Treatment Plant Operator I, II, III

SCV Water•CA, CA

2d•$46 - $63

About The Position

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that may be filled at the Treatment Plant Operator I, II, or III level based on experience. Under immediate and then general supervision, the operator learns and performs semi-skilled and skilled work involving installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of water treatment plants, distribution systems, and related facilities. The role monitors and controls plant and distribution operations, uses SCADA and telemetry systems, and operates pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate water flow. Operators inspect, test, and maintain equipment and perform other related duties as required. Treatment Plant Operator I is the entry-level classification. Incumbents perform more routine duties with less independence while developing the knowledge and experience needed for journey-level work. The position receives general supervision from the Operations & Maintenance Superintendent and does not lead or supervise other employees. Work is primarily outdoors in varied weather, including heat, rain, and cold, with possible exposure to road traffic, mechanical and electrical hazards, and occasional confined spaces. Agency employees are disaster service workers and may participate in emergency planning, exercises, training, and response to actual emergencies.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Treatment Plant Operator I: no experience required.
Treatment Plant Operator II: two years of experience operating, maintaining, and/or repairing water treatment plants and water distribution systems at a level comparable to Treatment Plant Operator I with the Agency.
Treatment Plant Operator III: five years of experience operating, maintaining, and/or repairing water treatment plants and water distribution systems, including at least three years at a level comparable to Treatment Plant Operator II.
Valid California Driver's License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, maintained throughout employment.
Treatment Plant Operator I: valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board; obtain Grade III Water Treatment Operator and Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificates from the Board within 18 months of hire.
Treatment Plant Operator II: valid Grade III Water Treatment Operator and Grade III Water Distribution Operator certifications issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, maintained throughout employment.
Treatment Plant Operator III: valid Grade IV Water Treatment Operator Certificate and Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, maintained throughout employment.
Knowledge of water treatment and distribution systems, reservoirs, hydraulics, valves, pipe materials, electrical motors, pumps, circuitry, preventive maintenance, mechanical and hydraulic principles, safety practices, hazardous chemical handling, confined-space entry, SCADA and telemetry software, mathematics related to water treatment, safe driving, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions; interpret applicable policies, laws, codes, regulations, manuals, drawings, and specifications; maintain and repair water systems and equipment; analyze treatment processes; perform and interpret routine laboratory tests; troubleshoot maintenance problems; make accurate calculations; use hand and power tools and mechanical equipment safely; keep accurate records; organize and prioritize work; communicate effectively; use judgment within established guidelines; operate a computer and assigned software; and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Learn and perform skilled and semi-skilled work involving installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of water treatment plants, distribution systems, and related facilities.
Monitor and control water treatment and distribution operations, including chemical pump drawdowns, flow adjustments, filter settings and backwashing, and chemical dosage calculations and adjustments.
Use SCADA and telemetry systems to monitor plants, reservoirs, wells, storage tanks, pump stations, and related facilities; monitor flow and pressure and respond to alarms.
Operate and monitor pumps, valves, and related equipment; start, adjust, and shut down plant operations and adjust well-field and distribution flows to meet production, storage, and water-quality requirements.
Inspect and test motors, pumps, valves, chemical feeders, and related equipment; inspect vaults, pipelines, and facilities for leaks and report unusual conditions or maintenance needs.
Inventory, order, receive, unload, and safely store chemicals and treatment supplies; handle hazardous materials according to safety procedures.
Collect water samples and perform standardized laboratory tests, including chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, temperature, taste, and odor; calculate dosages and adjust chemical feeders as needed.
Record plant operations, test results, unusual conditions, maintenance, materials, and equipment use; maintain logs and prepare operations reports.
Read and interpret meters, gauges, charts, and instruments; perform preventive maintenance, including checking oil and greasing bearings.
Respond to alarms, equipment failures, and emergencies to help maintain a reliable water supply.
Make minor repairs or inspect contract repair work involving pipelines, pumps, tanks, reservoirs, and related equipment.
Follow safety procedures and regulations; maintain clean and orderly public facilities, storage sites, and work areas and secure equipment at the close of the workday.
Operate a computer and assigned software and perform other related duties as required.
Participate in emergency planning, disaster exercises and training, and potentially support actual emergency events as a disaster service worker.