Plant Operator

Orange County Sanitation District; California (MO); On-site; USD 137,760,000 - 153,071,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Sanitation District is seeking a Plant Operator to operate and monitor wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes. The role includes collecting samples, performing minor repairs, and ensuring safe, efficient plant operations.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED with relevant training, a Grade I certificate, and a California driver's license. This position requires physical work and adherence to safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with specialized training in wastewater treatment.
• 1 year of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Valid Grade I California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
• Valid California class C driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant equipment including engines, motors, boilers, compressors, and pumps.
• Control wastewater flow and adjust plant processes as needed.
• Perform repairs and routine maintenance on plant equipment.
• Collect samples for laboratory testing.
• Maintain cleanliness and assist with minor plant tasks as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Computer literacy

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED with specialized training

Grade II California Wastewater Certificate

Tools

California Driver's License

Water Treatment License

Job description

What do you value in your next job?

At the Orange County Sanitation Districtour Core Valuesform the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we'd love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect

We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving

We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability

We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning

We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety

We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.

OC San is currently looking to fill the role of a Plant Operator.

Under direct or general supervision, operates, monitors, and maintains plant equipment including engines, motors, boilers, compressors, and pumps to control unit processes; monitors and controls wastewater flow; performs adjustments and repairs to plant equipment; collects samples for laboratory testing; performs minor maintenance such as flushing sludge lines to digesters, adding oil, and cleaning drains; and performs duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will possess:

1. High school diploma or G.E.D., supplemented by specialized training in wastewater treatment plant operations or a related field.
2. One (1) year of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations.
3. Must possess a valid Grade I California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
4. Must possess a valid California class C driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Grade II or higher California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, methods, chemicals, tools, equipment, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and other departments, both orally and in writing.
• Computer proficiency.

Vacancies: 2

APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Thursday, October 29, 2026; 5:00 P.M.

(or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)

Hiring Salary Range: $48.48 - $53.42/Hour

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work the plant; 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 varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings.
• Perform medium to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 51 pounds, or 75 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Work requires entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment and protective safety equipment.
• Vision to read printed materials, recording devices, and related monitors and to inspect and operate equipment; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances.
• Field work requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
• Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and operate tools and equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, heights, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered “at-will”, are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve “at-will” and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
• Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
• Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

OTHER INFORMATION

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checkswill be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.