Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Davita Inc.; Vallejo (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vallejo is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Supervisor to oversee the operations of its water treatment facilities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in water treatment, strong leadership abilities, and a solid foundation in safety and regulatory compliance. This position offers an opportunity to lead a dedicated team and contribute to public health through operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of water treatment operating experience.
• Three years of experience in a lead operator role.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver License.

Responsibilities

• Supervise operations of the water treatment facilities.
• Evaluate operations and recommend improvements.
• Lead and train plant operations staff.

Skills

Leadership

Water Treatment Operations

Regulatory Compliance

Safety Protocols

Education

High school diploma with mathematics

T4 Water Treatment Operator Certificate

CSUS Drinking Water Courses

Job description

Description

PLEASE READ THIS BULLETIN IN ITS ENTIRETY

THE POSITION

5% COLA increase effective July 2025 and July 2026

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one full-time vacancy. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year.

Why Join the City of Vallejo Water Department

The City of Vallejo Water Department is staffed by dedicated professionals with deep technical expertise and a strong commitment to public service. Our team values integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

We cultivate a supportive, growth-oriented environment where employees are encouraged to expand their skills, share innovative ideas, and take ownership of their work. With a strong emphasis on training, professional development, and sustainability, this is more than just a workplace-it's a place where your contributions have a lasting impact and where teamwork drives success.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, results-driven leader with a solid foundation in water treatment operations. They will bring a balanced mix of leadership, technical proficiency, and regulatory insight, with a proven track record of managing complex treatment systems while maintaining safety, compliance, and high performance.

In addition to strong technical skills, they will excel at motivating teams, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a culture rooted in excellence and public service.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum six (6) years water treatment operating experience at a surface water treatment plant, with at least three (3) years in a lead operator role while holding T4 certification (such as the City of Vallejo's Advanced Water Treatment Operator classification), at surface water treatment facility classified as T4 or higher.
• Valid Class C Driver's License
• Possession of a valid T4 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
• Completion of the following five (5) CSUS Ken Kerrie Series of Courses (represents the entire suite of CSUS Drinking Water Courses): Water Treatment Plant Operation (Vols. 1 & 2); Small Water System Operation and maintenance; Water Distribution Operation and Maintenance; Manage for Success: Effective Utility Leadership Practices (or equivalent management coursework).
• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th grade with three (3) years of high school mathematics, including at least two (2) years of algebra.

Top Candidates Will Demonstrate

• Extensive knowledge of water treatment processes, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance at the state and federal levels
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team focused on operational excellence and accountability
• A calm, decisive approach to managing challenges and emergencies, with a steadfast commitment to safety and quality
• A leadership style grounded in clear communication, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving

More Than a Job-An Opportunity to Lead

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment and is passionate about protecting public health through operational excellence. As a Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of water treatment in Vallejo while leading a dedicated team at one of California's highest-rated treatment systems.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, grow professionally, and lead with purpose, we encourage you to apply.

THE DEPARTMENT
The Vallejo Water Department is a dynamic organization engaged in growth and positive change for the benefit of our customers and community. The Department provides potable water to 121,000 customers through a highly complex system including multiple raw water sources, three treatment plants, a Sludge Dewatering Facility, 600 miles of distribution pipes, 8 pressure zones, 27 pump stations and 37,000 service connections. Vallejo Water is a Treatment-5/Distribution-5system. In 2017, Vallejo water services transitioned from a division of Public Works, to a standalone Water Department reporting directly to the City Manager. This change gives drinking water-related operations and issues greater visibility and strategic direction for the benefit of rate-payers. The Water Department's strategic goals include: infrastructure reliability, public trust, sustainability, organizational performance and financial viability.

The Water Department has six Divisions: Water Treatment, Engineering, Distribution, Watershed and Facilities Management and Administration/Conservation.

THE CITY OF VALLEJO

The City of Vallejo is located in Solano County and has a population of approximately 121,000 residents. Vallejo is a rapidly changing, highly diverse community located midway between the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento. It is a friendly, active waterfront community that attracts innovative, hardworking people and takes great pride in its 148-year history and maritime heritage. Residents of Vallejo are situated to take advantage of the best of what the area has to offer. Golf, museums, performing arts, boutique shopping, brewpubs and a wide selection of restaurants are all available in Vallejo. Residents and visitors alike enjoy Vallejo's delightful historical downtown area, weekly downtown farmer's market, and beautifully restored Victorian homes and business facades. Vallejo is also home to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, one of America's only combination wildlife, oceanarium and theme parks.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the first line supervisory level classification in the treatment plant operator series, meeting requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Safe Drinking Water Act (federal), as well as by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), under the California safe drinking water act (state). This is the full, first-line supervision classification in the treatment plant operator series, assigned to oversee operations and supervise staff within one or more treatment plants. Incumbents review and evaluate the work of Water Treatment Plant Operators and are responsible for maintaining the effective and efficient operation of water treatment facilities. Performance expectations at this level include the exercise of certain managerial responsibilities for applying policies, procedures, and technical direction while demonstrating proficiency in maintaining all requirements of U.S. EPA and California DPH drinking water regulations that pertain to the operational control, monitoring, reporting and established performance standards of the City's facilities.

This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Water Treatment Superintendent in that the latter assumes the full range of responsibility for planning, policy enforcement, process monitoring and improvement, allocation of resources, and overall operations of all water treatment plants and related facilities. In the absence of the Water Treatment Superintendent, an incumbent in the class that has T5 certification may be temporarily appointed to assume responsibility for the operations section and to function as the chief operator of T5 treatment facilities, which requires possession of a grade 5 water treatment operator's certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). This classification is further distinguished from Water Treatment Regulatory Compliance Officer in that the latter engages in supervision of staff and plant operations as a tangential function of the job and has a purpose and job focus of researching, developing, and implementing compliance measures to adhere to regulations covering drinking water, workplace health and safety, emergency preparedness, and environmental protection.

