BIOSOLIDS APPLICATION TECHNICIAN 2 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, to schedule and oversee day-to-day operations for land application of biosolids; to operate medium and heavy trucks, including tank truck with four-wheel trailer; to operate solids handling equipment; to operate spray equipment to apply biosolids to agricultural land; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Department of Water Environment Services manages and operates the County’s utility service districts, including sewerage facilities, collection systems, pumping stations, treatment plants and surface water management.

The Biosolids Application Technician 2 selects applications sites for biosolids dispersal, determines and schedules personnel and equipment for dispersal and compiles periodic reports regarding program effectiveness and condition of vehicles and equipment.  The incumbent also operates heavy duty diesel truck and trailer combinations to load, haul and unload liquids and dewatered biosolids for reuse at agricultural sites. 

The Biosolids Application Technician 2 differs from the Biosolids Application Technician 1 that do not schedule personnel and equipment or make final inspections of application sites.  It also differs from the Environmental Program Coordinator which solicits disposal sites, serves as liaison with regulator agencies and carries oversight responsibility for the reuse programs.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Selects application sites for biosolids dispersal in accordance with Federal and State regulations and Biosolids Management Plan; determines and schedules personnel and equipment for dispersal and disposal; solicits agricultural disposal sites in accordance with environmental regulations.
2. Conducts application of biosolids in accordance with Biosolids Management Plan; compiles daily and monthly data entry for all biosolids hauled and applied to application sites for both liquid and dewatered programs; completes annual year-end report; maintains records of vehicle and equipment condition, repairs and readings of meters and gauges; maintains daily records of mileage, fuel consumption and related information in compliance with local, state and federal regulations; takes soil samples and records field conditions.
3. Maintains effective public relations with landowners, neighbors and the public; explains biosolids application process; responds to complaints exercises considerable judgment in effectively removing trucks and other equipment mired in fields so that personal and real property of customers is not damaged or adversely affected.
4. Inspects completed biosolids applications for proper method and quantity; ensures appropriate establishment of buffer areas.
5. Monitors mechanical conditions of trucks and other equipment; reports needed non-routine repairs and maintenance to supervisor; performs routine maintenance and minor repair of vehicles and equipment operated; inspects trucks, trailers and related equipment for safety hazards and mechanical problems; coordinates repair and servicing; maintains vehicle condition and maintenance records; washes, cleans and otherwise maintains appearance of trucks and other equipment.
6. Applies biosolids directly from tanker or with other application equipment; determines appropriate application pattern; operates medium and heavy-duty gas and diesel powered trucks, including tank trucks with four-wheeled trailer; operates solids handling equipment to prepare, process, load, transport and unload biosolids from wastewater treatment plants to agricultural fields; fills tanker trailer by pumping biosolids from holding tank; operates mobile field equipment; sets up irrigation pipes, hoses and guns; drives on urban streets and rural roads and highways; evaluates field conditions and operates field application equipment.
7. Assists in operation and maintenance activities in the collection and treatment of sewage and stormwater such as processing sludge and residuals, routine plant and grounds maintenance; loads and transports solid waste grit and screenings from wastewater treatment plant to designated hazardous waste disposal site; fills dump truck and/or trailer from holding hopper.
8. Performs related skilled and semi-skilled tasks as assigned or required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of:  Basic principles and practices of personnel management, budgeting, purchasing and contract administration; mechanical operation, maintenance and repair of heavy duty trucks and trailer combinations; applicable State and Federal regulations pertaining to the reuse, dispersal and disposal of biosolids; environmental, traffic and safety laws, regulations and codes, rules and regulations governing the operation of double and triple axle trucks and tanker trailers; methods, practices and equipment used in the land application of biosolids.

Skill to:  Coordinate completion of projects within established budget and time guidelines; incorporate team participation in decision making; promote individual agreement and group consensus on issues and problems; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; understand and follow oral and written instructions; accurately document and compile reports pertaining to activities related to the processing, dispersal, disposal and reuse of biosolides; safely and efficiently operate a variety of light and heavy duty trucks, including gasoline and diesel powered, and tanker trailers to haul liquid biosolids throughout the County in urban and rural traffic situations; safely and efficiently operate light and heavy duty trucks and trailers to haul solid waste grit to disposal site; safely and efficiently operate residuals processing equipment and equipment used to load and unload trucks, including pumps, hoists and irrigation systems; safely and effectively operate equipment used in the collection and treatment of wastewater and stormwater; evaluate field conditions and determine best method of operation and biosolids application; ensure uniform biosolids application on fields; clear truck and trailer combinations bogged down in fields or other difficult field situations or adverse weather conditions, using chains, winch and related tools; perform manual tasks and routine maintenance on diesel engines and truck and trailer chassis; analyze and resolve sometimes complex issues and problems associated with application of biosolids and customer service; perform all required tasks during inclement weather; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with customers, neighbors, the public and County employees.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Most duties are performed outdoors and may involve exposure to inclement weather and muddy conditions.

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment.  Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Possession of valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tank endorsement.  Must pass a pre-employment drug test (DOT Regulations for CDL).  Incumbents must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.