
Evaluate ,unusual situations and/or significant changes. in process or equipment conditions; confirm or
determine the potential cause otthe problem; ensure that an appropriate solution is implemented.
Direct the ordering, receipt and storage of chemicals and supplies;, ensure that inventory needs are
maintained.
Ensure that samples are delivered to the laboratory for testing as required. Conduct regulatory testing as
required on the off shift days-when'the lab'is'not staffed.
Maintain accurate records for assigned,;areas. Oversee logbook:entries.
Ensure that facilities and grounds are:maintained in a clean and orderly condition.
Observe and enforce;appropriate;safety'procedures, including those related to working in confined spaces
andthe safe handling of chlorine and other treatment chemicals.
Oversee the`development of Standard Operating Procedures.
Investigate and resolve customer complaints regarding recycling plant-related matters as assigned; prepare
summary reports,regarding such matters as;needed.
May assist with budgetrdevelopment and/or administration.
Attend, and participate in meetings, trainings and safety sessions; lead team projects;. lead task forces as
required.
Assign or give;tours,of the plant and related facilities as needed.
Perform related duties;as assigned.
Skills/Abilities:
Serve as water recycling plant supervisor on an assigned shift; ensure that all assigned activities are
performed in accordancewith City and departrnentpolicies and procedures, as well°as,laws and regulations.
Schedule, assign, direct, monitor and review the work ofsubordinate;employees.
Perform the full range of duties pertaining to the operation°and'maintenance:of equipment, instruments and
structures used within a water recycling plant.
Develop, recommend and implement working procedures as needed to apply and enforce policies.
Perform activities needed to ensure the safety of assigned staff; ensure that unusual, inefficient or dangerous
operating conditions are+addressed.and resolved.
Prepare informative andthorough.documents and reports.
Conduct basic chemical and physical tests of wastewater, influent; effluent, sludge and related materials.
Page 2 of 4 5
Exhibit A
Perform standard mathematical calculations as well as more complex calculations pertaining to area, volume,
flow, detention time, sludge:and other pertinent issues.
Handle=hazardous chemicals ina;safe manner.
Set production needs for recycled water, river discharge and biosolids.
Operate a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment; operate heavy equipment such as a
forklift, backhoe, loader, ordump truck.
Operate light and heavy vehicles.
Work in confined spaces.
Effectively present information to supervisors and managers in'a clear and concise manner.
Respond to emergency situations in an appropriate manner.
Make sound decisions and meet critical deadlines.
Define problems, collect.data, establish,facts;and draw valid conclusions.
Utilize standard business.computer hardware and software to.maxiri ize productivity and efficiency.
Update operating software for process control.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effectiveworking relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Physical Demands.and Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and
reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects,
tools, or controls, and will frequently be,required to enter data into a:terminal, personal computer or keyboard
device and operate office equipment:requiring repetitive arm/hand!movement The employee is often required
to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl or use the ability to smell. The employee must be able to
perform a moderate amount of physical labor; including having sufficient strength tolift, carry and/or move.items
up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to hear alarms and
respond to others without being able to see them. While performing the duties of this job, the employee
is often exposed to outside:weather conditions.andwetconditions. Other work conditions include exposure to
unpleasant odors, mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles and moderate noise levels. There is risk of
exposuretto hazardous fumes and substances.
Special Physical Requirement:
May be required to enter confined space:and/or respond in an emergency. Mutt be able to wear self,
contained breathing 'apparatus (SCBA) and perform confined space entry and emergency response
duties in protectiveclothing and equipment including SCBA weighing up to 32 pounds.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Advanced principles, operations, services and activities pertaining to wastewater treatment and water recycling
plants.
Complex methods, materials and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment
and water recycling plants.
Principles and practices of public administration, including those pertaining to budgeting;,staff supervision and
leadership.
Basic principles of hydraulics.
Laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the operation of a wastewater treatment or water recycling plant.
Page 3 of 4 LP
Exhibit A
General safety.practices pertaining to the use of vehicles, power equiprrient, and hazardous materials; specific
occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for working in a wastewater treatment or water
recycling plant.
Principles of mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
Methods of effective interpersonal communication.
Record keeping and documentation practices.
Standard business computer applications including Microsoft Windows and Office.
Education and Experience:
Any,combination.equivalent to the:education':and experience likelyto provide the=required knowledge and abilities
would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from high, school is required. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or
university with major coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics or a related area pertaining to
wastewater treatment^is hig hly desirable:
Licenses/Certificates:
Possession of a valid.California Class-C:driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
Must possess a Wastewater Treatment PjantOperator Grade Ill certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of
appointment.
Possession of a valid Grade IV.Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the SWRCB is
required within 24 months of appointment.
Additional Requirement
Must be available to work overtime»-and dffsshiff hours, including weekends,.and/or holidays. Must be available
to work standby and be on call. Must be able to respond to the Plant within one hour of being called.
Revised: 10/21/13
Established: 05/05/08
Department: Public:Works &;Utilities
ELSA Status: Non-Exempt
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