THE AGENCY

Zone 7 Water Agency supplies treated drinking water to retailers serving approximately 260,000 residents and businesses in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and, through special agreement with the Dublin San Ramon Services District, the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon. Zone 7 also supplies untreated irrigation water (mostly to vineyards) and provides flood protection to eastern Alameda County.

For more information regarding the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Zone 7, please visit their website at http://www.zone7water.com.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, the Water Plant Operator II, Zone 7 will operate, inspect, and maintain water treatment plant, well field and distribution system equipment and facilities; and to perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Water Plant Operator I/II/III is a flexibly staffed class series with work normally performed at the III level, but with initial selection possible at either the I, II or III level.

Water Plant Operator II is the second-level trainee classification in the series. Under direct supervision, individuals continue to learn and perform treatment plant, well field and distribution system operations. Routine decisions are made within standard operating policies and procedures, subject to approval of a Water Plant Operator Ill and/or a supervisor. Water Plant Operator II’s are expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency which qualifies them to promote to the Water Plant Operator III. Upon successful completion of six (6) months as a Water Plant Operator II the incumbent may be considered for potential flexing up to a Water Plant Operator III based on demonstrated ability to perform at the higher level and possession of the required certification. Appointment at the II level will not be extended beyond 36 months.

For more detailed information about the job classification, visit: Water Plant Operator II, Zone 7 (#4943)

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate has experience with a proven track record of success that demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Possession of a valid Grade 2 or higher Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.
• Passed Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator examination desirable.
• Performs treatment plant and distribution system operations and basic maintenance activities using sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Basic understanding of key regulations, as well as reporting procedures and requirements.
• Knowledge of safety rules, regulations and work practices regarding water treatment plant chemicals and equipment.
• Ability to follow established standard operating procedures, initiating action as appropriate to correct or notify others of quality issues.
• Decision-making skills in order to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities and determine alternatives and appropriate action.
• Proficiency in water treatment math and chemistry.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and SCADA.
• Ability and willingness to work in a variety of conditions, including outdoors in various weather conditions; rotating shifts (including nights), weekends, holidays and in emergencies; and with and around hazardous chemicals and equipment.

EITHER I

Experience:

OR II

Experience:

The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience involving the use of pumps, motors, and piping systems, such as are used in sewage works, refineries, food processing plants, large marine equipment installations, or similar facilities.

OR III

Experience:

The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in operating a water treatment plant with a system capacity of 1OMGD.

AND

License: (This requirement is applicable to Pattern I, II, and III above.)

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
• Possession of a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and in emergencies.
• Work with and around hazardous chemicals.
• Wear respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Wear respiratory protective equipment including remaining sufficiently clean shaven to safely facilitate the donning of specified equipment.
• Complete necessary Continuing Education (CEU) as required to obtain, maintain, and renew requisite California Department of Public Health Certification.
• Requires sufficient physical strength and agility to perform equipment operation, inspection and maintenance tasks, and to unload, store and transfer supplies and equipment.
• Requires repetitive use of feet and hands to operative vehicles, equipment, and tools.

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Water treatment principles, practices, methods, tools, and equipment.
• Operation, basic maintenance and cleaning of water treatment plant and distribution system equipment and facilities, including centrifugal pumps, electrical motors, and piping and control systems.
• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
• Safety rules, regulations, and work practices, particularly in reference to hazardous chemicals.
• Standard chemical and physical tests of water.
• Basic arithmetical calculations.

Ability to:

• Performing treatment plant and distribution system operations and maintenance activities, using sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Recognizing unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions and taking appropriate action.
• Making operating and maintenance adjustments to water treatment and distribution equipment and facilities.
• Work within confined spaces (underground, inside buildings, etc.)
• Performing general mechanical tasks.
• Performing standard water quality tests.
• Reading, interpreting, and recording data from charts, gauges, and meters.
• Keeping accurate records and preparing simple reports.
• Making basic arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Using a computer keyboard to enter and retrieve information.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Lifting sacks of chemicals weighing up to 55 pounds.
• Speak to verbally exchange ideas and information.
• Hear and receive verbal detailed information and instruction.
• See at arm’s length to twenty feet with a sufficient field of vision.
• Distinguish basic colors.
• Walk, stand, and climb for sustained periods of time.
• Finger dexterity and hand strength to operate and grasp tools and equipment on a daily basis.

THE EXAMINATION WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

Candidates must attain a qualifying rating on each portion of this recruitment.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS.

Alameda County utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit. Such a system is competitive and based on broad recruitment efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to test in an examination process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position. Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, the eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position. Other recruitments may be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work.

For more information on the Civil Service Selection process, please visit the “What You Need to Know” section of our website, www.acgov.org/hrs.

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being. These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 11 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1st United Services Credit Union

• Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a brief summary of the