Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Overview

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee/Operator I is the entry-level job for performing wastewater treatment plant operations. While under supervision, personnel perform routine plant maintenance and learn wastewater treatment plant operations.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II is an experienced working-level job for performing wastewater treatment assignments. Personnel perform the full range of plant and facility inspection, operation, and maintenance work with minimal supervision and training.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III is an experienced working-level job for performing the full range of wastewater treatment assignments. May act as a Designated Operator in Charge on specific projects or in the absence of the department supervisor.

All classifications may be required to work extended hours, use respiratory equipment, be on call and/or standby, and work in all manner of inclement weather. This position requires a 9/80 work schedule.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and possess the knowledge and skills to monitor, operate and adjust wastewater treatment plant equipment on an assigned shift. This includes performing standard chemical tests, maintaining accurate operating records, completing routine equipment maintenance, and carrying out related duties as required. Experience working in snow and extreme weather is a plus.

Operator Trainee/Operator I:
Graduation from high school or equivalent. No specific work experience is required. Must have the ability to learn assigned tasks. Experience in a wastewater facility with a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training (OIT) or Grade I certification is desirable. Selected candidates must obtain and maintain a SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant OIT certification within one month of appointment and a Grade II certification within 30 months of appointment.

• Operator II
  :
  Graduation from high school or equivalent. Two years of wastewater treatment experience. Qualifying education listed in the SWRCB Wastewater Operator Certification Requirements Table may be substituted for a maximum of one year of overall experience. Possession of Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification from the SWRCB. Must obtain and maintain a SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certification within 12 months of appointment.

Operator III
:
Graduation from high school or equivalent. Four years of wastewater treatment experience, which includes one year while in possession of Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification or higher. Qualifying education listed in the SWRCB Wastewater Operator Certification Requirements Table may be substituted for a maximum of three years of overall experience. Possession of Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification from the SWRCB.

Must obtain and maintain a SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certification within 12 months of appointment.

• Driver License:
  Possession at time of appointment and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License, or equivalent. Proof of a driving record free of multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for two consecutive years.
• Note:
  
  Applicants must submit at the time of application, a current copy of their driving record from the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued no later than one month prior to application submittal. A California DMV driver record can be obtained at: