Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Grade OIT-V, DOQ)

Inland Empire Utilities Agency; Chino (CA); On-site; USD 56,481 - 68,880; Full time

Job summary

Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) seeks motivated Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators I‑V (DOQ) to join its Operations team. You will operate and maintain regional water recycling facilities and help ensure reliable service to the communities IEUA serves.

Successful candidates may be assigned to IEUA facilities at multiple locations. Training will be provided as needed to meet daily compliance and safety requirements; a California driver’s license and operator certifications are important

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with college coursework in chemistry, biology, or water treatment.
• Certification requirements or progress toward California operator certificates are described in the job details.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities in a safe, compliant manner.
• Follow standardized procedures under supervision and monitor KPIs and equipment performance.
• Respond to calls, shifts, nights, weekends, and overtime as required.

Skills

PPE safety adherence

SCADA data usage

Troubleshooting

Process understanding

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA systems

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I‑V (DOQ)

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is seeking motivated and safety-focused individuals to join our Operations team as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators I‑V (DOQ). In this role, you’ll be part of the essential frontline workforce responsible for operating and maintaining our regional water recycling facilities—helping ensure reliable, high‑quality service to the community we serve.

Successful candidates may be assigned to work at any of the Agency’s facilities and/or multiple locations. This position serves the front‑line operation of the various wastewater treatment facilities. Dependent upon possession and grade of wastewater or water certification, employees will receive various levels of on‑the‑job training and guidance from operations staff as required to safely and efficiently meet day‑to‑day compliance. Staff in this position follows prescribed and standardized procedures, under various levels of supervision of a higher‑level Operator on duty.

Work schedule: 4/10, with the ability to work varying shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, on‑call duty and respond to call backs, and may be required to work alone.

Education, Training, and Experience

• For All Positions: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with additional college‑level coursework in chemistry, biology, and wastewater and/or water treatment technology; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Operator Qualifications

• Operator III: At least two years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater or water treatment plant operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.
• Operator IV/V: At least four years of progressively responsible experience in skilled, journey‑level wastewater or water treatment plant operation; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements

• For All Positions: A valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency’s vehicle insurance program.
• California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment and/or Distribution Operator certifications are desirable.
• Annual certification for CPR, First Aid, HAZWOPER, forklift, and confined‑space entry. Annual completion of Self‑Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) fit test per OSHA requirements is required within six months of appointment and during the course of employment. The employee may be required to wear other types of respirators, dust, and particulate or cartridge masks dependent upon the work environment.
• In addition, when assigned to:
  • Operator‑In‑Training: Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I Certificate or higher must be obtained within 24 months from date of hire to advance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/II class. Failure to obtain a Grade I or higher certificate could result in termination of employment.
  • Operator I: Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I Certification is required at hire or promotion.
  • Operator II: Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II Certification is required at hire or promotion.
  • Operator III: Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certification is required at hire or promotion.
  • Operator IV/V: Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV/V Certification is required at promotion or hire.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to adhere to established safety policies and procedures, including proper use of PPE, confined space entry, and lockout/tagout practices, to ensure personal and team protection.
• Ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of the purpose, function, and design of treatment processes and equipment to optimize operations and achieve performance objectives.
• Experienced in identifying and resolving process and equipment issues using SCADA data, diagnostic tools, and established troubleshooting techniques to ensure operational reliability.
• Knowledge of how equipment and process performance affects upstream and downstream operations, with the ability to recognize both positive and negative impacts when systems are in or out of service.
• Skilled in monitoring, interpreting, and acting on KPIs related to chemical usage, equipment performance, and process efficiency to maintain cost control and operational excellence.
• Ability to receive and apply instruction and training provided by operations, safety personnel, and other Agency staff.

Salary

• Operator‑In‑Training – OP 171 ($35.5606 – $43.3279 Hourly)
• Operator I – OP 174 ($41.1621 – $50.1520 Hourly)
• Operator II – OP 176 ($45.3770 – $55.2880 Hourly)
• Operator III – OP 178 ($50.0275 – $60.9529 Hourly)
• Operator IV/V – OP 180 ($55.1563 – $67.2025 Hourly)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency does not sponsor employment visas at the time of hire or during the course of employment. All applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Reasonable Accommodation

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993‑1640 or [e-mail] at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.