Water Operator Apprentice, I, II, III

City of Coalinga•Coalinga, CA

5d•$22 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

This job posting outlines multiple levels of Water Operator roles: Apprentice, I, II, and III. All positions require availability for any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with the ability to respond to the work site within one hour. Salary ranges vary by level, with the Apprentice role being an unlicensed entry-level position focused on learning water and wastewater plant operations and maintenance tasks under supervision. The Water Operator I is a licensed entry-level position with similar learning objectives. Water Operator II and III roles involve operating surface water filtration plants, distribution systems, and wastewater treatment plants, including adjusting flows, chemical dosages, monitoring SCADA systems, maintaining equipment, and responding to system needs. The Water Operator III may also oversee lower-level personnel. The job emphasizes knowledge of plant operations, regulatory compliance, safety procedures, and the ability to perform repairs and maintenance. A strong attitude characterized by initiative, teamwork, quality performance, and customer service is expected.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid State of California Driver's License.
Must be insurable under the City's insurance policy without additional premiums.
Water Operator Apprentice: Must successfully meet requirements to promote to Water Operator I within one year.
Water Operator I: Must successfully meet requirements to promote to Water Operator II within one year.
Water Operator II: Must successfully meet requirements to promote to Water Operator III within two years.
Water Operator Apprentice/I: Obtain a working knowledge of pump/motor/distribution line maintenance and repair, basic water/wastewater treatment processes, computer use for data evaluation, federal/state/local regulations, safe work habits, hazardous material/electrical/mechanical safety procedures, and operating principles of plant equipment.
Water Operator Apprentice/I: Learn the skill and ability to keep organized records, submit reports, take/transport/document samples, independently operate the water filtration plant and distribution system, perform minor repairs, read gauges, diagnose problems, conduct tours, communicate effectively, understand oral/written directions, interact positively with the public, and work flexible schedules including weekends, overtime, and standby time.
Water Operator II/III: Knowledge of water filtration plant, distribution system, and wastewater plant operations; computer use for data evaluation; treatment processes; federal/state regulations; safe work habits; hazardous material/electrical/mechanical safety procedures; operating principles of plant equipment.
Water Operator II/III: Skill and ability to independently operate the water filtration plant, distribution system, and wastewater plant; read system plans; evaluate data; perform minor and major plant repair work; read gauges; diagnose problems; conduct tours; assist in training; communicate well; understand oral/written directions; interact positively with the public; work flexible schedules including weekends, overtime, and standby time.
Water Operator II: One year of responsible experience in operations and maintenance of surface water treatment and distribution systems.
Water Operator III: Three years of responsible experience in operations and maintenance of surface water treatment and distribution systems.
Water Operator II: Possession of Grade T2 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, and Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
Water Operator III: Possession of Grade T3 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, and Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
City of Coalinga Employment Application.
Resume.

Nice To Haves

Preferably one (1) year of general experience involving mechanical repair and maintenance, and/or construction, preferably in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant (for Apprentice and I).
Valid State of California Driver's License, Class B preferred (for Water Operator II).
5% Pay Incentive for Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (after obtaining required certifications).

Responsibilities

Monitor, operate, and adjust controls for water and wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery.
Maintain water plant and distribution equipment and appurtenances, such as pumps, chemical feed systems, valves, and motors.
Maintain grounds, buildings, and related areas.
Obtain water and wastewater samples for laboratory analysis.
Operate construction equipment for grounds maintenance and other construction projects.
Lift and move heavy objects.
Clean work areas and tools.
Perform daily pre-job inspection of equipment and vehicles.
Participate in educational courses and on-the-job training.
Evaluate real-time operational and historic data to determine optimal plant operations.
Monitor water quality parameters to ensure EPA and DHS standards are met.
Perform minor and major plant repair work using a variety of tools.
Read and interpret gauges, recording devices, and system plans.
Diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action.
Conduct guided tours of the plant and discuss operations and regulations.
Assist in the training of new employees.
Operate, repair, and maintain Wastewater Treatment Facility.
May oversee, monitor, and/or direct the work of lower-level personnel (Water Operator III).