Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

THE POSITION: The Alameda County Water District, located in Fremont, CA, is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee position. This position under supervision from the Treatment and Distribution Supervisor, operates, inspects and maintains District water treatment plants and related facilities to supply, treat, store and distribute water for a large urban potable water distribution system; operates all equipment needed to regulate water flow through the hydro-electric power and water treatment plant processes; and performs other related work as required. 

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee is the entry level classification in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. Under close to general supervision within a framework of established policies and procedures, incumbents receive on-the-job training and experience in the operation of a water treatment and distribution system. Assignments are given in specific terms and are subject to frequent review while in progress and upon completion, except where tasks are well defined by established standards, policies and procedures.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Operates all equipment needed to regulate water flow through the hydropower and water treatment plant processes, including equipment related to conventional treatment (with ozone disinfection) and management of residuals generated from such processes in order to meet production requirements and drinking water quality standards.
• Monitors and controls the water supply, transmission and storage systems through a plant supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, and analyzes and acts accordingly to control flow through various transmission and distribution facilities or to take other actions as required.
• Computes chemical dosages and adjusts chemical feeders.
• Monitors operation of membrane treatment facilities, shuts down such facilities as necessary, and notifies Treatment Facilities Operators of membrane facility alarms and actions taken.
• Prepares and maintains detailed logs, records and reports on a variety of functions including; plant operations, test results, maintenance work performed, unusual operating conditions and the results of periodic inspections conducted; uses a computer to maintain data base files and generate reports.
• Performs a variety of laboratory tests to determine plant process performance and compliance with water quality regulations; maintains laboratory equipment in clean condition.
• Takes regular inventories of chemicals and other supplies used during the operation of water facilities; orders operating supplies and chemicals as needed; and assists with the safe unloading and storage of chemicals.
• Works with hazardous chemicals related to water treatment; receives training and responds to hazardous chemical spill events at District facilities.
• Makes equipment adjustments, lubrications and minor repairs and participates in major plant repairs.
• As assigned, operates the plant communications during off hours, on weekends and holidays; receives calls from customers, dispatches personnel if needed; maintains telephone and radio communications with field employees, security forces and others, including lock out/tag out programs, confined space program and emergency operations plan.
• Learns and receives training on a variety of issues including: advanced operational and technological developments in the water industry and safety and environmental compliance requirements.
• Maintains plant, operating equipment and facilities in a clean and orderly condition; performs routine housekeeping chores inside and outside the plant and conducts regular site safety inspections.
• With proper training, may perform the assigned responsibilities of a Solids Handling Operator on an as-needed basis.
• May conduct tours for individuals or groups, as requested.
• May operate a motor vehicle, fork lift or front-end loader incidentally in the performance of work.
• Performs other related work as required.

REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be the equivalent of:

Education and Experience - 

High school diploma or its equivalent plus specialized training (recent acceptable formal courses of instruction) in water treatment and plant operations; and no work experience required.

Additional Requirements: - 

- Must possess a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record

- Must possess or obtain a California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate Grade T2 within 18 months of employment.

- Must successfully complete a formal Operator training program and obtain a California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate Grade T3 within four (4) years of appointment to the Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee class (or within 2 years if in possession of a Grade T2 Certificate at the time of appointment).

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

1. Application materials must be submitted online at www.acwd.org by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18 2025. Application materials must include a completed Alameda County Water District Employment application. Incomplete applications will not be given further consideration.
2. Candidates that possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to a written exam. Top-scoring candidates following the exam will be invited to the hands-on performance exam. Top-scoring candidates following the performance exam will be invited to an interview panel tentatively.   
3. Candidates passing the interview panel will be ranked on an employment list for further consideration. Top-ranking candidates will be invited to a personal interview with the hiring Supervisor.
4. Employment offers are normally made following conduct of reference checks and are always contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam, and a security background check.  Employment is made contingent upon verification of identity and legal right to work in the U.S.A. pursuant to federal law, and the signing of a loyalty oath, pursuant to state law. 

Salary : $88,344 - $107,386