Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

Salary : $67,121.60 - $89,960.00 Annually

Location : City of Watsonville, CA

Job Type : Regular Full-Time

Job Number : 2025-00011

Department : Public Works & Utilities

Location : 530 Wastewater Treatment Plant

Opening Date : 01 / 29 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 12 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific

Description

DMV printout required with application.

JOB SUMMARY :

Under general supervision, operates and maintains a variety of equipment and machinery in the wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities. This job class performs other related duties in the Wastewater Division as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

This is the first working-level class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the general supervision of a higher-level Operator and / or a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent independently performs the more routine duties associated with operating and maintaining the City's wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, while still receiving direction and supervision as needed from a more experienced Operator. To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The incumbent will be required to obtain a Grade II certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board within 24 months.

This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee because incumbents in the latter class must possess an Operator-in-Training certificate and are trained to perform the most routine plant operations and maintenance activities. This class can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade II certificate and are expected to perform duties that require a higher level of skill and independent judgment. Incumbents at the Operator I level shall promote to the Operator II class when they meet the requirements of the higher-level class and have demonstrated sufficient proficiency at that level.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Monitors, operates, and adjusts controls at the City's wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities
• Controls the operation of treatment, pumping, and water recycling facilities to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system as well as achieve proper processing of wastewater and the re-use of biosolids and recycled water within mandated operational requirements
• Conducts facility rounds and regular inspections of all plant equipment located at the wastewater treatment and water recycling facilities to assure proper operational efficiency
• Monitor and adjust the facility Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Lubricates pumps and other technical apparatus for proper operation
• Adjusts valves and controls as necessary to maintain proper flow and treatment of wastewater
• Conducts periodic readings of meters and gauges and records data in the plant operating logs; maintains detailed and accurate operation and maintenance records
• Adjusts and regulates chemical feeds in wastewater treatment, and water recycling processes
• Works in an assigned area and is responsible to operate chemical, biological, mechanical, and physical treatment process
• Operates sludge dewatering technology, and uses heavy equipment to dry biosolids
• Performs a variety of manual tasks involving the handling of equipment exposed to raw sewage including the cleaning and maintenance of clogged pumps, wet wells, sump basins, and others
• Performs laboratory sampling and analyses as assigned
• Performs a wide variety of preventative maintenance work and minor mechanical repairs in connection with the repair and upkeep of the plant's facilities
• Attend and participate in meetings, training, and safety sessions; participate in team projects and task forces as required
• May provide training and direction to less experienced employees.
• Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace
• Participate in appropriate safety procedures, including those related to working in confined spaces, the safe handling of chemicals, and lock-out-tag-out procedures.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in the scope and function required
• Works shifts as required
• Works holidays and weekends as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of :

Ability to :

Typical Qualifications

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE :

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

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION :

Supplemental Information

The candidate will be appointed for a 12-month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list which normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Operating Engineers Local Union No.3 bargaining group.

Prior to appointment to the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I , a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.

NOTE : THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.

City of Watsonville offers excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and dependents. Benefits also include holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City offers Public Employees Retirement benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution.

Salary : $67,122 - $89,960