Entry-Level Water Plant Operator — Learn & Grow

Water Otter Job Board; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual Pay

Job summary

City of Sacramento is seeking a Junior Plant Operator to join the Water Division, supporting two surface water treatment plants. You will assist in operating treatment processes, monitoring gauges, and performing routine lab tests to ensure safe drinking water.

The role requires flexibility for day, swing, or graveyard shifts and potential 5-5 or 5-4 schedules based on operational needs. Training and safety are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Six months experience in water, wastewater, or swimming pool operations or maintenance work on pumps, motors, or related equipment.
• Education in water/wastewater treatment operations or mechanical/electrical technology with relevant coursework.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled and preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, air compressors, and related equipment.
• Lubricate bearings, valves, and perform oil changes as needed.
• Move chemicals using approved equipment and set up transfer connections.
• Clean tanks, basins, reservoirs, and filtration equipment.
• Read meters and gauges to adjust flow, pressure, and chemical dosages; record readings.
• Collect water samples and conduct routine laboratory tests.
• Assist in filter testing and overall plant surveillance.
• Perform janitorial and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Operate heavy equipment as required.
• Work in confined spaces and wear respiratory protection when required.

Skills

Basic water treatment knowledge

Mechanical and electrical basics

Mathematics and chemistry basics

SCADA system understanding

CMMS understanding

English communication

Reading gauges/meters

Education

Water/Wastewater treatment operations course

Aquatic Facility Operator or CPPO certification

Mechanical or electrical technology program

Tools

SCADA systems

CMMS systems

Forklifts/heavy equipment operation

Job description

City of Sacramento is seeking a Junior Plant Operator to join the Water Division, supporting two surface water treatment plants. You will assist in operating treatment processes, monitoring gauges, and performing routine lab tests to ensure safe drinking water.

The role requires flexibility for day, swing, or graveyard shifts and potential 5-5 or 5-4 schedules based on operational needs. Training and safety are emphasized.