Job Details

WWT Plant Operator I/II/III

Position Number: 6906025
Location: Pacifica, CA
Position Type: Other Administrative Positions

WWT Plant Operator I/II/III - Operations (20704848)
Plant Operations

Category: Public Works
Region: San Francisco/Peninsula
Job Type: Full-Time
Close Date: 2/16/2026 at 11:59pm or until 100 applicants
Salary: $75,744.00-$127,032.00 Annually
Additional Questionnaires: None

Please review the special instructions before applying for this job opportunity.

Location
700 Pacific Coast Highway Pacifica, 94044

Description

The City of Pacifica Invites Applications for the Position of

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I$75,744 - $108,240 Annually
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II $83,052 - $116,172 Annually
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III $93,372 - $127,032 Annually

THE POSITION

The City of Pacifica is recruiting for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III at the Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant. Under direct or general supervision of the Plant Manager or Assistant Superintendent - Operations, operates and controls wastewater treatment plant and reclamation and recycled water facilities; performs preventative and routine corrective maintenance on a variety of equipment, facilities and related appurtenances; and performs related work as required.

The City of Pacifica is a beautiful coastal community, just south of San Francisco with an exciting opportunity. At the City of Pacifica, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. To us, equal opportunity employment is not just about compliance, it's about who you are, how you can help our City and who you want to be. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and residents.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey-level classification in the wastewater treatment plant operator series. Incumbents independently perform the full range of wastewater treatment and reclamation and recycled water facilities and equipment operations and maintenance duties. Responsibilities include inspecting and attending to assigned areas in a timely manner to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of the City's wastewater treatment plant systems and equipment. Positions at this level work independently, exercise judgment and initiative and receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. This class is distinguished from the Lead Plant Operator in that the latter is responsible for providing technical and functional direction to operations staff and is capable of performing the most complex operations and maintenance duties assigned to the division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives supervision and direction from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager or designee. Exercises lead oversight, including provision of technical supervision, assignment of work and/or the training of less experienced staff.

Job PDF:
WWTP Operator I II III - Plant (E2).pdf

Ideal Candidate

ESSENTIAL AND IMPORTANT DUTIES

Depending upon assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Controls the operation of treatment, pumping and reclamation facilities to achieve proper processing of wastewater and recycled water within mandated operation requirements.

Reads and records readings of pumps, chemical feed and other treatment and pumping equipment.

Reviews and analyzes operational information and test results and revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as instructed.

Monitors plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to identify needed adjustments for proper operating conditions; reviews, investigates, identifies, and reports trends using SCADA human machine interface (HMI) and Historian software applications.

Operates valves, pumps and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system; operates valves to dispose of wastewater effluent.

Read and interpret drawings, plans and diagrams of wastewater treatment plant infrastructure, equipment, controls and instrumentation.

Install, inspect, diagnose, and perform major and minor mechanical repair work on motors, pumps, boilers, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, generators, filters, and other plant equipment.

Fully support and utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System to maintain accurate records and reports of work performed.

Serve as a Disaster Service Worker, as required.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

Methods and techniques related to the operation, repair, cleaning and preventive and corrective maintenance of wastewater treatment plant and reclamation and recycled water facilities.

Basic methods, tools, and testing equipment used in the installation, preventative maintenance, calibration and basic repair of electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment.

Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.

Basic chemical, physical and bacteriological tests of wastewater, sludge and related materials.

Basic operational and maintenance practices of electrical motors, pumps and circuitry.

Operational characteristics of tools and equipment required for the work.

Basic mathematics.

Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

Occupational hazards and safety principles, practices and procedures, including handling and storage of hazardous chemicals and confined space entry.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient public utilities maintenance techniques.

General business level writing techniques, including proper grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Skill/Ability to

Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.

Recognize inefficient wastewater facility operations and develop effective programs to assure an efficient operation that is in accordance with all State and Federal requirements, with other employees, contractors and the general public.

General principles of laboratory operation and industrial waste management.

Interpret technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.

Assess and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.

Operate a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Perform advanced level mechanical maintenance work including the troubleshooting of equipment for both minor and major repair work.

Read and interpret blueprints, sketches and diagrams. Use and care for tools and equipment of the electrical trade. Develop and maintain accurate maintenance records.

