Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee I/II/III

Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee/I/II/III We currently have one vacancy that we are looking to fill at the Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee, I, II or III level depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. Operators typically work a 4/10 schedule which includes one weekend day, but may be assigned to work a 5/8 schedule. Must be available to work overtime and off-shift hours, including weekends, and/or holidays. Must be available to work standby and be on call. The Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility treats the community's wastewater. This facility uses an innovative blend of mechanical and natural treatment processes, supported by a highly sophisticated computerized control system and a 14,000 square foot operations and maintenance building. Located in a rural setting near the Petaluma River, this 6.7 mgd ADWF facility presents a uniquely pleasant working environment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE SALARY RANGE

Water Recycling Plant Operator in

Training:

$74,256.00•$90,251.20

Water Recycling Plant Operator I:

$85,924.80•$104,457.60

Water Recycling Plant Operator II:

$93,995.20•$114,233.60

Water Recycling Plant Operator III:

$103,376.00•$125,736.00 FOR

YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING

MEDICAL

INSURANCE

Choice of a variety of CalPERS Health Plans. City pays ~95% of the Bay Area Kaiser premium for employee & eligible dependents; or alternative option to receive Medical Cash Back (if you have medical coverage elsewhere). Please see the 2026 Health Plan Contribution Memo .

DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE

Coverage for employees & eligible family members, paid for by the City.

LIFE INSURANCE

Competitive life insurance & Long-Term Disability benefits. Option to purchase additional life insurance.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Support and benefits, for you & eligible family members, paid for by the City.

WELLNESS BENEFIT

$500 annual allowance (subject to the annual budget approval process and may change in the future)

FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

CALPERS

RETIREMENT PACKAGE 2

% at 60 for Classic CalPERS members 2% at 62 for PEPRA CalPERS members

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

voluntary participation in your choice of three plan offerings.

FOR YOUR WORK / LIFE BALANCE

(annual amounts):

Vacation:

80 Hours, increasing with years of service

Sick Leave:

96 hours

Holidays:

12 fixed days

Personal Leave:

8 hours

Other Exceptional Benefits:

Paid Parental Leave•up to 8 weeks of paid time for qualifying family bonding Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Employer For more information regarding the benefits associated with this position, please visit our website and look at the Unit 2 Memorandum of Understanding and Employee Benefits . Summary Perform a variety of routine and/or non-routine tasks pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the City's water recycling plant and related facilities. Class Characteristics Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee This is the entry/trainee level class in the Water Recycling Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the immediate supervision of a higher-level Operator and/or a higher•level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent learns how to perform a variety of duties associated with operating and maintaining the City's Water Recycling Plant and provides assistance to more experienced Operators. Although specific water recycling experience is not required to qualify for the class, incumbents must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within 30 days of employment as required by law. This class can be distinguished from the higher-level class of Water Recycling Plant Operator I because incumbents in the latter class must have a Grade I certificate and are expected to perform duties that require a higher level of skill and independent judgment. Incumbents at the Trainee level can reasonably expect to promote to the Operator I class when they meet the requirements of the higher-level class and have demonstrated sufficient proficiency at that level. Water Recycling Plant Operator I This is the first working level class in the Water Recycling Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the general supervision of a higher-level Operator and/or a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent independently performs the more routine duties associated with operating and maintaining the City's Water Recycling Plant, while still receiving direction and supervision as needed from a more experienced Operator. To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee because incumbents in the latter class must possess an Operator-in-Training certificate and are trained to perform the most routine plant operations and maintenance activities. This class can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Water Recycling Plant Operator II because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade II certificate and are expected to perform duties that require a higher level of skill and independent judgment. Incumbents at the Operator I level can reasonably expect to promote to the Operator II class when they meet the requirements of the higher-level class and have demonstrated sufficient proficiency at that level. Water Recycling Plant Operator II This is the second working level class in the Water Recycling Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the general supervision of a higher-level Operator and/or a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent independently performs a wide variety of duties associated with operating and maintaining the City's Water Recycling Plant while still receiving direction and supervision as needed from a more experienced Operator. To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Water Recycling Plant Operator I because incumbents in the latter class must possess an Operator I certificate and generally perform more routine plant operations and maintenance activities. This class can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Water Recycling Plant Operator III because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade III certificate and are expected to perform the full range of journey level Operator duties with a high level of skill and independent judgment. Incumbents at the Operator II level can reasonably expect to promote to the Operator III class when they meet the requirements of the higher-level class and have demonstrated sufficient proficiency at that level. Water Recycling Plant Operator III This is the full journey level class in the Water Recycling Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the direction of a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent independently performs the full range of journey level duties associated with operating and maintaining the City's Water Recycling Plant and is fully certified and competent to serve as the designated Operator-In-Charge on an occasional basis. To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Water Recycling Plant Operator II because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade II certificate and generally perform less complex plant operations and maintenance activities with a greater amount of direct supervision. This class can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Lead Operator because an incumbent in the latter class serves as a regular shift supervisor on an ongoing basis and serves as a lead worker over subordinate employees, and must possess an SWRCB Grade IV certificate. Water Recycling Plant Operator in Training/I/II Monitor, operate, and adjust controls at the City's water recycling plant and related facilities, including but not limited to high-strength waste receiving stations and compressed natural gas processing and fueling facilities. Control the operation of treatment, pumping, and recycling facilities to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system as well as achieve proper processing of wastewater and the re-use of bio-solids and recycled water within mandated operation requirements. Perform plant rounds and inspections and to read and record gauge and instrument information to evaluate the function of pumps, chemical feed, and other equipment. Monitor and adjust the plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to maintain proper operating conditions. Collect wastewater, sludge, and other samples from various phases of the water recycling and/or treatment process; perform basic chemical and physical tests on these samples to ensure that the plant is operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met. Review and analyze operational information and test results, and revise equipment settings as appropriate. Respond to and control accidental releases of hazardous liquids and gases. Perform preventive maintenance and cleaning for a variety of plant equipment such as pumps, chlorinators, filters, chemical valves, bar screens, sludge lagoons, agitators and electric motors; remove screenings and grit; clean clarifiers and other treatment-related equipment. Perform adjustments and troubleshooting for electrical motors and controls. Change recording charts and ensure that chemical feeders have a constant supply of treatment chemicals. Notify supervisor of unusual situations and/or significant changes in process or equipment conditions; suggest an appropriate solution to the observed problem. Receive and store chemicals and supplies; monitor and report on inventory needs as assigned. Deliver samples to the laboratory for testing as required; conduct regulatory testing as required on the off-shift days when the lab is not staffed. Maintain accurate records of work performed; make logbook entries and laboratory tracking entries. Help maintain facilities and grounds in a clean and orderly condition by doing things such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning, sanding, painting, and grounds keeping. Participate in appropriate safety procedures, including those related to working in confined spaces, the safe handling of chemicals, and lock-out-tag-out procedures. Assist in the investigation and resolution of customer complaints regarding recycling plant•related matters. Operate and maintain the natural treatment processes of the facility, including oxidation ponds and wetlands. Attend and participate in meetings, trainings, and safety sessions; participate on team projects and task forces as required. May provide training and direction to less experienced employees. Perform related duties as assigned. Water Recycling Plant Operator III Perform the full range of journey level duties pertaining to monitoring, operating, and adjusting controls at the City's water recycling plant and related facilities including but not limited to high-strength waste receiving stations and compressed natural gas processing and fueling facilities. Control the operation of treatment, pumping, and recycling facilities to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system as well as achieve proper processing of wastewater and the re-use of bio-solids and recycled water within mandated operation requirements. Perform plant rounds and inspections and to read and record gauge and instrument information to evaluate the function of pumps, chemical feed, and other equipment. Operate and maintain the City's sewage pump stations and the production and distribution of recycled water. Operate and maintain the City's waste receiving station, storage facilities, co-digestion process, and high-strength waste receiving stations and compressed natural gas processing and fueling facilities. Monitor and adjust the plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to maintain proper operating conditions. Populate the appropriate operator actions in the alarm descriptions and evaluate automatic actions to assure proper computer and manual responses. Collect wastewater, sludge, and other samples from various phases of the water recycling and/or treatment process; perform basic chemical and physical tests on these samples to ensure that the plant is operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met. Review and analyze operational information and test results, and revise equipment settings as appropriate. Respond to and control accidental releases of hazardous liquids and gases. Perform preventive maintenance and cleaning for a variety of plant equipment such as pumps, chlorinators, filters, chemical valves, bar screens, sludge lagoons, agitators, and electric motors; remove screenings and grit; clean clarifiers, oxidation ditches, and other treatment-related equipment. Perform adjustments and troubleshooting for electrical motors and controls. Ensure that chemical feeders have a constant supply of treatment chemicals. Assist with chemical inventory use, control, and ordering. Identify unusual situations and/or significant changes in process or equipment conditions as well as the potential cause of the problem; develop and implement an appropriate solution. Receive and store chemicals and supplies; monitor and report on inventory needs as assigned. Understand and the follow all regulatory requirements for discharge to waters of the state and recycled water programs (tertiary and secondary). Deliver samples to the laboratory for testing as required. Conduct regulatory testing as required on the off shift days when the lab is not staffed. Maintain accurate records of work performed. Make proper log book entries and proper laboratory tracking entries. Help maintain facilities and grounds in a clean and orderly condition by doing things such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning, sanding, painting, and grounds keeping. Participate in appropriate safety procedures, including those related to working in confined spaces and the safe handling of treatment chemicals, and proper lock-out-tag-out procedures. Investigate and resolve customer complaints regarding recycling plant-related matters as assigned. Operate and maintain natural treatment systems, including oxidation ponds, wetlands, and vegetation removal projects; may assist in developing wetland management strategies. Attend and participate in meetings, trainings, and safety sessions; participate on team projects; lead task forces as required. Give tours of the plant and related facilities as assigned. Provide training and direction to less experienced employees as assigned. Serve as a Lead Operator as needed on an occasional and intermittent basis. Perform related duties as assigned.

Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee/I/II Knowledge of:

Principles of and typical operations, services, and activities within wastewater treatment, water recycling plants, and related facilities, including but not limited to high-strength waste receiving stations and compressed natural gas processing and fueling facilities. Standard and various methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment, water recycling plants, and related facilities. Basic principles of hydraulics. Laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to the operation of a wastewater treatment, water recycling plant, and related facilities. General safety practices pertaining to the use of vehicles, power equipment, and hazardous materials; specific occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for working in a wastewater treatment, water recycling plant, and related facilities. Principles of mathematics, including algebra and geometry. Methods of effective interpersonal communication. Record keeping and documentation practices. Principles and practices of processing digester gas to bio-CNG. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Education and Experience Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:

Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee/I/II Education:

Equivalent to graduation from high school. Technical or college-level course work in environmental science, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, or a related area is highly desirable.

Experience:

None. Additional Requirement Must be available to work overtime and off-shift hours, including weekends, and/or holidays.

Water Recycling Plant Operator Trainee Certifications/Licenses:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training certificate issued by the SWRCB within 30 days of employment. Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the SWRCB within 18 months of employment.

Water Recycling Plant Operator I Certifications/Licenses:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of appointment. Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the SWRCB within 24 months of employment.

Water Recycling Plant Operator II Certifications/Licenses:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of appointment. Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the SWRCB within four years of employment.

Water Recycling Plant Operator III Knowledge of:

Principles of and typical operations, services and activities within wastewater treatment, water recycling plants, and related facilities including but not limited to high-strength waste receiving stations and compressed natural gas processing and fueling facilities. Various methods, materials and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment, water recycling plants and related facilities. Basic principles of hydraulics. Laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the operation of a wastewater treatment or water recycling plant, and related facilities. General safety practices pertaining to the use of vehicles, power equipment, and hazardous materials; specific occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for working in a wastewater treatment, water recycling plant, and related facilities. Principles of mathematics, including algebra and geometry. Methods of effective interpersonal communication. Practices of operating and maintaining natural treatment systems. Record keeping and documentation practices. Practices of operating a digester gas to Bio-CNG process. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from high school. An Associate's degree with major course work in environmental science, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, or a related area is highly desirable.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation and maintenance of a water recycling plant.

Certifications/Licenses:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of appointment. Additional Requirement Must be available to work overtime and off-shift hours, including weekends, and/or holidays. Must be available to work standby and be on call. Must be able to respond to the Plant within one hour of being called. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and will frequently be required to enter data into a terminal, personal computer or keyboard device and operate office equipment requiring repetitive arm/hand movement. The employee is often required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl or use the ability to smell. The employee must be able to perform a moderate amount of physical labor, including having sufficient strength to lift, carry and/or move items up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to hear alarms and respond to others without being able to see them. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to outside weather conditions and wet conditions. Other work conditions include exposure to unpleasant odors, mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles and moderate noise levels. There is risk of exposure to hazardous fumes and substances.