Certified Treatment Plant Operator I/II
Eureka
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Job summary
The City of Eureka is seeking a Certified Treatment Plant Operator to join our Utilities Division on an on‑site basis. The role involves operating and maintaining water and/or wastewater treatment facilities, performing tests, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
It requires appropriate operator certifications and a valid California driver’s license where applicable. Ranked operators progress from Operator I to II with increasing independence.
Qualifications
- Grade I or II Water/Wastewater Operator Certification is required to apply.
- Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent is expected.
- Valid California driver’s license may be required for inspections and tasks.
Responsibilities
- Monitor plant operations and adjust processes to meet standards.
- Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on plant equipment.
- Conduct standard chemical and physical tests of water and wastewater.
- Maintain accurate records and monthly reports.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The City of Eureka is currently looking for a Certified Treatment Plant Operator to join our team!
Under direct or general supervision, operates equipment, facilities and related appurtenances as found in a continuously-operating water and/or wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift; assists with preventive maintenance and makes repairs to plant facilities and equipment; provides technical assistance to the Utilities Division; and performs related work as required.
Receives direct or general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel and technical and functional direction from a Senior Treatment Plant Operator. May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff.
Treatment Plant Operator I: This is the entry‑level class in the utility operations series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents with basic utility operations experience learn City water and wastewater treatment facilities and systems, use of tools and equipment, and a wide variety of practices and procedures. As experienced is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. This class is alternately‑staffed with Treatment Plant Operator II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining the necessary experience, demonstrating the knowledge, skill and ability required to perform at the higher level, and obtaining the licenses/certifications required to qualify for the journey‑level class.
Treatment Plant Operator II: This is the journey‑level class in the utility operations series that performs the full range of duties required to ensure that water and wastewater treatment facilities and systems operate safely and effectively. Responsibilities include inspecting and attending to assigned areas in a timely manner, and performing a wide variety of tasks in water and/or wastewater treatment plant operations. This class is distinguished from the Senior Treatment Plant Operator in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional direction over lower‑level utility operations staff and is capable of performing the most complex duties assigned to the division.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Monitors plant operations equipment and processes to ensure compliance with environmental and public health standards, including monitoring and making adjustments as needed to optimize efficiency, making chemical dosage changes, changing pumping rates, and monitoring all equipment daily.
- Reviews and analyzes automated information and control system data and revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary.
- Interprets and may perform laboratory and process tests to optimize plant performance, checks the results, and makes appropriate changes.
- Performs proper usage and handling of chemicals according to industry standards, including monitoring the Digester Gas System, performing safety hook‑up connections for chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders, and handling dry sodium fluorosilicate.
- Operates and assists in preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment, such as electric motors, engines, gas and electric powered pumps, air compressors, emergency systems, power generation systems, chillers, pressure and flow regulators, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, digesters, bar screens, and blowers.
- Operates valves, pumps and automated controls to regulate the flow of water and/or wastewater through plants.
- Lubricates pumps, motors, chains, conveyors and other machinery and equipment.
- Makes minor repairs to equipment; assists plant maintenance staff with major repair work.
- Performs routine maintenance painting of machinery, structures, equipment and piping systems.
- May assist in collecting water, wastewater, sludge and other samples from various phases of the treatment process; performing standard chemical and physical tests on these samples to ensure that plants are operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met.
- Uses a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment.
- Maintains accurate records, including calculating the daily use of energy and chemicals, and completing required monthly reports.
- Maintains accurate records of gauge and meter readings, chemical test results and work performed.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Principles, practices, equipment, material and tools used in the operation, cleaning and preventive maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment and distribution/disposal facilities and equipment.
- The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves and related appurtenances.
- Standard chemical and physical tests of water, wastewater, sludge and related materials.
- Applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines relevant to assigned duties.
- Basic equipment troubleshooting principles and practices.
- Basic record keeping practices.
- Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
- Water/wastewater and shop mathematics.
- Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
- Basic computer software related to work.
- English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
- Operate, maintain and repair a variety of water and/or wastewater treatment and distribution/disposal facilities and equipment.
- Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.
- Read a variety of gauges, charts and meters, record data accurately and make appropriate process adjustments.
- Conduct standard chemical and physical tests of water, wastewater, sludge and related materials.
- Use and maintain the tools and equipment of the work skillfully and safely.
- Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
- Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
- Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance.
- Maintain both manual and automated logs, records, reports and charts.
- Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Treatment Plant Operator I/II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Treatment Plant Operator I: One (1) year of experience in the operations of water and/or wastewater treatment plants.
Treatment Plant Operator II: In addition to the above, two (2) years of experience equivalent to Treatment Plant Operator I at the City of Eureka.
Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
Treatment Plant Operator I: Grade I Water AND/OR Wastewater Operator Certificate as issued by the California State Department of Health Services and/or the California State Water Resources Control Board is required to apply. This Certification must be attached to your application.
