Wastewater Operator in Training

City of Oxnard; California (MO); On-site; USD 3,995,000 - 4,822,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oxnard is hiring a Wastewater Operator in Training to join the Operations team and work with Maintenance, Collections and Laboratory staff. You will learn to monitor plant processes, maintain logs, collect samples, and perform routine maintenance under close supervision.

Eligibility includes high school diploma or GED, one year of maintenance experience, and a path to Grade I certification within 12 months; shifts include 24/7 coverage with a 5/40 schedule.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; CA/state education guidelines apply.
• One year of maintenance experience preferred; experience with pumps, motors, or engines is desirable.
• Must obtain California Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate within 12 months of hire; valid California driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Learn to monitor plant and field processes, including alarms, gauges and meters.
• Record operation logs and meter readings; collect samples for laboratory analyses.
• Perform routine maintenance on plant equipment and facilities; assist with housekeeping duties.
• Assist in collection of samples and basic lab tests for process control.

Skills

Maintenance experience

English communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

*This employment opportunity is open to all qualified candidates. Only the first 100 qualified applicants will be considered for this employment opportunity.*

*The advertised salary is for this position only*

The City of Oxnard’s Wastewater Division is seeking a Wastewater Operator in Training to work with team members within the Operations group as well as the Maintenance, Collections, and Laboratory staff. Under general supervision, the Wastewater Operator-in-Training performs various entry-level work characterized by a routine and often repetitive nature. Work is closely supervised, and changes or deviations are explained in detail.

PAY RATES:

Wastewater Operator in Training: $29.00 hourly

Wastewater Operator I: $35.00 hourly

Eligible for advancement to Wastewater Operator l upon successfully passing the Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification exam.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Learn to monitor plant and field processes, including solids processing; monitor computer alarm instruments, gauges, and meters for process control.

• Learn to keep operation logs and records, including meter and gauge readings.

• Learn to collect samples and perform routine biological and chemical tests/analyses, record sampling and test results, and prepare samples for testing in the central laboratory as needed.

• Perform general plant, building, and grounds preventative maintenance throughout the facility.

To learn more about being an Operator in Training, please visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/operator_certification/docs/oit_information.pdf

As a Wastewater Operator in Training, you may be eligible for the following benefits per the IUOE MOU:

• Educational Incentive: The City offers an educational incentive award program for all employees, except classifications requiring a Bachelor’s Degree, that complete 30 work-related college semester units above the minimum education requirements for the position. The educational incentive is a 2.5 % increase in base wages.
• 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. The maximum benefit is $500.00 per fiscal year.
• Certification Pay: The City will pay one hundred dollars ($100) per pay period differential to employees who receive a Treatment Certificate T3 , T4, TS, a Distribution Operator Certificate, D3 , D4, D5, or a Wastewater Operator Certificate Grade III, IV, V, or a Collections Systems Maintenance Certification Grade III that is at least one ( 1) level above the minimum requirement of the classification they are occupying. When the employee promotes into the next classification, the differential will be considered a component of base salary when computing the promotional pay rate. If an employee promotes and possesses a certification more than one (1) level above that required for their classification prior to promotion, the differential will not be computed into base salary. Once promoted, the employee will continue to be eligible for the certification pay pursuant to this section.

PAYROLL/CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Plant Operator Trainee

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is distinguished from the Plant Operator in that it functions in a training capacity prior to obtaining a Grade I Operator certification and performs minor, preventative equipment maintenance tasks.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED/ SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives close supervision and specific direction regarding assignments and deadlines

WORK SCHEDULE:

The Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant is staffed 24/7, 365 days per year, including weekends and holidays. 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 work assignment, staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. In addition, this position may be required to be available to work additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs. Employees may be required to work rotational stand-by assignments outside of normal working hours and report to work on a callback basis, as needed, within a designated response time. Standby assignments are at the discretion of the Division Head.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

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

• Performs routine tasks related to plant operations and works in a training capacity to gain skills required; learns to operate and perform minor preventative maintenance and lubrication of wastewater treatment plant equipment which may include: electric motors, filters, engines, commuting devices and other related equipment and processes.
• Receives training in the collection of samples and basic laboratory testing for process control procedures; receives training in the changing of chlorine cylinders.
• Learns to maintain operation logs and records, including obtaining and documenting meter and gauge readings.
• Performs general plant, building and ground preventative maintenance and cleaning; performs housekeeping duties and receives training in the cleaning of clarifiers, aeration basins and wet wells.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

The following are the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Desirable: A three-unit college semester course in math, science, or Wastewater.
• NOTE: The California State Water Resources Control Board requires OIT candidates to meet certain education requirements. For more information, please click the following link: OIT Certification Program

EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of maintenance experience, preferably in an industrial/manufacturing environment
• Desirable: Experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, and engines typically used in wastewater treatment.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Valid California Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record
• Obtain a valid California State Water Resources Control Board Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate within 12 months of hire

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

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

The list of qualified candidates established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full‑time, part‑time, and temporary assignments.

There is currently one (1) full‑time vacancy within the Public Works Department, Wastewater Division.

Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation.

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.

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.

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 accommodation 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.