Water Treatment Operator

Please Note: Online applications will only be accepted starting at 10am PST on Thursday, April 24, 2025, through May 8, 2025.

The Pasadena Water and Power Department is in search of Water Treatment Operators to perform a variety of skilled duties in the operation, regulation, inspection, maintenance and repair of City water treatment, storage and distribution facilities and equipment. The incumbents will be required to work on rotating shifts and standby at night, on weekends and holidays as needed. Work requires responding to emergency call-outs and will be responsible for operation, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment required for treatment and delivery of the City's potable water supply, in accordance with strict federal and state water quality regulations and standards. The incumbents will perform assigned duties with a significant degree of independence within parameters established by the level of their State of California certifications, referring more complex issues and problems to the Water Operations & Treatment Crew Supervisor for resolution and decision making.
 
The Water Treatment Operator position is a great career opportunity that may advance to Senior Water Treatment Operator at the discretion of the department director.
 
IDEAL CANDIDATE 

The ideal candidates are willing to learn about PWP’s water operations’ techniques in the maintenance, operation, repair and construction of water facilities and equipment. The ideal candidates also possess the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing as the position entails preparing handwritten daily reports, in addition to using a computer and standard business software. The ideal candidates possess practical knowledge in water treatment, pumps and motors, and “Total and Free Techniques.”

Note: Two eligibility lists will be established for this position: one Open Competitive and one Promotional.  The promotional list may take precedence.  

For more detailed information about the job, including information related to the physical and mental demands, work environment, and qualifications to upgrade to a higher level classification, please review the job description.

• Performs highly responsible skilled duties in the treatment and distribution of potable water throughout the City's service area, including assisting in operation of water treatment plants, pumping stations, blending and pumping wells and reservoirs.
• Collects samples and tests for overall quality of raw, partially treated and treated water using various types of labora- tory test equipment.
• Calculates and adjusts chemical dosage rates to remain within operating parameters and water quality standards; monitors chemical levels and changes chlorine cylinders following strict safety procedures.
• Controls water levels in reservoirs and at other critical points throughout the distribution system; operates pumps to move water from one pressure zone to another in the event of high demand or emergency situations.
• Monitors and maintains records of water pumped from wells and purchased from Metropolitan Water District (MWD) through intake points.
• Conducts visual field inspections of wells, pumps, motors, valves, reservoirs and related distribution system facilities and equipment on a scheduled or emergency basis; assesses operating conditions and need for servicing and/or repair; performs preventative maintenance activities.
• In response to calls from Water Distribution and Construction crews, disinfects and chlorinates new, existing and repaired water mains and service laterals; disinfects and chlorinates wells and reservoirs following repair. Maintains and repairs distribution pressure-regulating and pump control valves.
• Patrols and inspects reservoirs, well sites, spreading grounds and settling ponds.
• Follows strict safety policies and safe work procedures; attends all required safety training; serves as a First Responder in the event of emergency chlorine and ammonia spills, using required safety and personal protective equipment; ensures safety equipment is in sound working condition.
• As assigned, responds to customer complaints related to water pressure and quality. 
• Coordinates work with other cities and agencies to minimize service disruptions.
• Operates a City vehicle and radio communications equipment when traveling to various facilities and sample sites; operates and maintains hand and power tools required for the work.
• Stays abreast of trends and technologies in the field; completes mandatory continuing education programs to maintain certifications.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES
The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in the positions:

• Professional and Technical Expertise – Applying technical subject matter to the job. Specifically, practical knowledge of current state water regulations and ability to work with 100% chlorine gas using Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment.
• Professional Integrity and Ethics - Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
• Mathematical Facility – Performing computations and solving mathematical problems. 
• Writing – Communicating effectively in writing.
• Relationship Building – Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships. 
• Using Technology - Working with electronic hardware and software applications.

 
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and at least two years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance, operation, repair and/or construction of water systems facilities and equipment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
 
This class is a sliding classification with Senior Water Treatment Operator. With approval of the department director, incumbents may be upgraded to the higher level class when qualified, which includes: having passed probation, meeting the minimum job requirements, satisfactory performance evaluations, and upon demonstration of their capabilities to perform at the higher level.
 
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process may consist of training and experience evaluation, performance exercise, a structured interview panel, and department-level interview.

Probationary work period is one year.

VACANCY
There is currently one vacancy in the Water Operations Division of the Water and Power Department.

Future vacancies may be filled from the eligibility list created from this recruitment.Must possess a valid California Commercial Class C driver's license with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment. For further information on how to obtain California Commercial Class C driver's license with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement please check www.dmv.ca.gov
 
The following certifications issued by the California State Department of Health are minimum qualifications required as a condition of continued employment:
 
Water Treatment Operator:

• Grade 2 Treatment Operator 
• Grade 2 Distribution Operator

 
A HAZWOPER First Responder certification or the ability to obtain such certification within 12 months of following employment is a requirement for this class.

Employees in this class are required to wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) periodically in accordance with OSHA regulations.

Salary : $80,501 - $97,850