Treatment Plant Operator

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Treatment Plant Operator at the journey level to join our team. If you are a dependable, safety-conscious operator with a commitment to environmental stewardship and team leadership, we encourage you to apply.

Under general supervision, to perform difficult and complex operations and maintenance functions for the County’s wastewater and water treatment plants; to function as a lead worker to; may act as chief plant operator for a class II or I wastewater treatment plant; and to perform other duties as required.
The list established from this recruitment will be used to fill the vacancies during the life of the eligible list.

Any combination experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Two years of experience comparable to a Treatment Plant Operator in Training in Santa Cruz County. One year as a Sanitation Maintenance Worker II may be substituted for one year of experience as a Treatment Plant Operator in Training.

Possession upon hire, of a valid California Class C drivers license and a Grade I or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board
. Within two years, possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.

Exposure to: variable temperatures and weather conditions; confined work spaces; heights, such as ladders; high level of noise; strong, unpleasant odors; infections which might cause chronic disease or death; electrical hazards; raw sewage; dust; and the possibility of experiencing burns, bodily injury or contact with toxic substances or chemical irritants.

Availability to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, as well as responding to 24‑hour emergency calls.

Working knowledge of regulations related to confined space entry requirements; the methods, materials and tools used to operate maintain, monitor, and repair water and wastewater treatment plants; safety practices required in water and wastewater treatment operations; and regulations related to the treatment, transmission and disposal of water and wastewater. Some knowledge of the application of data processing to sanitation operations.

Operate a microscope and recognise the organisms pertinent to an activated sludge plant; perform appropriate analytical tests as required to operate a plant and collection systems; maintain and operate a standby generator; diagnose malfunctions in wastewater and water treatment plants and determine appropriate corrective action; read, understand, interpret and apply regulations relating to water and wastewater treatment standards; operate a computer to input, access, and analyse data;

assist in estimating equipment, material and labor needs; maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence; establish effective working relationships; lift items weighing up to 75 pounds; perform tasks requiring strength, such as lifting equipment onto trucks, climbing over rough terrain and pulling hoses up embankments; drive and operate vehicles and equipment necessary for operating a treatment plant; and distinguish colours, such as colour‑coded wires or chemical test.

Your application and supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed to determine if you have met the education, experience, training and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement. If you meet these criteria and are one of the best qualified, you may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral and performance examinations or a competitive evaluation of training and experience as described on your application and supplemental questionnaire.

You must pass all components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list. The examination may be eliminated if there are ten or fewer qualified applicants. If the eligible list is established without the administration of the…