Senior Wastewater Operator

City of Oxnard; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oxnard is seeking a Senior Wastewater Operator to lead operations at the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant. You will supervise shift staff and coordinate maintenance to ensure compliant, reliable plant performance around the clock.

Required: CA Grade III Wastewater Operator Certificate, a valid Class A CDL, and at least four years of treatment-plant experience with lead responsibilities. This is a full-time, union-position with overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Four (4) years of treatment plant operation experience, with lead experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations and make adjustments to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Provide work direction and training to operators and support staff.
• Troubleshoot plant/process issues and coordinate with maintenance for repairs.
• Collect samples and perform tests; record and verify results.
• Maintain logs, shift reports, and regulatory documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Operational troubleshooting

Team supervision

Lab data interpretation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CMMS

Hach WIMS

Job description

This recruitment is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Early submissions are encouraged.*

The City of Oxnard's Wastewater Division is seeking skilled and motivated Senior Wastewater Operators. In this key leadership role, you will work collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, Collections, and Laboratory staff to help ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the City's wastewater treatment facilities. Reporting to the Chief Plant Operator, the Senior Wastewater Operator performs advanced operational duties, provides lead direction to two or more team members engaged in plant operations, maintenance, and repair activities, and coordinates specialized projects requiring advanced journey-level technical expertise.

What You’ll Do

• Evaluate wastewater treatment plant operations during assigned shifts; review process performance, flows, loadings, and equipment status, and implement operational adjustments to maintain compliance and optimize treatment efficiency.
• Make real-time process and flow changes based on plant conditions, laboratory data, and system trends; identify potential or actual operational problems and recommend and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Provide work direction, instruction, and on-the-job training to operators and support staff; reinforce safe work practices and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and according to established procedures.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues; initiate operational responses and coordinate with maintenance staff when mechanical or electrical repairs are needed.
• Collect wastewater, process, and compliance samples; perform plant control tests and field analyses; accurately record and verify test and monitoring results.
• Maintain and review operational logs, shift reports, and regulatory records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
• Conduct audits of operational logs and crew rounds.
• Coordinate plant shutdowns and preventive maintenance activities with maintenance and collections teams.
• Enter, maintain, retrieve, and analyze operational and maintenance data using computerized systems including CMMS and Hach WIMS; generate reports, forms, and process documentation as required.
• Support inventory monitoring and coordinate with supervision to ensure adequate materials, chemical, and supply levels for uninterrupted plant operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Payroll/Classification Title

Plant Operations Shift Coordinator

Supervision Exercised / Supervision Received

Incumbents may serve as lead workers, assigning work and monitoring work completion or supervise paraprofessional and support staff including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline and termination procedures. Receives general supervision on routine items which are performed according to established standards and procedures and receives specific work instruction regarding non-routine matters and deadlines.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification is distinguished from the Plant Operator, Principal in that it provides oversight of shift plant operations, processes and assigned staff.

Work Schedule

The Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant is staffed 24/7, 365 days per year, including weekends. The Operations group works a 5/40 schedule. Individuals may be assigned to any of the following shifts: Day- 7:30 am to 3:30 pm; Swing- 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm; or Grave- 11:30 pm to 7:30 am. Days off may not necessarily fall on a traditional weekend, Saturday/Sunday. Depending on the area of assignment staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. This position may be required to be available for additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs.

Working Conditions

Work may involve exposure to environments requiring the use of respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees must be able to properly wear and utilize required PPE, meet respiratory fit-testing requirements, and pass periodic medical evaluations in accordance with applicable safety regulations. Employees will be required to be fit-ready during emergency situations.

Essential Functions

*This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.

• Monitors, oversees and reviews plant operations and related processes for assigned shift; assigns and monitors work and provides guidance to staff, or supervises staff including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline and termination procedures.
• Monitors systems, processes and equipment; reviews and evaluates equipment readings and related data/information; makes appropriate plant/process/equipment adjustments to ensure proper plant operations.
• Troubleshoots process or equipment issues; identifies and implements process changes and problem resolutions.
• Reviews, oversees and maintains records and related documentation; maintains materials and supplies inventories; orders inventory replenishment to maintain adequate supply.
• Oversees, assists with and maintains plant facility housekeeping and ensures safe and orderly operating conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Four (4) years of treatment plant operation experience, which includes prior lead experience.

Licensing/Certifications

• Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
• Valid California Class A Commercial Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing

Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough reference check and background investigation. Some positions that work with or have access to the Police Department may require a polygraph exam. Select positions may require candidates to undergo a pre-employment medical and/or psychological evaluation.

Union Membership

Positions in this classification are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).

Note

For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools, therefore, candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.

Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.

Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

This position requires a 12-month probationary period. Internal applicant probationary periods will be governed by the applicable MOU.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.

If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.

This position is governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.

Reasonable Accommodation

The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodations for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

Legal Requirement

On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897-7781 dhs.gov/e-verify

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Raul Almanza at [e-mail].

NOTE

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

Retirement Contributions

• New members (as defined by PEPRA), 2% @ 62; "Classic" members 2% @ 55. The employee will be required to pay a portion oftheir annual earnings toward their retirement. The City of Oxnard does not participate in social security.

Vacation Time

Full time employees accrue vacation time at a rate of 4.39 - 8.08 hours per pay period based on years of service.

Sick Time

Full time employees accrue sick time at a rate of 3.70 hours per pay period.

Bilingual Pay

A regular full time employee may receive bilingual pay at the rate of $50.00-$125.00 bi-weekly depending on the level the employee is required to provide bilingual services as determined by the City Manager or designee.

Educational Incentive

For positions that do not require a Bachelor's Degree, the City offers an educational incentive award of 2.5% for employees that complete 30 work-related college semester units above the minimum education requirements for the position.

Health And Dental

Employees can choose from a variety of medical plans provided by the City. The City's contribution to medical coverage is outlined below.

Level One

For employees hired before January 1, 2023, the City contributes $1,543.00 per month toward medical insurance premiums and an additional $74.21 per month toward dental insurance premiums. Employees will receive cash back if the medical plan they choose is less than the City’s monthly contribution of $1,543.00 per month. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive cash back in the amount $1,243.00 per month provided they provide proof of other qualifying coverage. Any unused dental premium monies are paid to the employee. If employees hired prior to January 1, 2023 make any changes to their health plan, they will be placed in level two.

Level Two

For employees hired on or after January 1, 2023, the City will contribute $2,054.00 towards medical insurance premiums with no cash back. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back provided they show proof of other qualifying coverage. The City will provide $66.80 per month toward dental insurance.

Life Insurance

City employees receive Basic Life Coverage and have the option to purchase additional insurance.

Deferred Compensation

The City contributes 1% to a deferred compensation program.

Tuition Reimbursement

Full-time employees receive reimbursement of educational expenses including the costs of tuition, registration fees, laboratory fees, and books at a rate of 50% for work related coursework up to a maximum of $500 per fiscal year.

Holidays

The City observes 12 holidays per year.