Treatment Plant Operator II: Grade II Water AND Wastewater Operator Certificate as issued by the California State Department of Health Services and/or the California State Water Resources Control Board.
This position is considered a safety sensitive position by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Effective January 6, 2020, any applicant who wishes to be considered for this position must be registered with the FMCSA Clearinghouse which is a secure, online database that contains real‑time information about CDL drivers with drug or alcohol program violations in accordance with 49 CFR Part 382. Regulations require the City of Eureka to perform a full query of any individual prior to that person being hired into a safety sensitive position. Regulations also require applicants to provide consent for the full query. Consent for the full query can only be provided via the online Clearinghouse by individuals registered with the Clearinghouse.
For more information on the Clearinghouse or to register, please visit: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
Must possess mobility to work in standard water and/or wastewater treatment plants and related facilities; strength, stamina and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to read gages and identify appurtenances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above‑mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.
Employees work primarily indoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Employees are required to work various day, evening, weekend and holiday shifts, as assigned.
All applications received are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an in‑person only written examination tentatively to be held in early December. The Department Head [and/or designee(s)] will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full‑time, part‑time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.
Important Note: Please make sure it is absolutely clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications/requirements listed above. Applications that do not appear to meet the minimum qualifications will not move forward in the recruitment process.
We envision an inclusive community where everyone’s fundamental needs are met, where our employees respect and celebrate all walks of life, where everyone can grow and thrive, as we work with integrity for the good of Eureka. Our mission is to meet the needs of Eureka residents, businesses and visitors by providing services and making decisions that are socially, fiscally and environmentally responsible, creating a workplace that values growth, inclusion and empathy for all.
All City of Eureka employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked. The City of Eureka is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of handicap status in the admission, access to, treatment, or employment for its programs, or activities, whether funded by the City or by grants. Women, persons with disabilities, and minorities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If you have special needs, please call (707) 441‑4124 prior to the examination date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.
CalPERS Classic members: (2.7% @ 55) - Employees hired before 01/01/2013 by a CalPERS agency and who have less than a 6 month break in service, are considered “classic members” with all classic member benefits and restrictions. Employee portion: 8% per MOU agreement.
CalPERS PEPRA members: (2% @ 62) – Employees hired by a CalPERS agency after 01/01/2013, are considered PEPRA members with the new AB 340 benefit formulas, final compensation and contribution requirements. Employee portion: 7.75% per MOU agreement. The employee contribution is included in salary and is paid by the employee.
NOTE: Earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security. When you retire, you may receive a pension based on earnings from this job. For more information, go to https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1945.pdf
The City's workers’ compensation coverage is self‑funded. Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents is provided through Teamsters. An agreed portion of the health insurance premium is paid by the City; the remainder is paid by the employee. If eligible, the City's payment includes contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) for those employees electing medical and prescription coverage.
Vacation is accumulated at 1 day per month upon employment and increases with time in service. The maximum accrual is 35 days.
Sick Leave is accrued at one (1) day per month with no limit. Six (6) days of Family Sick Leave are also allowed per fiscal year and are deducted from employee's accrued Sick Leave. An employee may be allowed Family Death Leave up to three (3) days per incident. This is not accruable.
The City pays for twelve (12) fixed holidays per year, in addition to three (3) floating holidays.
The City pays the premium on a $5,000 life insurance policy for eligible employees, including eligible dependent coverage at $1,000 each.
Five (5) years of continuous service = 2%
Ten (10) years of continuous service = 4%
Fifteen (15) years of continuous service = 6%
All regular employees may utilize paid bereavement leave to attend a funeral or memorial service, or to take care of family matters that are related to the death of a member of immediate family. Employees are entitled to up to forty (40) hours for each death in the immediate family.
Other benefits include optional participation in deferred compensation plans, City-paid membership in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and eligible dependents, free membership at the Adorni Recreation Center for employee, spouse and dependent children, an educational reimbursement program, free enrollment at Little Saplings Preschool for children of City employees, 50% off fees for after school programs for children of City employees and free Sequoia Park Zoo membership for the entire family.
Note: Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.
Describe your experience, including specialized education and training, as it qualifies you for this position. (Include where you obtained the experience and the duration.)
Emergencies can and do occur in both water and wastewater treatment plants. Describe an emergency event in which you were involved. What was the event, and how did you participate in its resolution?
What procedures would you follow if you discovered a chlorine leak at a treatment plant?
Please list the water and/or wastewater certifications that you hold and describe the work you have performed as a certified treatment plant operator.
Have you attached a copy of a Grade I or Grade II Water and/or Wastewater Operator Certificate as issued by the California State Department of Health Services and/or the California State Water Resources Control Board? THIS IS REQUIRED. ALL OTHER ATTACHMENT TYPES WILL BE DISREGARDED
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
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