Position Type: Engineering - Civil and Environmental
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training/Operator Grade I Salary: $8,030.31 - $9,760.90 Monthly Location: Antioch, CA Job Type: Full Time, Regular Job Number: 2025-003 Department: Resource Recovery Services Department Division: Operations Opening Date: 07/01/2025 Closing Date: 7/15/2025 5:00 PM Pacific Max Number of Applicants: 100 The Position
DEFINITION
SALARY RANGE Operator in Training: $7,300.27 - $8,873.53 per month Operator I: $8,030.31 - $9,760.90 per month DEFINITION Operator in Training: Under close supervision, performs work and learns to apply process control methods and procedures in support of operating processes, equipment, and systems associated with wastewater conveyance/treatment and recycled water production/distribution in conformance with District guidelines, policies, and procedures, and applicable regulatory compliance, safety, and legal requirements. Operator I: Under supervision, responsible for operating and applying process control methods and procedures to processes, equipment, and systems associated with wastewater conveyance/treatment and recycled water production/distribution in conformance with District guidelines, policies, and procedures, and applicable regulatory compliance, safety, and legal requirements. bution in conformance with District guidelines, policies, and procedures, and applicable regulatory compliance, safety, and legal requirements. Primary Job Duties
TYPICAL DUTIES Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Inspect, observe, and operate through direct and remote controls a variety of process control systems and equipment, including pumps, valves, gates, engines, generators, and other equipment and devices.
Inspect plant equipment and devices and identify necessary flow and/or process adjustments, and record observations and changes.
Read, log, and maintain process control variables from a variety of meters, gauges, charts, instruments, and other devices.
Stop, start, and isolate equipment as assigned for repair using approved lockout and tagout procedures.
Create, respond to, and maintain appropriate work orders, records, and logs.
Operate vehicles, portable equipment, and stationary machinery as required.
Perform maintenance, cleaning, and lubrication work on pumps, blowers, motors, and related piping, valves, and equipment.
Collect required treatment process samples at established times, maintain proper process control settings, prepare appropriate documentation, and perform testing as required.
Confirm, log, and accept hazardous material and chemical deliveries, ensure adequate delivery space, and follow applicable safety protocols.
Inspect and assess operating conditions at pumping stations and assist in performing routine maintenance procedures.
Participate in and record the loading of biosolids for transport adhering to all safety precautions for loading, weighing, and transport.
Mix and prepare chemical solutions using manual and automated mixing devices.
Conduct safety inspections as scheduled or directed.
Provide on-call emergency response for overflows, resident sanitary sewer emergency calls, and other off-site emergencies as scheduled or directed.
Attend periodic and regular training on the operation of changed or new equipment, safety protocols, and to remain current on regulations and best practices.
Assist in conducting on-the-job training of lower-level staff and interns.
Provide coverage for work assignments assigned to other staff during short-term, temporary absences on an as-needed and/or assigned basis.
Effectively perform other work duties and responsibilities consistent with the position on an as-needed and/or assigned basis.
General Organizational Duties:
Actively promote the District's focus on effective and respectful communications to build better work relationships at all levels in the organization.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with other staff members, staff of other agencies, and professional organizations.
Participate in teams engaged in District projects and organizational activities.
Participate in District related events, meetings, committees, and staff functions as requested or assigned.
Provide appropriate, timely, and customer-service focused responses to inquiries from the public.
Understand and conform with the District's Policies and Procedures.
Understand and conform with the District's Safety Program.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of:
Current practices, equipment, and test procedures applied to wastewater conveyance and treatment, and recycled water production and distribution.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to the work.
Basic construction, assembly, operational norms, and maintenance of process control systems and equipment involved in operation of District facilities.
Safety practice procedures applicable to all aspects District facility operations; procedures for selecting and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); and specific procedures applicable in handling and using hazardous materials and chemicals.
District emergency and hazardous materials spill response protocols and procedures.
Arithmetic, mathematics, and algebraic equations necessary for the performance of the work.
PPE and levels of protection required for the work.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, and District staff.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Skills and Abilities to:
Collect, record, and perform standard tests on wastewater, wastewater byproduct, and recycled water samples.
Observe, interpret, and record measurements indicated on gauges, meters and similar measuring devices.
Recognize abnormal, inefficient, or unsafe operating conditions and take appropriate actions.
Perform minor maintenance on wastewater and recycled water equipment and facilities.
Comprehend, retain, and apply written procedures and verbal instructions.
Understand and apply appropriate safety protocols and select and use appropriate PPE during work.
Understand, apply, and explain specific provisions and procedures contained in technical manuals, drawings, specifications, blueprints, layouts, and schematics.
Provide effective verbal and written communications.
Operate heavy equipment, vehicles, forklift, electric carts, and process controls.
Qualifications
QUALIFYING TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE A combination of training and experience that demonstrates an individual has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation if needed). A person with the following combined training and experience would most likely qualify to compete in a selection process. Operator in Training: Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a minimum of six (6) continuing education units directly related to the wastewater treatment field, mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry, or biology as required by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Office of Operator Certification regulations to qualify for Operator-in-Training (OIT) certification. Experience: Experience with mechanical, hydraulic, or materials processing systems, or has accumulated a minimum of 500 internship hours at a WWTP. Licenses and Certifications:
A valid California Class C driver's license and insurability under the District's driving programmust always be maintained.
Possess a valid OIT certificate issued by the SWRCB Office of Operator Certification and have accumulated a minimum of 500 internship hours at a WWTP at time of appointment or prior to completion of probationary period.
Must possess a WWTP Operator Grade I Certificate or higher issued by the SWRCB Office of Operator Certification within two (2) years of date of hire.
Employees in this classification will be required to successfully pass the WWTP Operator Grade I examination within one year of eligibility.
Certification(s) required to comply with Cal/OSHA requirements to perform duties involving confined space operations and other job-related safety certificates including but not limited to, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid must be obtained within the probationary period.
Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications may result in termination of employment.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.
Must be responsive to call outs and/or operational emergencies.
Operator I: Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of required educational points as required by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) regulations to qualify for required WWTP Operator certification. Experience: One (1) year of experience at a WWTP of comparable size and complexity to the District. Licenses and Certifications:
A valid California Class C driver's license and insurability under the District's driving program must always be maintained.
A valid WWTP Operator Grade I Certificate issued by the SWRCB Office of Operator Certification.Certification(s) required to comply with Cal/OSHA requirements to perform duties involving confined space operations and other job-related safety certificates including, but not limited to, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid must be obtained within the probationary period. Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications may result in termination of employment.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Must be responsive to call outs and/or operational emergencies.
