Wastewater Operator lll

City of Oxnard; California (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oxnard’s Wastewater Division seeks a Wastewater Operator III to work with Operations, Maintenance, Collections, and Laboratory staff. Under general supervision, the operator performs advanced journey-level duties, including monitoring, operation, inspection, and minor maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.

The role supports plant operations 24/7, participates in sample collection and testing, and updates SOPs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Three years of treatment plant operations experience.
• Valid California Class C Driver's License may be required; First Aid/CPR and SCBA certifications within 12 months.
• Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Grade III Wastewater Operator Certificate upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate treatment system equipment and monitor plant processes to meet discharge permits.
• Monitor plant and field processes and respond to alarms and readings.
• Collect samples and perform routine tests, analyze results and take corrective action.
• Maintain O&M manuals and SOPs; update as conditions change.
• Provide lead worker support and train others as needed; coordinate maintenance.

Skills

Advanced journey-level operations

Lead worker / training

Process monitoring

Laboratory sampling & analysis

Documentation & record-keeping

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA

SCBA

First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

This employment opportunity is open to all qualified candidates.

Early submissions are encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a regular and ongoing basis.

The City of Oxnard’s Wastewater Division is seeking a Wastewater Operator III to work with team members within the Operations group as well as the Maintenance, Collections, and Laboratory staff. Under general supervision, the Wastewater Operator III performs a variety of advanced journey-level duties, such as monitoring, operation, inspection, and minor maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Performs the full array of duties assigned to classes in the Wastewater Operator series, including the operation of treatment system equipment and processes, facility and equipment upkeep in order to assure compliance with applicable discharge permits.
• Monitors plant and field processes, including solids processing; monitors computer alarms, instruments, gauges, and meters for process control.
• Instructs others and takes meter, gauge, and control panel readings and observes variations in operating conditions; interprets readings; monitors and changes flows, and processes within established parameters; reports readings and processing changes on operation logs and records.
• Collects samples and performs routine biological and chemical tests/analyses, records sampling and test results, prepares samples for testing in the central laboratory as needed; analyzes and evaluates in-house laboratory results, data, and procedures and takes corrective action as appropriate.
• Uses Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on a daily basis. Updates and maintains O&M manuals and SOPs to reflect actual working conditions.
• Makes recommendations for improving plant operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

As a Wastewater Operator lll, 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, Principal

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is distinguished from the Plant Operator, Senior in that it performs advanced journey-level plant operations and plant maintenance work and may serve as lead worker by assigning and reviewing work and providing guidance to others in the absence of a Shift Coordinator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED / SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Incumbents may serve as lead workers, assigning work and monitoring work completion. 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.

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.

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.

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

• Performs advanced journey-level plant operations and maintenance work; monitors operations and maintenance of plant systems, processes and/or equipment to ensure proper operations and that standards are met. Provides lead worker support as needed including making work assignments, training and monitoring the completion of work.
• Monitors systems, processes and equipment; gathers and records data, readings, samples and information used to ensure proper equipment operations or to determine required maintenance; calibrates equipment and makes equipment adjustments; starts up and shuts down equipment as required.
• Performs equipment inspections and maintains inspection records; coordinates and/or performs repair work; maintains and cleans various equipment, facility areas and grounds; maintains safe and clean site working conditions.
• Enters and maintains data. work records, files and activity logs; performs basic analysis of data and information; prepares and maintains reports and other related documentation.
• Monitors supplies/materials inventory; initiates purchase request for required items; schedules pick up of materials.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

POSITION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Operating treatment systems and related processes;
• Performing or coordinating facility and equipment maintenance;
• Monitoring plant equipment using SCADA;
• Monitoring plant and field processes and equipment including alarms, instruments and gauges;
• Checking pumps, motors, hydraulic lines, structures, pressure tanks and mechanical equipment for proper operation;
• Collecting samples and performing routine biological and chemical testing;
• Rotating equipment based on schedules or discovered faults;
• Operating heavy equipment.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years of treatment plant operations experience.

Per the California State Water Resources Control Board, substitution for experience may be considered pursuant to the certification requirements table: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/operator_certification/docs/ocr_table.pdf

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid California Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record may be required.
• Certifications in First Aid/CPR and the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are required within 12 months of hire.
• Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Grade IIl Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate upon hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

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

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. Candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with ongoing 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 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 [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.