Water Plant Operator

Santa Clara Valley Water District • San Jose, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Water Plant Operator will perform the duties of a state-designated shift operator in the monitoring and operation of a water treatment plant, to provide relief operations shift coverage and, as necessary, to perform the duties of an Assistant Water Plant Operator. The Water Plant Operator will use the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations. They will analyze data to ensure compliance with all State and Federal drinking water standards and perform administrative procedures. The Water Plant Operator will train and sign-off training checklists for lower-level operations staff. They will perform scheduled and emergency plant shut-downs and start-ups. Additionally, they will complete safety trainings and follow safety protocols. Our Commitment: We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship. About Valley Water: Valley Water’s mission is to provide Santa Clara County with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. The FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget of $1.284 billion supports approximately 876 employees. W ith headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community. Who We Are: To learn how Valley Water provides safe, clean water and environmental stewardship for the Santa Clara community, please click here

Requirements

• Three (3) or more years of experience performing work as a licensed operator at a water treatment plant that is rated as a T-4 or higher facility.
• Working experience/expertise in operating and troubleshooting standard and advanced water treatment plant equipment.
• Proficient in water treatment math and chemistry.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), SCADA, Maximo.
• Understanding of key regulations, reporting procedures and requirements of drinking water.
• Knowledge of safe work practices around water treatment plant chemicals and equipment.
• Knowledge of practices and responsibilities of leading the work of assigned staff.
• Understanding and familiarity with new or pending regulations such as algal toxicity.
• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Possession of a valid Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Responsibilities

• As the state-designated shift operator, oversee all plant activities on an assigned shift; maintain situational awareness of, or assist in, maintenance, engineering, and construction work, special projects, contractors, non-plant Valley Water employees, and all plant visitors; represent the treatment plant with personnel located offsite such as retailers, regulators, other Valley Water plants and support units, and other water agencies; direct the activities of the operator on shift; and formulate production and quality related decisions.
• Use the plant's computer based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations; investigate and respond to alarms; scan multiple computer monitors simultaneously; navigate a multitude of program screens to observe, track, and retrieve on-line instrument readings for water, chemicals, and equipment.
• Perform various administrative tasks such as data entry into spreadsheets and database programs, initiate and follow up on work orders for preventative and corrective maintenance; create and revise standard operating procedures; order chemicals; maintain, compile, and review plant operations data; complete entries into the plant's log book.
• Serve in the role of Relief Operator on as needed/rotational basis.
• Perform scheduled and emergency plant shutdowns and startups.
• Train lower-level operations staff; sign off on training checklists.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED