Utilities Plant Operator Trainee/I/II - Wastewater

City of Modesto; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education incentives: Bachelor’s

Education incentives: Master’s

Job summary

City of Modesto seeks dedicated individuals for the Utilities Plant Operator Trainee role in the Wastewater division. The job involves operating and maintaining water and wastewater treatment processes, collecting samples, analyzing data, and ensuring compliant operations.

Candidates must meet minimum education requirements and pursue CEUs while progressing within the trainee program. Incentives include 2.5% Education Incentive for a Bachelor's degree and 5% for a Master's degree.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; six CEUs required on appointment.
• Ability to perform skilled/semi-skilled maintenance and repairs in water/wastewater settings.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and basic instrumentation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform rounds inspecting and monitoring plant operations using gauges, dials, and graphs.
• Operate and troubleshoot plant flows, pumps, motors, and feeders.
• Maintain lift stations and equipment; monitor SCADA parameters and data.
• Collect samples and perform routine water/wastewater tests; document results.
• Maintain records and prepare reports on plant operations and chemical use.
• Respond to public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality.

Skills

Plant operations

SCADA awareness

Safety procedures

Report writing

Education

High school diploma

CEU coursework

Tools

SCADA systems

Crane operation (certificate)

Job description

Are you ready to make a difference in your community while growing your career? The City of Modesto is looking for dedicated and skilled individuals to join our team in the operation and maintenance of our wastewater production and treatment plants.

Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives

2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree

5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree

The Utilities Plant Operator is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants.

We are currently recruiting for our Wastewater division in the Utilities Department.

Please note: interested applicants must at least meet all of minimum requirements posted for the Plant Operations Trainee in order to be considered. 6 continued education units (CEU) are required in addition to the minimum education requirement. Please see "Experience and Training Guidelines" section for more information.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."

The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.

Tentative Schedule

In-person Written Exam

Week of 11/16/26

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience.

Essential Functions

• Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
• Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations.
• Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes.
• Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary.
• Check Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) parameters through onsite and remote interfaces in order to monitor and operate systems and to identify maintenance needs; maintain, adjust, and repair SCADA system; enter data into the system at remote sites using micro‑computer or other devices.
• Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water and wastewater process laboratory tests; record and monitor results.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all plant activities; record mathematical calculations related to operational activities; compile data and prepare reports on plant operations, distribution systems, and chemical use.
• Respond to and investigate public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality problems.
• Perform general plant maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co‑workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions

Perform related duties as assigned.

Utilities Plant Operator Trainee

Knowledge of:

Basic methods of the tools and equipment used in construction, maintenance and repair work.

Basic arithmetic principles.

Safe work practices.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

Perform skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work in the area of work assigned.

Handle contaminated materials and equipment.

Identify equipment, tools and materials needed for each project. Perform heavy manual labor.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Work in confined areas.

Use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and other equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner.

Read and interpret basic maps and blueprints.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

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

Experience:

Experience in a water or wastewater treatment/production plant is desirable.

When assigned to Wastewater:

Education:

In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, six educational units (CEU’s) are required at time of appointment. CEU’s can be earned through accredited college/university courses.

Must obtain Operator‑in‑Training (OIT) certificate issued by the State of California within 30 working days. An extension may be granted by the department Director in the event of a delay at the State level.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Additional Requirements:

May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test.

When assigned to Water:

Work in trenches and follow trenching and shoring safety standards.

Utilities Plant Operator I

In addition to the qualifications for the Utilities Plant Operator Trainee:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment/production plants, depending upon assignment.

Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, and motors.

Standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology.

Safe work practices in a variety of situation such as confined spaces.

Laboratory analysis techniques and standards for water and/or wastewater.

Safe handling techniques for materials and equipment used in water/wastewater treatment.

Operational and safety regulations pertaining to water and/or wastewater treatment/production plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage.

Sampling methods and techniques.

Basic plumbing and electrical principles.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computerized pump control systems.

Ability to:

Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports.

Respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries.

Respond to emergency situations and make appropriate decisions.

Identify malfunctions with pumping capacities, pneumatic controls, and computerized controls.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

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

Experience:

One year of increasingly responsible experience performing duties in water or wastewater treatment, production, or distribution.

Training:

High School diploma or GED equivalency.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Additional Requirements:

May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test.

When assigned to Water:

Spray pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides in a safe manner and handle chemicals accordingly, as required.

Perform standby duty, as assigned.

When assigned to Water:

Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment certificate from the State of California within eighteen (18) months of appointment.

Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificate at time of appointment.

Possession of a Water Sampling certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO), within six (6) months of assignment.

Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver’s license with specific endorsements within ninety (90) days of appointment.

Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.

When assigned to Wastewater:

In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, six educational units (CEU’s) are required at time of appointment. CEU’s can be earned through accredited college/university courses.

Must obtain Operator-in-Training (OIT) certificate issued by the State of California within 30 working days. An extension may be granted by the department Director in the event of a delay at the State level.

Utilities Plant Operator II

In addition to the qualifications of the Utilities Plant Operator I:

Knowledge of:

Water disinfection and chemical dosage requirements.

Ability to:

Perform standby duty as assigned.

Complete the more complex work with minimal supervision.

Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions with pumping capacities, pneumatic controls and computerized controls, and determine effective course of action for correcting them.

Experience:

Two years of experience performing increasingly responsible duties in water or wastewater treatment, production or distribution.

Training:

High School diploma or GED equivalency.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Additional Requirements:

May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test.

When assigned to Water:

Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Operator certificate from the State of California at the time of appointment.

Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificate at the time of appointment.

Possession of a Water Sampling certificate at the time of appointment.

Possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO), within six (6) months of assignment.

Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver’s license with specific endorsements within ninety (90) days of appointment.

When assigned to Wastewater:

Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate from the State of California at the time of appointment.

Additional Requirements:

Must be a minimum 18 years of age at time of application.

During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including First Aid and CPR.

Mobility: frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision. Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions. Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to typical street or field noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and irregular hours in emergency situations. Positions may be required to perform standby on-call duties as scheduled.