What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/II position at City of Paso Robles?
Application Deadline: Monday, April 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Tentative Interview Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The City of Paso Robles is excited to announce the recruitment for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/II in the Utilities Department. The Wastewater Division's mission is to protect public health and the environment in the most effective and efficient manner possible. The treatment plant has multiple processes to produce water that is safe for discharge to the Salinas River and for recycling. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for operating a variety of plant equipment and instrumentation, including controllers, pumps, analyzers, flow meters, filters, ultraviolet light disinfection, blowers, and cogeneration related equipment. Don't miss out on this great career opportunity, apply today!
Wage Ranges:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I: $30.04 - $38.13 hourly I $62,492.04 - $79,303.38 annually
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II: $33.27 - $42.20 hourly I $69,203.42 - $87,780.94 annually
The Community
El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.
Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality resulting in a strong work ethic and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the “Almond Capital of the World”, Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living’s “10 Best Small Towns in America”; Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Best Small Towns to Retire to in America”; the Today Show’s “Top Summer Destination for 2021”; a New York Times “Must Visit Region”; Sunset Magazine’s “Best Travel Spots for 2021”; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Wine Region of the Year”.
The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is Cuesta College, North County Campus.
The Organization
The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 30,907 as of January 1, 2024. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor’s position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.
The City has a total annual budget of $170 million for fiscal year 2024/2025, and a total of 304.4 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.
Typical Duties
- Operates and maintains various wastewater treatment plant equipment, including a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and cogeneration system
- Monitors, reads, calculates, and records the flow through the plant by meters, gauges, and visual inspection; operates pumps and valves to regulate flow and adjust chemical feeding according to established standards
- Logs test results, meter and feed readings, flow rates, maintenance, and other data; prepares daily and periodic reports on plant operations
- Collects samples and makes routine chemical and physical tests monitoring for changing conditions and requirements; analyzes the health of the biological treatment process
- Inspects pumps, motors, chemical feeders, level controls, and other equipment to ensure proper operations; makes adjustments and emergency repairs on plant equipment as needed; works closely with maintenance and technical personnel
- Supports the team in making operational changes to ensure permit compliance; makes operational changes needed to optimize overall plant performance and ensure local, state, and federal compliance
- Operates a variety of power-driven tools and equipment, such as a tractor and forklift
- Performs routine plant cleaning and maintenance such as cleaning lines; hosing filters and basins; disposing of sludge; and maintaining plant grounds and facilities
- Maintains facilities, grounds, and equipment
- Loads, unloads, and stores materials and supplies; may include the storage and transfer of hazardous materials, such as chlorine
- Participates in skills and safety training programs; learns and implements safety rules, regulations, and emergency procedures
- May participate in confined space entry and rescue
- Performs other duties as assigned
Employment Standards & Special Requirements
Knowledge of:
- Mechanical concepts principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of an advanced secondary (nutrient removal) and tertiary wastewater treatment plant
- Materials, tools, and equipment used in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant
- Principles and methods of wastewater sampling and analysis
- The operation and maintenance of piping systems, including hydraulics, telemetry, valves, and related equipment
- Routine chemical and physical analysis of wastewater, sludge, biosolids, and related materials
- Applicable federal, state, and city regulations, policies, laws, rules, technical processes, and procedures
- Safe work practices, safety precautions, and occupational hazards
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, representatives of other agencies, and City staff, in person, in writing, and over the telephone
- Operate and maintain a variety of wastewater treatment plant equipment, including a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
- Read and interpret plant gauges and recording devices
- Conduct accurate laboratory tests, including analyzing and interpreting results
- Maintain logs and records
- Follow safe work practices, and verbal and written instructions
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of those contacted in the course of the work
- Inspect and monitor machinery and equipment to verify compliance with all regulations, standards, and laws
- Make process control changes and take corrective action based on data and mathematical equations
- Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to graduation from high school and:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I: One year of technical support or experience in a related field.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II: Three years of responsible technical experience in a related field.