As a condition of continued employment with the City of Vallejo, incumbents are required to adhere to the process for maintaining the grade T4 water treatment plant operator outlined by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). If the certification is not maintained, employment will be terminated. The City's regular competitive civil service process governs selection procedures related to this position and for advancement to positions beyond this classification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general supervision from the Water Treatment Superintendent.
• Exercises functional and technical supervision over, and provides training to, all levels of Treatment Plant Operators and Trainees.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Plan, organize, direct, and supervise the operations of the water treatment facilities, providing for adjustment of plant operations within prescribed limits to meet performance standards, changing conditions and emergencies.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of goals and objectives, establishing performance standards and evaluation of best methods for water treatment operations and processes.
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities, including development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP) for plant operation and safety.
• Resolve complex technical problems in the process or equipment, examines techniques and operational data to maintain and improve facility effectiveness and efficiency.
• Supervise or perform the development and implementation of water treatment plant procedures and programs (e.g., safety, preventative maintenance scheduling, emergency response, process control, purchasing, training, SCADA system, inventory control, optimization studies and documentation management).
• Regularly reports to the Water Treatment Superintendent on plant performance, operational activities, and related issues.
• Provide or coordinates instruction to operators, track individualized training programs and evaluates work performance, prepare and conduct performance evaluations of subordinates as assigned, work with employees to correct performance deficiencies, implement corrective action, and may recommend discipline procedures.
• Review operators' daily work for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure all work is performed safely, conditions are safe, and employees are trained in safe work practices and procedures.
• Maintain operator work schedules, forward time reports for payroll processing, maintain related records and statistics, prepare reports and correspondence.
• Participate in emergency preparedness training and exercises; assess team performance readiness and reports findings to the Water Operations Superintendent.
• Participate in operator recruitment and selection processes, provide and review information for use in operator performance reviews.
• Assist and participate in budget preparation and prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations, submit payment requests for equipment, supplies and materials; monitor and controls expenditures.
• Makes periodic inspections and reports of plant conditions to assure adherence to Division policies and procedures.
• Identify and report on facility deficiencies and hazards and recommends maintenance or improvements.
• Coordinate and directs special projects or programs related to water treatment facilities.
• Assist in organizing technical information and data related to compliance with a variety of regulatory provisions: maintain daily, monthly and annual monitoring and reporting schedules, prepare and submit related records, documents of actions taken, routine and special operational tests, audits and investigations completed, hazardous materials stored, or on-site waste monitoring and recurrent training provided.
• Construct, review, and update a variety of detailed manuals and program documentation authenticating operations plans, operating procedures, hazardous materials/wastes inventories, safety logs, inspections, training and response procedures that are required to be maintained onsite by regulatory authorities.
• Assist representatives from state, federal, and local agencies during on-site visits, audits and inspections; provide responses to requests for information and other support.
• Assist in conducting and actively participate in staff meetings.
• May conduct tours of water treatment facilities.
• Maintains availability to respond to shift operators and provide practical assistance outside business hours.
• Assist the Water Treatment Superintendent (Chief Operator) in special projects and perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of lead supervision, training and incident investigation relating to plant operations.
• Study techniques and methods; current and emerging treatment technologies, regulatory requirements, standards, safe operating practices and all applicable regulatory compliance.
• Operational characteristics of the mechanical equipment and all treatment processes for the assigned treatment plant(s).
• SCADA system routine functions and capabilities.
• Fundamentals of concise and informative report writing, work scheduling, logs and document maintenance.
• Current office practices, procedures and equipment including a computer.
• Complete working comprehension of treatment plants and equipment.
• State and Federal regulations pertaining to the continuous operation of an advanced, T5 rated drinking water treatment plant and adjoining distribution system, including reporting requirements and emergency procedures.
• The Plant Supervisor shall possess a practical understanding of roles and responsibilities as defined in S.E.M.S., ICS and in the City's Injury and Illness Prevention Program and the City's applicable Administrative Rules.
• Knowledge of all applicable OSHA Industrial Safety Orders: monitoring, training, record keeping and reporting requirements.

ABILITY TO:

• Demonstrate and instruct others in the mastery of plant operations.
• Provide lead supervision, oversee and provide effective training to plant operations staff.
• Prepare and submit accurate performance appraisals, effective improvement plans and all back-up materials.
• Develop and manage staffing schedules and; build and administer individualized training plans.
• Multi-task a variety of demands with short deadlines.
• Independently research pertinent regulations and apply compliance standards and all requirements to standard operating procedures, work practice safety, compliance monitoring and documentation.
• Make effective verbal and written reports and recommendations, construct and organize manuals and technical training materials.
• Design, implement, and maintain accurate records, logs and action plans that meet operational needs and regulatory requirements.
• Exercise highly skilled operations in all phases of plant operations: start-up, shutdown, reduction or bypass of unit processes, adverse or emergency conditions.
• Observe and enforce work safety practices, work safely around hazardous process and laboratory chemicals.
• Read and interpret facility piping diagrams and other schematics, drawings.
• Utilize computer and other job-related technology and keep technical skills up to date, including proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Compile, evaluate and analyze complex data and information and recommend or take action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Observe, accurately assess and systematically document all plant operations, process performance and data reporting.
• Promptly identify problems, operational errors, occupational hazards and perform corrective action.
• Remain updated in all regulations and current technologies, construct sound written recommendations for improved operational efficiencies.
• Cooperatively assist representatives from regulatory agencies during on-site audits and inspections, provide information, records and assistance in a timely fashion.
• Consistently meet all related job and safety training that are established by federal, state and local regulatory agencies and Water Division policy.

