Operator III (Recycling Operations)

Irvine Ranch Water District; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Irvine Ranch Water District’s Michelson Water Recycling Plant seeks an Operator III to oversee complex operation of sewage and recycling processes, monitor performance, and adjust equipment to meet discharge requirements.

The role includes standby rotations, field inspections, data logging, SOP updates, and coordination with maintenance and other departments to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a wastewater recycling facility or similar wastewater treatment plant.
• Strong understanding of safety policies and procedures in hazardous environments.
• Ability to interpret SOPs, blueprints, and permits.
• Proven problem-solving skills and ability to adjust processes and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor sewage and recycling processes to produce high-quality tertiary effluent and meet regulatory requirements.
• Perform routine inspections, process control calculations, and data logging; respond to equipment malfunctions.
• Assist with scheduling, maintenance coordination, and coordinating with contractors.
• Lead or assist in safety, SOPs, and emergency response planning and execution.
• Prepare reports on process performance, efficiency, and costs of operation.

Skills

Wastewater operations

SCADA操作

Education

Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for an Operator III (Recycling Operations) in the Michelson Water Recycling Plant (MWRP) Operations Department.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on August 27, 2026. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, performs complex work activities related to the operation of sewage treatment and recycling processes and equipment. Monitors treatment process operation and performance. Makes adjustments to treatment processes and equipment. Performs established treatment and quality control activities in order to consistently meet effluent discharge requirements, standards and regulations in a cost-effective manner.

Incumbents may be required to work standby on a rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed. Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Operations Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May exercise guidance and leads lower-level staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Operators with a Grade III or higher Wastewater Operator Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board are the advanced journey levels in the classification series. Incumbents perform the full range of skilled plant operations and maintenance tasks with a significant degree of independence and at any time may oversee the work of lower-grade Operators. Assignments are varied and require sound judgment and initiative. Incumbents are required to accept standby duty, make process adjustments from a laptop computer or provided electronic device, and/or respond to process problems and equipment malfunctions.

Under minimal supervision, oversees and participates in the work activities of staff responsible for performing operational duties related to the operation of sewage and recycling processes and equipment.

In the absence of the Operations Supervisor, responsible for leading the lower-level operations staff, and assisting with preparing work schedules, reports, and administrative responsibility for the work order system.

Operates and monitors the operation of sewage and recycling processes to produce a quality tertiary effluent and consistently meets recycled water distribution requirements that comply with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental permit requirements, including biosolids regulations.

Performs all assigned operational duties required to operate the plant efficiently and for responding to emergencies and changing conditions within the plant, including: daily plant process and equipment inspections; reviewing of process performance; processes efficiency testing; processes control calculations and spreadsheets; solids handling and disposal; maintaining a daily log of operations; ordering and receiving bulk chemical deliveries; dissolved oxygen profile testing; 30-minute settling Sludge Volume Index (SVI) testing, chlorine residual testing; Turbidity testing; H2S testing; ambient air monitoring, Micro-organism examination; and a variety of other test including calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment. Including regulatory compliance data review.

Troubleshoots and/or makes operational recommendations to maintain and improve treatment efficiency. Records flow and hour meter readings from gauges, graphs, and related instrumentation and makes appropriate calculations as required.

Assists with the planning, implementation, and monitoring of operational duties. This includes reviewing the operations work schedule, operational duties, special projects, and coordinating with contractors.

Effectively communicates and interacts frequently with all departments and external parties; reports all facts essential to the efficient operation of the reclamation plant and operating problems or emergencies immediately to the Operations Supervisor or the Operations Manager

Assists with reviewing and updating Standard Operational Procedures (SOP), Energy Control Procedures (ECP), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), confined space inventory, and specialized operational safety procedures.

Assists in preparing reports summarizing treatment plant operational activities, including Process performance and efficiency, Equipment operation, Work performed, and materials used. Assists in preparing a weekly and monthly report detailing unit process efficiencies, flows, and cost of operation.

Assists with or leads in projects such as: tank dewatering, cleaning operations and preparation of mechanical equipment to facilitate repairs and replacement by the Mechanical Maintenance Department. Clean and consistently maintain assigned treatment plant facilities and equipment.

Leads and participates in performing housekeeping and maintaining the entire treatment facility.

Monitors collection system lift stations; inspects collection system lift stations regularly; services equipment and machinery in lift stations and reports the need for repairs.

Inspects the operation of sewage treatment plant including recycling pumps, motors, structures, tanks, and equipment and assist with scheduling and coordinating mechanical work activities with the Maintenance Department for timely and appropriate repair and/or replacement of treatment process mechanical and related equipment.

Utilizes a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to create work orders. Submits purchase requests for equipment, materials, and chemicals. Assists in inventory control, which includes reviewing shipments, monitoring spare parts, monitoring inventory, and storing inventory.

Respond to emergency situations during off-hours as required. Participate in the Emergency Standby Program at the sole discretion of the District. May be required to serve on the District Hazardous Materials Response Team and respond to emergency situations and/or chemical spills. Participates in process teams and committees as required. Conducts or assists with preparing plant tours. Participates in the development, counseling, and training of treatment plant operators.

May be required to work varying shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call duty (Standby Program) and respond to callbacks and may be required to work alone on weekends and Holidays as needed for coverage. Incumbent may be required to work any of the District’s work schedules, including weekends and Holidays. Assigned work shifts may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the District.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker:

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

High School graduation or equivalent required with additional college-level coursework in wastewater and/or water treatment.

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience in the operation of a Grade V wastewater recycling facility, incorporating biological pond treatment, preliminary and primary treatment, Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) activated sludge treatment, tertiary treatment, membrane treatment, and solids handling facilities.

Certifications:

• Valid Class C California Driver's license is required.
• Valid Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required.
• 40 hour Emergency Response, Hazardous Materials Technician Certificate or ability to receive within 12 months from date of hire may be required.
• Related Collections System Maintenance, Water Treatment, and/or Water Distribution certifications are highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Safety policies and procedures, safe work practices, applicable to any assignment, OSHA regulations, LOTO and Confined Space procedures, hazardous materials handling procedures, and performing root cause analysis on incidents.
• Performing maintenance on equipment used in a wastewater treatment facility.
• Methods and techniques for operating pumps, valves and electric motors and engines.
• SCADA control systems and process control, instrumentation, computer applications pertaining to our work industry.
• Principles, methods, techniques, and practices in testing both chemical and biological analyses.
• Permits (NPDES/AQMD), including local and state federal laws.
• Methods and procedures in training others.

Ability to:

• Effectively communicate both orally and written.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees, management and vendors.
• Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with outside contractors and regulatory agency officials.
• Advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Perform basic mathematical functions, including college level algebra and geometry.
• Perform algebraic and geometry calculations and water/wastewater calculations and formulas.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
• Use functional reasoning in performing influence functions such as mentoring, leading, teaching and training.
• Ability to read and interpret standard operating procedures (SOP), blueprints, schematics, operational/maintenance manuals, and required facility permits.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and to working in confined spaces. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean-shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of a tight-fitting respirator. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment. All of this in various weather conditions (hot, cold, rainy) and environments, often exposed to wet muddy conditions.

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.