Assistant Treatment Plant Operator; Treatment Plant Operator I (LA-159-25E) Various

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading sanitation district as an Assistant Treatment Plant Operator or Treatment Plant Operator I. Under general supervision, you will perform essential wastewater treatment operations and maintenance duties, contributing to environmental sustainability. Qualifications include relevant certifications and experience in plant operations, making this an exciting opportunity for entry-level candidates looking to develop their careers.

Benefits

Health insurance coverage

Retirement plan eligibility

Tuition reimbursement

Paid vacation and sick leave

Qualifications

• Must possess appropriate wastewater operator certifications.
• Eighteen months full-time experience performing treatment plant operator duties required for Treatment Plant Operator I.
• Desirable qualifications include college-level coursework in wastewater treatment.

Responsibilities

• Operate mechanical equipment to regulate sewage treatment.
• Perform routine maintenance on machinery and equipment.
• Collect samples for analysis and maintain operating logs.

Skills

Basic hand and power tools

Ability to read meters and gauges

Performing manual labor

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Operator-in-Training Certificate

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Treatment Plant Operator; Treatment Plant Operator I (LA-159-25E) Various role at Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

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Join to apply for the Assistant Treatment Plant Operator; Treatment Plant Operator I (LA-159-25E) Various role at Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

JOB POSTING

NOTICE OF EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT SELECTION

#LA-159-25E

VARIOUS LOCATIONS:

Desert Facilities: Lancaster, Palmdale, Saugus, Valencia

Warren Facility: Carson

Upstream Facilities: Long Beach, Los Coyotes (Cerritos), Pomona, San Jose Creek (Whittier), and Whittier Narrows (Whittier)

Work shifts varied per location: Day, Swing, and Graveyard. This selection process will be used to fill positions at the above-listed locations as vacancies arise.

Essential Functions

To perform a variety of progressively more skilled wastewater treatment plant operations, and to perform routine plant maintenance duties at a wastewater treatment plant.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of a Supervisor of Treatment Plant Operations I/II, incumbents open and close valves manually or by remote control and operate mechanical equipment to regulate the flow and treatment of sewage or sludge; start, stop and regulate electric motors, centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, air compressors, washers, grease skimmers, and related equipment; carry out operating orders in the plant or assigned unit of the plant according to readings of meters, gauges and other control and measuring devices; maintain a shift log of unit operations and record readings of meters and gauges; perform routine maintenance on machinery and equipment such as tightening a packing gland to stop a leak, lubricating equipment, changing belts and cleaning aeration and sedimentation tanks; hose down skimmers, cat walks and stairs; report equipment in need of mechanical repairs; receive and store supplies such as sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite, ammonia, polymer, defoamant and other chemicals; learn and implement safety rules, regulations and emergency procedures; collect samples for analysis; may perform simple laboratory tests; may be called back to work in response to plant alarms and emergencies; and perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid California Class C driver license, a high school diploma or equivalent (passing an approved General Educational Development Test, or obtaining a Certificate of Proficiency issued by the Board of Education in accordance with section 48412 of the Education Code) due to the California State certification requirements and, for some positions, the ability to pass a pulmonary function test annually; -AND-

For ASSISTANT TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR level, applicants must possess an Operator-in-Training Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board at the time of appointment.

For TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I level, applicants must possess a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate and a letter stating passage of the Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator exam, both issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate must be maintained as a condition of employment in this classification) -AND- Eighteen months of full-time qualifying experience performing treatment plant operator duties.

Desirable Qualifications

College-level coursework and/or work experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility or a chemical/industrial process control facility.

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The competitive selection process for the ASSISTANT TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR and TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I levels may include knowledge of: Basic hand and power tools; functions of a wastewater treatment plant; safety considerations in an industrial plant setting; principles of operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment and sludge disposal plants and equipment; safe work practices; plant specific wastewater treatment and sludge processing techniques and the results expected at the various stages; basic math principles used in wastewater treatment; Ability to: Read and comprehend training manuals, diagrams and technical instructions; learn the operation of all phases of a wastewater treatment plant; use basic hand tools; learn to read meters and gauges; solve basic mathematical problems using formulas; perform manual labor; perform minor plant maintenance work; record and interpret readings of meters, gauges, and data and maintain operating logs; recognize needed equipment repairs; perform simple lab tests; use respirators and harnesses.

Additional Information

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The selection process will consist of training and experience weighted at 20%; a written test weighted at 30%, and an interview weighted at 50%.
• The written exam is tentatively scheduled for July 5th, 11th, and 12th.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
  
  

Please apply online at www.lacsd.org within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application. Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail. Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery, add [e-mail] to your contact list.

NOTE: The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related pre-employment physical, as well as a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Luz Avila at [phone], extension 1329.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.
• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.
  
  

Compensation

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2025, the Districts contribute $2,305.28 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.
• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.
• VISION: Employee paid.
• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.
  
  

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.
• SICK LEAVE: Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.
• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.
  
  

HOLIDAYS

13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT

For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

Work Environment & Other Benefits

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.
  
  

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 26, 2024

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

How many years of full-time, paid work experience do you have in the operations and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility, sewage/sludge disposal facility or a chemical/industrial process control facility?

• None at this time.
• Less than 1 year.
• At least 1-2 years.
• At least 2-3 years.
• At least 3 years or more.
  
  

03

Which best describes the type of facility where you gained your work-related experience? (Please select all that apply)

• Wastewater Treatment Facility
• Sewage/Sludge Disposal Facility
• Chemical/Industrial Process Control Facility
• No experience at these types of facilities
  
  

04

Please describe in detail your experience in each of the following. If you have no experience, please type "N/A"

• Operating mechanical equipment to regulate the flow and treatment of sewage or sludge
• Centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, bar screens, grit collectors, air compressors, chlorinators, grease skimmers or conveyers
• Reading meters, gauges, and control measuring devices
• Performing routine maintenance on machinery and equipment such as packing glands, lubricating equipment, changing belts and cleaning aeration and sedimentation tanks
  
  

05

Please identify (name) the companies or agencies where you gained the experience you listed above. (Employers listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation. Please type "N/A" if you do not have related experience.

06

Do you have an Wastewater Operator Certification from the California State Water Resources Control Board?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

If you possess an Wastewater Operator Certificate, please list the certification level and the expiration date shown on the certificate. If none, type "N/A."

08

Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent? If yes, PLEASE ATTACH with this application.

• Yes
• No
  
  

09

Have you completed at least one 3-unit wastewater or science course?

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

Please identify the science course(s) you have completed as follows: List the course titles; the number of units/credits; and the name of the institution. (Please type "N/A" if you do not have related coursework).

• Required Question

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

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