Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Preparation Guide July 2012 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3 II. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR .................................................................................................................................. 3 III. EXAMINATION PROCESS ................................................................................................. 4 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES MEASURED IN THE EXAMINATION ......................................... 4 CHECK-IN .................................................................................................................................. 5 STRUCTURED INTERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 5 Sample Interview Questions ................................................................................................ 6 Structured Interview Tips ..................................................................................................... 6 Preparing for the Interview Questions ................................................................................. 7 Summary of Structured Interview Tips ................................................................................ 8 WORK SAMPLE .......................................................................................................................... 8 CHECK-OUT............................................................................................................................... 8 IV. PREPARING FOR THE EXAMINATION ............................................................................ 9 GENERAL INFORMATION ON “WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE TEST”...................................................... 9 GENERAL INFORMATION ON “WHAT TO DO DURING THE EXAMINATION” ......................................... 9 V. OTHER TEST TAKING ISSUES ....................................................................................... 10 WHAT TO BRING TO THE TEST .................................................................................................. 10 WHAT NOT TO BRING TO THE TEST ........................................................................................... 10 LOCATION OF THE EXAMINATION ............................................................................................... 10 PERSONNEL BOARD CHEATING RULE ....................................................................................... 10 NOTIFICATION OF YOUR TEST SCORE ....................................................................................... 10 CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 11 2 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide I. Introduction The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (PBJC) is pleased that you are interested in a job as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator within The Merit System. In order to determine your eligibility as a candidate for hire, you must first participate in the examination process for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator job class. Because of this, the PBJC has prepared this information guide to familiarize you with the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and the testing procedures for the job. This candidate information guide provides valuable information that will allow you to be more familiar with the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator position and the examination process. It is strongly recommended that you thoroughly review this manual to help prepare you for the examination. Reading the entire guide will ensure that you understand what will occur during the examination. Reviewing and understanding the examples and descriptions provided will ensure that you are prepared for the types of questions and scenarios that you will encounter. A thorough familiarity with the examination process will help eliminate uncertainty and reduce anxiety that can sometimes be experienced in testing situations. This guide is divided into several sections. Each section covers a different aspect of the job or the examination. The topics below are presented on the following pages:     II. Duties & Responsibilities of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Examination Process Preparing for the Examination Other Test Taking Issues Duties & Responsibilities of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator The following information is provided in order to assist you in determining whether you are able and willing to perform the job of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. This information is designed to help applicants make more accurate judgments about their interest in this type of employment. The following information was gathered through a process of interviews, meetings, and surveys with current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and their supervisors. The following are the most frequently performed duties and responsibilities for all Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators in The Merit System. If you decide to pursue a career in this field, you will be expected to perform the tasks described below.    Operates equipment such as bar screens, grit collectors, comminutors, clarifiers, chlorinators, barminutors, aerators, boilers, blowers, pumps and various gates and valves utilized in treating wastewater. Reads charts, gauges, meters and graphs and records data regarding wastewater at various stages in the treatment process; prepares log sheets; changes charts and recording sheets on control panel. Performs visual, auditory, and tactile inspections of pumps, motors, and bearings to ensure proper operations; greases, lubricates and performs other preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment. It is also important to note the following expectations associated with this position: 3 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide       This position may require you to work on Saturdays This position requires you to work outdoors at times in inclement weather (e.g., extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc.) This position exposes you to biological and toxic chemical hazards found in sewage and disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine and sulfur dioxide. This position exposes you to potential mechanical, electrical and physical hazards (falling, drowning, confined spaces, etc.) on a daily basis due to working around wastewater treatment plant and lift station structures and mechanical equipment. This position requires the regular, and at times, sustained performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough surfaces, bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, working in restricted and confined spaces, climbing, balancing on ladders and frequent to continuous lifting of light and heavy objects. This position requires physical dexterity in the frequent use of hand-eye coordination and manipulative skills using fingers, limbs, or body for the operation of vehicles, equipment and tools. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator job class is a Grade 16 position. The current starting salary range for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators in the Merit System is presented below. All salaries stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the beginning salary, unless otherwise authorized. Jefferson County: III. $29,910.40 Examination Process The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator examination was developed based on an extensive analysis of the job and significant input from current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and their supervisors. The test components were designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to succeed on the job. The examination will be administered on July 27, 2012 and will consist of the following exercises:   Structured Interview Work Sample Please note that the entire process, including checking in, testing, and checking out may require you to be at the test site for up to 3 hours. Remember that the material in this booklet is designed to help you prepare to take the exam. You will not need the material in this booklet at the time you actually take the exam. Therefore, you will not be allowed to carry this booklet into the exam. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Measured in the Examination The following table presents the test components and the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) each component is designed to assess. Structured Interview  Following Procedures (Instructions): The ability to work in an environment that requires strict adherence to instructions, standards, and/or procedures.  Oral Communication: The ability to orally communicate information and ideas so others 4 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide       will understand. Reading Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Safety Conscious: The ability to maintain awareness of safety procedures and practices in a variety of novel and everyday work tasks/situations. Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with a group or team in an effort to achieve a common goal. Work Sample Attention to Detail: The ability to pay close attention to detail in order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of work. Following Procedures (Instructions): The ability to work in an environment that requires strict adherence to instructions, standards, and/or procedures. Operation Monitoring: The ability to monitor gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure that a piece of equipment or machine is working correctly. Check-In When you report on the day of the test, the first phase of the testing process is check-in. The purpose of check-in is to record your attendance at the test and to track you through the entire testing process. Your invitation notice will indicate the floor to which you should report at your scheduled check-in time. Upon arrival, you will first be asked to show a VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE. You will then be asked to provide your signature on the check-in roster. In addition, you will be asked to read and sign a confidentiality statement. It is mandatory that you arrive at your designated check-in location no later than 15 minutes after your scheduled check-in time. If you miss your appointed check in time, you will not be allowed to make up the test. If you do not have a VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE, you will not be allowed to take them exam. Structured Interview After check-in, you will be escorted to a private exam room to begin your structured interview. There will be a total of 8 structured interview questions. Before you begin, you will have eight minutes to review the Safety Guidelines and the Physical Inspection Round Checklist in order to prepare for the questions. You may take notes during this preparation time to help you collect and organize your thoughts, but your response to each question must be stated aloud during the response time in order for you to receive credit. The interview questions will be presented to you by video through a television monitor in the room. In the video, a narrator will present each interview question verbally. The question will also appear in text on the television monitor. You will hear each question as it is asked, and you will also have the opportunity to read the question as it appears on the screen. After each question has been presented to you, you will hear the instruction, “You will now have 2 minutes to respond to the question. Your response time begins now.” A countdown timer will be shown on the screen. The countdown timer will indicate the amount of time you have remaining to respond to the question. You will be allowed to refer to your notes from your preparation time when responding; however, your notes will not be scored. Finally, you must respond verbally to each question. 5 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide Your responses will be video-taped for scoring at a later date. You may pause at any time to think further about your answer, but keep in mind that this time counts as part of your 2 minute verbal response time. In general, this time limit was set to be generous enough for you to provide a detailed and thorough response. You do not need to use the whole 2 minutes. If you complete your response before the allotted time for that question has elapsed you must wait for the time to expire before the next question is presented. As previously stated, you may use the notes taken during the preparation period when responding to the questions; however, raters will only be evaluating you on what you say during the actual 2 minute response time. They will not evaluate what you have written down in your notes. Only your verbal responses will be scored. It is important to remember that the interview will not be conducted by a live person. All questions will be presented in a video recording. Keep in mind that you must provide detailed responses to interview questions in order to score well. All questions will ask you about your actions and behavior in either past situations that you have encountered or in situations that might occur in the future. Good answers will contain enough detailed information for someone to fully understand your actions and behavior in a given situation. Very short answers (such as a one-sentence answer) most likely will not provide enough information to result in a good score. An outstanding response to an interview question is possible only if you provide a detailed description of your actions or behavior in response to the situation presented. Additional tips for effectively responding to interview questions are presented in the following sections. Sample Interview Questions During the course of the interview, you may be asked one of two types of questions, or both: 1. Past Experience Questions – This type of question will ask you to describe relevant examples of past experiences that you have had and how you acted or behaved in that specific situation. For example, a past experience question designed to assess a candidate ability to be persuasive may resemble the following: Example: “Describe a time when you had to persuade another person to accept your point of view. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?” 2. Situational Questions – This type of question will ask you how you would handle a particular situation that you might encounter in the job for which you are applying. For example, a situational question designed to assess a candidates persuasiveness may resemble the following: Example: “Suppose you had to persuade someone to accept your point of view? What would your strategy be?” Structured Interview Tips Be sure to do the following:  Address each component of the question. In some cases, questions may have several parts. For example, a question might ask, “Describe a time when you had to persuade another person to your point of view. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?” In this case, the question has three parts. In order to provide a complete answer, you must 6 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide (1) describe an actual situation in which you had to persuade another person, (2) describe what actions you took in this situation, and (3) explain what happened as a result of your actions. If your response fails to address any of these components of the question, your score will not be as high as it might have been for a complete answer.  Pick a specific past experience to talk about if you are asked a past experience question. You must talk about a specific past experience in order to receive credit. Try to choose an experience example that best fits the question and allows you to demonstrate the possession of interview KSA listed on page 4. If you are asked a situational question, you should describe in detail how you would respond to the situation as it is presented in the question. Avoid the following:  Responding to questions using terms like “we” or “us”. The purpose of the interview questions is to gain insight on your past and future behavior. If you say, for example, “We instituted a policy requiring all staff to take a five-minute break every hour whether they felt they needed it or not,” it is difficult for someone judging your response to determine exactly what you did in the situation. Whether you are responding to past experience questions or future-oriented questions always use “I” instead of “we” or “us” when responding.  Responding in a vague or general way. A general response such as “I have had many experiences like that and I always do just fine,” is a poor answer to a past experience question. A good response would involve picking one particular example, describing the situation, outlining your goals in the situation, and most importantly, describing your actions, or what you did in the situation. As another example, if you are asked a situational question, a vague response such as “I would try to make sure that everything got resolved and everyone was happy”, does not provide enough detail for you to score well. A better response would describe what you want to accomplish, specifically what you would do and say, and who you would involve in handling the situation. Preparing for the Interview Questions You now know that the interview will require you to potentially answer both past experience questions and situational questions. Furthermore, you know the interview is designed to measure the KSA’s “Following Procedures (Instructions), Oral Communication, Reading Comprehension, Safety Conscious, and Teamwork”. Be sure to thoroughly review the description of each KSA being assessed in the interview (see page 4). To prepare for past experience questions, try to think about some of your past experiences in which you have had the opportunity to demonstrate the above mentioned KSA’s. Practice describing those experiences in sufficient detail. Try this preparation exercise with multiple experiences in which you have demonstrated these KSA’s. To prepare for situational questions, read the description of each KSA on page 4 and try to think about ways you may be able to demonstrate each KSA on the job. Practice describing specific ways that you could demonstrate each KSA. Finally, to fine-tune your preparation leading up to the time of your interview, try video or tape recording your practice of both of the above exercises. This will help you become comfortable with effectively communicating your answers to interview questions. 7 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide Summary of Structured Interview Tips  Plan your response.  Choose an example that best suits the question and allows you to demonstrate possession of important KSAs.  Provide a detailed response. More detail is better than less detail.  Respond appropriately for the type of question that is asked (Past Experience or Situational questions).  Make sure your answer covers your actions or behavior. Be sure to talk about what you would do and why.  Answer each question in a specific manner, being sure to address all components of the question.  Answer in the first person (i.e., using “I would…” or “I did…,” etc.)  Organize your thoughts before answering the question.  It is better to give more information than less. However, do not ramble about things that are not relevant.  The video recorder must be able to pick up what you are saying. Make sure that you speak clearly and loudly enough to be recorded. A normal conversational tone that you would use in a face to face meeting is appropriate.  Interviewers/raters will listen to exactly what you say. They cannot, nor are they allowed to assume or guess at what you mean. Make sure you say what you mean.  All candidates’ responses will be evaluated against the same set of performance standards. Work Sample After the structured interview, you will be escorted to a group testing room to complete the work sample exercise. The work sample exercise is designed to simulate tasks that you would be expected to perform as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. The work sample exercises will ask you to perform tasks that a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator would be responsible for during their shift including completing a Daily Operating Report, reading pressure and temperature gauges and referring to a Physical Inspection Rounds Checklist. You will be provided with detailed instructions and references for how to complete these tasks. You will be expected to read the instructions and complete each task based on the information provided to you. You will be provided with scratch paper and pens and pencils. Check-Out After you complete the work sample, you will again be asked to sign a roster so that we can confirm that you have completed the entire examination. It is important that you do not discuss the test components or processes with anyone that may be taking the examination. Providing information about the examination to anyone would be unfair to yourself and others taking the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator test. In addition, revealing information about the examination could result in your disqualification from the selection process. After you check-out you will be allowed to leave the test site. 8 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide IV. Preparing for the Examination General information on “What to do before the test” Here are some suggestions for what to do before the test. This includes getting to the testing location on time and with the proper items necessary to take the test. 1. Be well rested. Get a good night's sleep for several nights in a row before the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator examination. 2. Allow plenty of time to get to the examination. If you are rushed and late, you will be upset when you get there. Plan to arrive a few minutes prior to the scheduled time for check-in. You are responsible for finding a parking spot. The PBJC does not have a public parking lot. 3. Come in to the examination dressed comfortably. You will not be evaluated based on your appearance. 4. Do not bring any of your study materials to the examination. This includes notes and any manuals, source documents, and study materials that you have used to prepare for the examination. 5. You must bring a Valid Photo ID to the test location. You will not be allowed to enter the test location nor take the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator examination without your valid photo ID. 6. Do NOT bring any communication devices (e.g., cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc.). If you bring a cell phone or other electronic device, you will be asked to return it to your car. We will not confiscate them. You must comply with this rule in order to be admitted and you will still be subject to the check-in time deadline. Using any communication device after you have checked in to the test site will be considered cheating, and you will receive a zero on the test. 7. Please note that you may be held at the testing site for up to 2 hours, and you will not be allowed access to your cell phone, pager or radio for that entire period of time. General information on “What to do during the examination” 1. Remain Calm - It is natural to be a little nervous during an examination, however it is not good to be so nervous that all you can think about is how nervous you are. You need to keep your mind on the test exercises, and not on your feelings. To improve your ability to stay focused, you will find useful ideas in this booklet on how to prepare for the examination and what to expect. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable and less nervous you will feel during the examination. 2. Once the examination begins, you must not leave the testing room unless you are told that you may do so. There will be test monitors nearby at all times and they will be available to assist you if you have any problems or questions. 3. Pay close attention to all instructions provided to you throughout the test. 4. Test monitors will not interpret or explain test questions for you. However, they can assist you with any problems, such as mechanical difficulties or equipment breakdowns. 5. There will be video recorders in the room in which you take the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator structured interview. These recording devices will be used to record your spoken 9 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide responses to the test questions. During the structured interview you will be in the room by yourself. You do not have to speak directly to the camera in the room. 6. You should speak in a normal speaking voice when you are required to give verbal responses to questions. A normal conversational tone should be more than sufficient for your responses to be recorded. V. Other Test Taking Issues What to Bring to the Test  Valid Driver’s License  Test notice You will NOT be permitted to take the test unless you have a valid driver’s license. You are encouraged to bring your notice as verification of your test time and location. Also, there may be a potential waiting period before you begin the examination, so you may want to bring reading materials, snacks, etc. The Personnel Board will supply all other materials including, pencils, erasers, and scratch paper. What Not to Bring to the Test  Do not bring this booklet to the test location.  Do NOT bring any communication devices (e.g., cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc.). If you bring a cell phone or other electronic device, you will be asked to return it to your car. We will not confiscate them. You must comply with this rule in order to be admitted and you will still be subject to the check-in time deadline. Using any communication device after you have checked in to the test site will be considered cheating, and you will receive a zero on the test. Location of the Examination The structured interview and work sample exercises are scheduled to be held at the Personnel Board of Jefferson County (2121 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, AL, 35203). Parking is available at the BJCC parking deck across from the Sheraton. The cost is $1 per hour or a maximum of $7 per day. Parking may also be available in metered spots on the streets near the 2121 building. You are responsible for finding and paying for your own parking. You will not be permitted to leave the test to feed parking meters once you have checked in. You may wish to arrive to the test site early in order to find parking and walk to the facility. If you arrive more than 15 minutes past your check in time you will NOT be permitted to take the test. The Personnel Board is NOT responsible for any parking fines, violations, or tickets incurred by you during the exam. Personnel Board Cheating Rule The Personnel Board has a strict “no cheating” rule. If you are caught cheating during the examination you will receive a zero. In addition, you will be barred from taking any future Merit System examinations (Rule 9.14). Notification of your Test Score You will be notified of your score by mail (usually within 4-6 weeks after the test). If you have a change of address or phone number, you must notify the PBJC by calling (205) 279-3400. 10 PBJC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Candidate Guide If you successfully pass the entire examination process, your name will be added to an eligible register of candidates. Your name will be placed on the list, in rank order, according to your score on the entire examination process. Names are sent to jurisdictions with vacancies according to rank on the entire examination process. If you wish to know your rank, you must wait approximately 3 weeks after your score has been mailed to you. We will not have your rank available until after this time. You may then call our Interactive Voice Response System at (205) 279-3400 to determine your rank on the eligible register. The individual jurisdictions may wish to conduct background checks, criminal record checks, or further selection procedures to review candidates. Contact Information Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this material or the examination process; or if you would like to request special testing accommodations or have any questions concerning the test site or testing conditions, please call Erin Larson at (205) 279-3576. 11