Diagnose, locate, and adjust defects in electrical and mechanical systems and equipment.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software programs relevant to the work performed and have good knowledge of facility maintenance software programs.

Work independently and in a team setting.

Consistently demonstrate professionalism, ethical integrity, and exceptional customer service.

Work evenings and weekends, and respond off-hours to various emergency situations.

Serve as a Disaster Service Worker.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Education and Training

Equivalent to a High School Diploma or GED.

Experience

Operator I: Graduation from high school or equivalent; one year of experience in mechanical maintenance and/or water quality control plant operations.

Operator II: Graduation from high school or equivalent; three years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater treatment plant operations or mechanical maintenance; one-year supervisory experience preferred.

Operator III: Five (5) years of experience in the maintenance/operation of a wastewater treatment plant, with two (2) years of experience involving mechanical and electrical maintenance on major equipment and systems.

Certification

Operator I: Possession of a Grade I certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board; possession of a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Operator II: Possession of a Grade II certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board (plant operations) or the ability to obtain one within one year.

Possession and maintenance of a California Class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. May be required to qualify for and obtain a Class "A" or Class "B" driver's license and therefore be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under D.O.T. regulations.

Operator III: Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB)

Substitution: Grade II certification issued by CSWRCB and proof of eligibility of Grade III certification exam qualification may be considered. Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate will be required within one year of appointment.

Possession and maintenance of a California Class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. Possession of California Class B driver's license is desirable and therefore be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under D.O.T. regulations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Physical Skills

Able to use standard office and plant equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, and climb stairs; lift and carry up to 25 pounds; maintain sustained posture for prolonged periods of time; distinguish among various colors and/or symbols; able to read printed materials and a computer screen; able to communicate effectively with others; smell to distinguish odors.

Work Environment

Mobility to work in a typical office setting or plant environment; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, inclement weather, dust, dirt, vibration, chemicals, traffic, traffic hazards, odors, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, explosive hazards, and bio-hazards.

Work schedule may include occasional irregular hours. The work schedule will include the need for irregular after hours work as part of the normal job duties, including 24x7 availability for response to emergencies.

Benefits

The City's comprehensive benefits package includes:

Holidays: Thirteen (13) days per year.

Vacation: From 11 to 27 days per year, depending on length of service.

Sick leave: Accrual is one day per month, with no limit on accrual.

Retirement: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide a retirement plan that utilizes the formula of 2.5% @ 55 for "Classic members" or 2% @ 62 for "PEPRA members." Classic Members contribute 8% employee contribution plus 2.5% employer cost share for a total contribution of 10.5%. PEPRA members pay 6.75% employee contribution plus 2.5% employer cost share for a total contribution of 9.25%.

Insurance: The City provides its employees with a medical insurance allowance that allows employees to purchase medical insurance through either Teamsters Union #856 Health and Welfare or CalPERS medical benefits plan. Some plans require employee contributions. Employees with proof of qualifying health insurance coverage through another group health plan may qualify for a "Health In-Lieu Payment" when declining city coverage.

The City contributes toward a dental insurance plan and vision plan for employee and all eligible dependents.

The City pays premiums for:

Life insurance premium in the amount of $30,000.

Long term disability insurance (to begin sixty days after onset of non-work-related illness or injury).

Deferred Compensation Plan: Employees may participate in a pre-tax retirement savings plan.

Union Membership: This position is represented by Teamster Local #856 - Wastewater Treatment Plant, and union membership is optional. Please refer to MOU for further benefit information.

Special Instructions

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit a completed online employment application in CalOpp.org. Resumes in lieu of a completed application will not be accepted. Applications can be obtained online at https://www.calopps.org/city-of-pacifica.

Examination and Selection Process

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Applicants may be screened to the most qualified and invited to the next step in the recruitment process which may include panel interviews and a skills assessment.

After a mutual interest has been established, the final candidate must pass a City of Pacifica background check which includes but is not limited to the Department of Justice fingerprinting scan.

At the City of Pacifica, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. To us, equal opportunity employment is not just about compliance, it's about who you are, how you can help our City and who you want to be. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and residents.

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone:(650)738-7382

Contact email: HR@pacifica.gov

To apply: https://www.calopps.org/pacifica/job-20704848