Completion of 12 semester units from an accredited college, university or trade school in a field related to work assigned, and experience working in a public agency setting are all desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Must possess a valid California Class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I: Requires the possession of or the ability to obtain a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate within a one-year of appointment.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II: Requires the possession of or the ability to obtain a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate within a one-year of appointment.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I is the entry-level in this class series. Incumbents work under supervision and learn the basic assignments of a functional area or assist with the conduct of the more challenging and technically difficult assignments. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope, assignments are more varied, and are performed under more general supervision. Incumbents may advance to the higher-level class after obtaining the knowledge, skills, and experience, and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II is the journey level in this class series capable of performing a wide variety of work to ensure that the City facilities and infrastructure are maintained in a safe and effective working condition. Responsibilities require the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment as well as specific technical knowledge of departmental and City activities. The work also requires the interpretation and application of policies, procedures and regulations and involves frequent contact with the public.
Advancement Criteria
A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I who meets the criteria to advance to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II must have served a minimum of 6 months satisfactory performance at their current wage step prior to reclassification.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must possess mobility to work in a standard wastewater/water treatment plant setting, and use specialized test equipment, hand and power tool and instrumentation; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and/or a two-way radio; physical stamina to work in confined spaces, around machines, and to climb and descend ladders; ability to perform maintenance repair work, operate heavy equipment, work on uneven terrain and lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 60 pounds, unassisted; vision to read charts and gauges and smell to identify odors; and/or wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and other safety equipment.
Other Requirements
Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and with exposure to traffic, fumes, odors, dust and potentially hazardous chemicals and conditions. In addition, this position requires wearing respiratory protective equipment at times; when assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.
Selection Procedure & Application Process
A completed employment application must be submitted by Monday, April 28, 2025 at 10:00 am. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, background, and criminal history check. Incumbents with a Class A or B license will be subject to a Department of Transportation (DOT) Clearinghouse check, pre-employment drug test, and post-employment random drug testing in accordance with the DOT regulations for safety sensitive positions. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment, a 12-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.
All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "Disaster Service Workers" as defined in the California Government Code Section 3100 and 3101.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
Vacation: Accrual of 80 hours per year, increasing with years of service
Sick Leave: Accrual of 96 hours per year
Holidays: 14 paid days per year
Health Insurance:
- Medical: City pays $813.24 per month of the employee premium, $1,569.73 per month of the premium for employee with one dependent, and $2,047.49 per month of the premium for employee with two or more dependents; employees who opt out of health coverage may be eligible for a payment of $300 per month
- Dental: City pays full premium for employee and partial premium for family
- Vision: City pays full premium for employee & family
Retirement:
- CalPERS:
- Classic Tier 1 members participate in a formula of 2.5% at 55, with the employee paying an 8% member contribution, plus a 2% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%. The highest year is used for final compensation calculation.
- Classic Tier 2 members participate in a formula of 2% at 60, with the employee paying a 7% member contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%. An average of the 3 highest years is used for final compensation calculation.
- PEPRA members participate in a formula of 2% at 62, with the employee paying one-half of the normal cost (currently 7.75%) contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a current total of 10.75%. An average of the 3 highest years is used for final compensation calculation.
- 457 Deferred Compensation: The City will match up to $25 per pay period
- Social Security: Both the City and employee participate in Social Security
Life Insurance: Employee only coverage of $75,000 paid for by the City
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City pays the full premium for employee and family
Flexible Spending Account: Allows you to pay for dependent care and un-reimbursed medical expenses on a pre-tax basis
Bilingual Pay: Spanish verbal skills: $100 per month; Spanish written skills: $25 per month
Education Reimbursement: Reimbursement up to $3,000 per fiscal year for educational costs directly related to occupational field or for promotion within City service
Commercial License Incentive: Employees in eligible positions who hold a valid Class A or Class B California commercial driver license, maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate, and are cleared by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse to drive commercial vehicles shall receive $100 per pay period, subject to department director approval
Retiree Health Reimbursement: Up to $500 per month reimbursement of health premiums until the age of 65 for employees who retire from the City with at least 20 years of service
For additional details and information, please see the SEIU Memorandum of Understanding located on our website here.
Salary : $62,492 - $79,303
