Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III - BC-12 - Hawaii County, HI : Job Details

Salary : $75,852.00 AnnuallyLocation : Future vacancies with immediate vacancy in Hilo, HIJob Type: Permanent & Temporary PositionsJob Number: 2024-00205Department: Environmental ManagementDivision: WastewaterOpening Date: 10/06/2024Closing Date: ContinuousDuties SummaryIndependently operates and maintains one or more Class I, II, III, or IV wastewater treatment plants and lower classed plants, as well as tributary pumping plants; participates in the major overhaul, repair, and installation of treatment and pumping plant equipment; and performs other related duties as required.This level is characterized by its primary responsibility for operating and being in direct responsible charge of a Class III wastewater treatment plant, as rated by the State Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Facilities.Special Working Conditions: Exposure to hazardous, filthy, and/or obnoxious conditions; may also be subject to shift, weekend, and holiday work as required.There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Department of Environmental Management - Wastewater Division in Hilo.This Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III position is a career ladder position. The next level in the series is Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV, BC-13, $6,551/month. Persons hired into career ladder positions must meet minimum qualifications for the next level in the career ladder series, perform work at the higher level, and meet performance requirements to move to the next level in the career ladder series.The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment. Examples of Duties

• Operates and maintains wastewater treatment and tributary pumping plants to ensure the safe, effective, efficient, and economical use of processes and equipment, and to comply with pertinent County, State, and Federal regulations.
• Operates various equipment to regulate the flow of wastewater, air, and sludge between the unit processes of the plant.
• Reads and records readings from meters, gauges, and other recording devices and interprets data to maintain or improve plant operations.
• Inspects plant and mechanical equipment for malfunctions, irregularities, and needed repairs.
• Lubricates, changes oil, and makes running repairs and adjustments to machinery and equipment.
• Participates in the installation, overhaul, and major repair of treatment and pumping plant equipment.
• Drains and cleans settling tanks, clarifiers, chlorinating chambers, digesters, and aeration tanks.
• Maintains sludge digestion systems, dewatering equipment, drying beds, and pulverizers.
• Collects samples of raw, partially treated, and treated wastewater and sludge and performs chemical and physical analyses thereof, including settable solids, settle ability, pH, chlorine residual, B.O.D., C.O.D., dissolved oxygen, and suspended solids.
• Interprets laboratory results and makes appropriate process adjustments.
• Maintains records of test results, data sheets, and reports.
• Paints equipment, buildings, and structures.
• Keeps station logs and prepares operational reports.
• May be assigned to work in other plants for training and development purposes and to qualify for higher level certification.
• May be assigned to work at pumping plants or to perform other related duties as necessary.
• Attends employee safety and training sessions.
• Complies with all Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, and policies relating to occupational safety and health, and environmental issues.
• Operates a motor vehicle to transport personnel, equipment, and material.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification RequirementsTraining and Experience:

• experience and/or training of sufficient scope and quality to competently perform the journey level skills and duties of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III, and
• possession of a current Hawai'i Mandatory Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certificate at time of filing (scan and attach a copy of your current certificate to your application), and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at time of filing, (you will be required to submit your driver's license at the time of hire), and
• possession of a good driving record certified by a traffic abstract confirming no DUI convictions, license revocations or suspensions for three (3) years preceding and no moving violations for one (1) year preceding. A current traffic abstract is valid for 30 days from date of issuance by the district court. (You will be required to submit your current traffic abstract at time of job interview.)

Note: as applicable to the position, possession of a current Department of Transportation Medical Examiner's Certificate prior to appointment, and a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 4, non-CDL) prior to completion of probation. (The immediate vacancy with the Department of Environmental Management requires a Department of Transportation Medical Examiner's Certificate prior to appointment and a valid State of Hawai'i driver's license (Class 4, non-CDL) is required prior to completion of probation.) Examination: All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully. Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score. It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week. Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application. Note: In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.Knowledge of: practices and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment and pumping plant equipment; the various types of wastewater and associated problems and processes; sampling methods and the physical and chemical tests used in treatment plant control; servicing requirements of moving machinery; hazards and safety practices involved in working around high voltage equipment and moving machinery; process quality control requirements and remedial measures in dealing with process malfunctions and emergencies; arithmetic; and uses of basic mechanic hand and power tools.Ability to: operate and maintain electrical pumping units and auxiliary equipment, including manual switchover of emergency generator units; read and interpret meters and gauges; record readings and maintain operating records; perform the required laboratory tests and analyze results; operate computers; make arithmetical computations; use common hand and power tools; act quickly and effectively in emergencies; understand and follow oral and written instructions; work harmoniously with others; and handle weights and loads.Physical Requirements: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.Physical Effort Grouping: HeavyWastewater Treatment Plant Operator CertificationInitial Certification and RenewalInformation on prerequisites for examination qualification is prescribed in Title II, Chapter 61, Mandatory Certification of Wastewater Treatment Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants. Certification is obtained through the State of Hawai'i Department of Health, Wastewater Branch. The Board of Certification administers two paper examinations per calendar year in February and August. The examinations can also be taken as Computer Based Test (CBT). Operators may take the test up to 3 times in a calendar year. Any combination of paper and CBT is allowed up to three attempts. Applications for Wastewater Operator Certification Examinations are mailed to all county, private, and federal agencies approximately 90 days prior to the paper examination dates. These are the only two time periods during which applications are accepted for any exams. Please visit the above website for certification information. ReciprocityOut-of-state applicants who possess wastewater treatment plant operator certifications in their state and who are seeking employment with the County of Hawai'i shouldfirst inquire with the State of Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) on how to obtain a Hawai'i Operator Grade I certification through reciprocity.The Board of Certification administers two examinations per calendar year in February and August. Anyone needing a form, should contact the Department of Health or download it from the following link. Persons seeking wastewater operator certifications through reciprocity and who apply for County of Hawai'i wastewater recruitments, should request for a verification of application from the County Department of Human Resources for submittal to the Department of Health. This will verify to the Department of Health that you have applied for wastewater jobs with the County of Hawai'i.Once persons obtain the appropriate wastewater operator certification, they should submit the certification to the Department of Human Resources for final processing of the application if the recruitment is open.Contact Information for State of Hawai'i Department of Health:State of Hawai'iBoard of Certification of Operating Personnel In Wastewater Treatment Plants - Wastewater Branch919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 309Honolulu, Hawai'i 96814Phone: 808-###-#### Benefits of County employment: The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include telecommuting, alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire - up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
• Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
• Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai'i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining. Please check out the benefits tab for additional information. Supplemental Information Please scan and attach these supporting documents to your on-line application, if required:

• an official college transcript,
• a valid driver's license,
• a temporary assignment verification,
• professional licenses, and/or
• certificates,

Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS:Please ensure that the email address and mobile phone number you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails and text messages or fail to check your email box or NEOGOV account INBOX in a timely manner. Checking your NEOGOV account INBOX daily is recommended and is the most secure method to check on notices sent to you. This is a new feature created by our vendor, NEOGOV. Please add [email protected] to your contact list. Open your NEOGOV account using your user name and password. In the upper right hand corner of the account is your name, and under your name, click on INBOX to view all notices sent you. The notices will appear here in the INBOX even in the event you don't receive it on your cell phone, computer, or other electronic device. This is the best way to check and view all notices sent to you.You will receive a confirmation email upon successfully submitting your application. Failure to receive this confirmation email, indicates that your application was not submitted.Benefits of County employment: The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include telecommuting, alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Employees start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire. 14 hours are earned after a full month of service, which equals to 21 days per year, with a maximum accumulation of 90 working days.
• Sick Leave: Employees start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire. 14 hours are earned after a full month of service, which equals to 21 days per year, with no limitation on the amount of sick leave that may be accumulated.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County provides a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: Scholarship program for employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning, subject to eligibility requirements and reimbursement limits.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: A federal program forgiving the balance of federal student loans for individuals working in public service. For program requirements and additional information, please visit
• Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan covered under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. It provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries. For more information visit
• Deferred Compensation: Eligible employees may participate in the Island Savings Plan (a deferred compensation plan as provided under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code.) This is a voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan that allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions into a variety of investment options.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Eligible employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for their portion of insurance premiums, qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses.
• Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai'i offers the following health benefit plans for eligible employees:
  • Medical Plan (HMO or PPO)
  • Vision Plan
  • Dental Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan

These benefits are administered by the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. For more information about current employee contribution rates and plans see the EUTF website ().

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The County offers a voluntary assistance program which provides its employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance: The County provides a free life insurance policy for active employees.
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, such as: Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Victims Protection Leave, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, Donor Leave, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and to legislative and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining.01 REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS. The information provided to these Supplemental Questions may be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or you receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. Any information you submit may be verified. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience Sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking.I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

• I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above information.

02 Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the closing date of the recruitment, unless otherwise specified. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. Overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position. It is essential that you describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.Note: Calculation of experience is based on full-time, 40-hour work weeks. Part-time experience must be pro-rated. Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours per week is equivalent to six months of experience. In addition, hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week, per work experience, will not be credited. Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours per week is equivalent to one year, not one and one-half years.

• I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above information.

03 Do you have the experience and/or training of sufficient scope and quality to competently perform the journey level skills and duties of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III position?

• Yes
• No

04 Do you possess a current Hawai'i Mandatory Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate?Note: Certificate must show a valid expiration date.(Scan and attach a copy of your current Hawai'i Mandatory Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate to your application.)

• Yes
• No

05 Please describe your work experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, while in possession of a Grade III Certificate. Include the following information:A. Employer's nameB. Your job titleC. Employment dates (from month/day/year to month/day/year)D. Hours worked per weekE. Name and grade level of the wastewater treatment plantF. Date (month/year) you received your Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III CertificateG. Description of your duties in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant and the percentage of time you spent performing this workIf you have no work experience, enter N/A. Be specific and complete ALL questions for ALL experience you are claiming. The following are unacceptable responses: - See above- Refer to resume- See attached06 Do you have a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at the time of filing? (Note: You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)

• Yes
• No

07 Do you have a good driving record? At the time of the job interview, you will be required to submit a current traffic abstract confirming no DUI convictions, license revocations or suspensions for three (3) years preceding and no moving violations for one (1) year preceding. A current traffic abstract is valid for 30 days from date of issuance by the district court.

• Yes
• No

Required Question