Water Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training

City of Fresno; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fresno is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training in the Water Operations Division. This training role develops the skills to operate surface water treatment facilities under supervision and to qualify for the T3 certificate.

Incumbents may work any shift, including holidays and weekends, with a structured progression toward a full Water Treatment Operator certification, Grade T3, within two years of appointment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T1 must be possessed at time of application and uploaded.
• California Class C Driver's License required at time of application; driving record uploaded by filing deadline.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T1

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Water Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training is the training class for candidates qualified to learn the duties of a Water Treatment Plant Operator. Incumbents undergo training in the operation of surface water treatment facilities under the direct supervision of certified operators, while gaining experience to qualify for a T3 Water Treatment Operator Certificate. Incumbents may be assigned to work any shift and may be required to work holidays and weekends.

One vacancy currently exists in the Department of Public Utilities, Water Operations Division. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period for up to a maximum of two years at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that are necessary to safely, effectively, and efficiently perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation. This classification’s physical demands involve medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical demands may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, walking.

THE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and do not assure placement on the eligible list:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Possession at time of application of a valid Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T1, from the State Water Resources Control Board. A current copy of valid Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T1, from the State Water Resources Control Board is required to be uploaded at time of application.
• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at time of application. A current copy of driving record is required to be uploaded at time of application, dated no later than 11/04/2026.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at time of application and continued maintenance throughout the entire term of employment in this classification.

The selected eligible candidates will be required to successfully pass a department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno.

Possession of a Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T2 is highly desirable.

Incumbents must obtain a minimum of Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T3, from the State Water Resources Control Board within the two (2) years of appointment. Failure to obtain the Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T3, within two (2) years of appointment and maintain throughout the entire term of employment will be cause for termination from this classification.

This class is in a flexibly-staffed series, which allows incumbents to flex to the Water Treatment Plant Operator after obtaining the Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T3.

While in the class, incumbents will not achieve permanent status within the classified service, as defined in Fresno Municipal Code Section 3-202(p)(5).

Due to the nature of the work environment, the incumbent is required to participate in a medical monitoring program to ensure respiratory fitness for using required respiratory equipment.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The examination process may consist of the following:

• Written Examination: 100%: A job-related written examination will be administered which may test a candidate's knowledge of basic tools, ability to perform mathematical calculations, follow written instructions and read meters and gauges correctly. Candidates must achieve a passing score on the written examination to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

The written exam is tentatively scheduled for the week of December 14, 2026.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

Candidates applying for veteran's preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period. Evidence must be presented to indicate that the candidate was discharged honorably from the military service. Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran's preference credit is requested. Qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score.