Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

II - $92,718 to $112,700 Annually

Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains making for one of the most beautiful City’s in California. Located just 90 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara provides a unique living environment.  The City offers its approximately 95,000 residents a year-round mild climate with an average temperature in the 70’s, magnificent beaches, mountains and parks within minutes of a hustling downtown.

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in a collaborative environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive and grow while fulfilling our Mission.

The Mission of the Public Works Department is to provide the community with the sustainable foundation to thrive by delivering quality services and public infrastructure through efficient and fiscally responsible practices.

THE POSITION

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a highly motivated individuals to troubleshoot, update and repair malfunctioning equipment; perform maintenance repair, and overhaul activities on treatment process equipment including aeration blowers, pumps, and motors, compressors, valves, drive units, hydraulic control units, chlorinators, chemical feeders, pneumatic equipment, and hydraulic pressure systems.  Responsible for the operation and maintenance services of the City wastewater and recycled water treatment operations at the El Estero Water Resources Center. Operate and adjust wastewater treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations; operate belt presses, recycled water filter system and recycled water distribution pumping stations.  Prepare various reports on operational activities.   Maintain, compile and update plant operations logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to wastewater treatment plant operational activities. Mix and add treatment chemicals; ensure adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines.  Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine wastewater quality laboratory tests; work closely with the laboratory on testing processes. Perform general wastewater treatment plant facility maintenance including sludge basin and reservoir cleaning; perform filter maintenance and chemical treatment. Understand basic function and operation of the plant’s supervisor and control data acquisition system (SCADA).  Interpret drawings, blueprints, schematics and diagrams. Note: Incumbent may be required to be on stand-by, including holidays and weekends, for after hour’s response to emergency situations at any hour as needed.  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II - This is the full journey level class within the Wastewater Treatment Operator series.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  This class is distinguished from the Wastewater Treatment Operator III in that the latter performs more complex treatment processes and has lead responsibilities.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III – This is the advanced journey level class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned including performing the most difficult wastewater treatment plant operation and maintenance processes and leading the efforts of lower-level staff in absence of senior or supervisor.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

BENEFITS - 

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations
• SCADA computer operations
• Operations of modern activated sludge wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, wastewater solids handling, and recycled water processes.  
• Services and activities of a comprehensive wastewater treatment plant maintenance and repair program.
• Materials and equipment related to the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater systems 
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology.
• Sampling methods and techniques
• Modern physical, chemical, and bacterial processes involved in wastewater treatment systems.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment and software applications.
• Pertinent Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as applied to operations of wastewater systems.

Ability to:

• Lead and train staff in the area of work assigned. 
• Operate and maintain wastewater and recycled water treatment plant equipment.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices related to wastewater and recycled water treatment plant operations.
• Take liquid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Diagnose operating problems and take effective course of action.
• Perform maintenance repair and lubrication to plant equipment such as pumps, valves, and electronic monitoring devices.
• Make independent technical decisions to maintain proper treatment process.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State and local rules, laws and regulations. 
• Use and maintain respiratory protection equipment.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Work independently without supervision.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

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

Experience:

Wastewater Treatment Operator II – One (1) year of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, repair and installation of wastewater treatment plant infrastructure and lift stations.

Wastewater Treatment Operator III – Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, repair and installation of wastewater treatment plant infrastructure and lift stations.

Education and/or Training:

Equivalent to an Associate of Science degree with major course work in civil engineering, chemistry, biology, construction technology or a related field.

License/Certification Requirements:

Wastewater Treatment Operator II - Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification issued by the State of California at time of appointment;

Wastewater Treatment Operator III – Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator at time of appointment.  

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application”, “Extensive Experience”, or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.  

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

APPLICATIONS AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2025.

Salary : $92,718 - $112,700