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

Experience:

A minimum six (6) years water treatment operating experience at a surface water treatment plant, with at least three (3) years in a lead operator role while holding T4 certification (such as the City of Vallejo's Advanced Water Treatment Operator classification), at surface water treatment facility classified as T4 or higher.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th grade with three (3) years of high school mathematics, including at least two (2) years of algebra.

Completion of the following five (5) CSUS Ken Kerrie Series of Courses (represents the entire suite of CSUS Drinking Water Courses): Water Treatment Plant Operation (Vols. 1 & 2); Small Water System Operation and maintenance; Water Distribution Operation and Maintenance; Manage for Success: Effective Utility Leadership Practices (or equivalent management coursework).

License or Certificate:

Possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver License.

Possess and maintain a Water Treatment Operator Grade T4 Certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Failure to maintain appropriate certification for classification will result in termination of employment.

Possession of current and valid certifications for Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Entry, CPR/First Aid, and For Lift Safety at the time of appointment is desirable, but must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment and maintained thereafter.

Desirable:

Possession Water Treatment Operator Grade T5 Certification.

Advanced study or specialized training or experience in occupational health and safety, preparing effective written reports, writing effective performance appraisals and conducting technical research.

*Any license, certification, or registration required for this position shall be maintained (i.e. active and in good standing) at all times during employment with City of Vallejo. For continued employment with City of Vallejo, you must maintain such license, certification, or registration to meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Pursuant to California Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 8, Section 3100 "all public employees have been declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law."

Must be medically approved for wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and remain shaven of facial hair at all times required to wear respiratory protection equipment.

Must maintain the ability to perform required duties while wearing SCBA.

Must be able to work safety while wearing personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Work on an unscheduled basis for emergency situations; must be willing to work any day and any shift within a 24-hour period as assigned, including holidays, weekends and overt

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Working Conditions
Risk of exposure to chemicals; some lifting; machinery noise.
Work in and around confined spaces and elevated structures.
Work in proximity of high voltage and electronic equipment.
Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
Work around complex, moving machinery in a biohazard environment.

The Recruitment & Selection Process

1. Applications are due by 5:00 P.M. on Monday, July 7, 2025. Applicants must submit a completed City of Vallejo online application, including all responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Resume/Cover Letter Optional), by the posted deadline in order to be considered.

NOTE: If you have problems creating a user account, obtaining your already created account information, or submitting your online application, please contact governmentjobs.com applicant support directly at 855-524-5627. City of Vallejo staff are unable to assist with these issues.

2. Applications will be screened for overall qualifications the week of July 7, 2025.

3. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental responses scored by subject matter experts the week of July 14, 2025. The most qualified applicants from the scoring of the supplemental questions will be invited for an Oral Panel Interview.

4. Oral Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place the week of July 28, 2025. Oral Panel Interviews are weighted at 100% of the candidates' score. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70%. Those achieving 70% or higher will be placed on the Register of Eligibles (eligible list) and may be considered to fill positions for up to one year.

The City reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to those determined to be best qualified based upon all requested application materials, including training and experience, current resume, and responses to supplemental questions.

5. Candidates placed on the Register of Eligibles (eligible list) will be referred to the department for final interviews based on their performance in the exam. The number of candidates referred for a hiring interview is at the discretion of the hiring department.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The City of Vallejo is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, assessment or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department to request an accommodation. Please contact April Adams at [phone] or send an email to: [e-mail] later than July 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

PRIOR TO HIRE
The selected candidate will be required to: 1) Submit to reference checks 2) Submit to and successfully pass a pre-employment background check, including fingerprint check. 3) Successfully complete a job-related pre-placement medical exam. 4) Provide proof of legal right to work in the United States.

Disaster Service Workers - All City of Vallejo ("City") employees are designated Disaster Service Workers ("DSW") by state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all DSW-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Veteran's Preference - Veteran's preference points will be applied in accordance with Civil Service Rule 24. A copy of the DD 214 form must be filed at time of application.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Vallejo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.