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Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training/Operator Grade I


Delta Diablo
10 hours ago
Posted date
10 hours ago
N/A
Minimum level
N/A
Full-timeEmployment type
Full-time
OtherJob category
Other
Salary : $8,030.31 - $9,760.90 Monthly
Location : Antioch, CA
Job Type: Full Time, Regular
Job Number: 2025-003
Department: Resource Recovery Services Department
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 07/01/2025
Closing Date: 7/15/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 100

The Position

DEFINITION

SALARY RANGE

Operator in Training:
$7,300.27 - $8,873.53 per month

Operator I:
$8,030.31 - $9,760.90 per month

DEFINITION
Operator in Training:
Under close supervision, performs work and learns to apply process control methods and procedures in support of operating processes, equipment, and systems associated with wastewater conveyance/treatment and recycled water production/distribution in conformance with District guidelines, policies, and procedures, and applicable regulatory compliance, safety, and legal requirements.

Operator I:
Under supervision, responsible for operating and applying process control methods and procedures to processes, equipment, and systems associated with wastewater conveyance/treatment and recycled water production/distribution in conformance with District guidelines, policies, and procedures, and applicable regulatory compliance, safety, and legal requirements. bution in conformance with District guidelines, policies, and procedures, and applicable regulatory compliance, safety, and legal requirements.
Primary Job Duties

TYPICAL DUTIES

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Inspect, observe, and operate through direct and remote controls a variety of process control systems and equipment, including pumps, valves, gates, engines, generators, and other equipment and devices.
  • Inspect plant equipment and devices and identify necessary flow and/or process adjustments, and record observations and changes.
  • Read, log, and maintain process control variables from a variety of meters, gauges, charts, instruments, and other devices.
  • Stop, start, and isolate equipment as assigned for repair using approved lockout and tagout procedures.
  • Create, respond to, and maintain appropriate work orders, records, and logs.
  • Operate vehicles, portable equipment, and stationary machinery as required.
  • Perform maintenance, cleaning, and lubrication work on pumps, blowers, motors, and related piping, valves, and equipment.
  • Collect required treatment process samples at established times, maintain proper process control settings, prepare appropriate documentation, and perform testing as required.
  • Confirm, log, and accept hazardous material and chemical deliveries, ensure adequate delivery space, and follow applicable safety protocols.
  • Inspect and assess operating conditions at pumping stations and assist in performing routine maintenance procedures.
  • Participate in and record the loading of biosolids for transport adhering to all safety precautions for loading, weighing, and transport.
  • Mix and prepare chemical solutions using manual and automated mixing devices.
  • Conduct safety inspections as scheduled or directed.
  • Provide on-call emergency response for overflows, resident sanitary sewer emergency calls, and other off-site emergencies as scheduled or directed.
  • Attend periodic and regular training on the operation of changed or new equipment, safety protocols, and to remain current on regulations and best practices.
  • Assist in conducting on-the-job training of lower-level staff and interns.
  • Provide coverage for work assignments assigned to other staff during short-term, temporary absences on an as-needed and/or assigned basis.
  • Effectively perform other work duties and responsibilities consistent with the position on an as-needed and/or assigned basis.
General Organizational Duties:
  • Actively promote the District's focus on effective and respectful communications to build better work relationships at all levels in the organization.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with other staff members, staff of other agencies, and professional organizations.
  • Participate in teams engaged in District projects and organizational activities.
  • Participate in District related events, meetings, committees, and staff functions as requested or assigned.
  • Provide appropriate, timely, and customer-service focused responses to inquiries from the public.
  • Understand and conform with the District's Policies and Procedures.
  • Understand and conform with the District's Safety Program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
  • Current practices, equipment, and test procedures applied to wastewater conveyance and treatment, and recycled water production and distribution.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to the work.
  • Basic construction, assembly, operational norms, and maintenance of process control systems and equipment involved in operation of District facilities.
  • Safety practice procedures applicable to all aspects District facility operations; procedures for selecting and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); and specific procedures applicable in handling and using hazardous materials and chemicals.
  • District emergency and hazardous materials spill response protocols and procedures.
  • Arithmetic, mathematics, and algebraic equations necessary for the performance of the work.
  • PPE and levels of protection required for the work.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, and District staff.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Skills and Abilities to:
  • Collect, record, and perform standard tests on wastewater, wastewater byproduct, and recycled water samples.
  • Observe, interpret, and record measurements indicated on gauges, meters and similar measuring devices.
  • Recognize abnormal, inefficient, or unsafe operating conditions and take appropriate actions.
  • Perform minor maintenance on wastewater and recycled water equipment and facilities.
  • Comprehend, retain, and apply written procedures and verbal instructions.
  • Understand and apply appropriate safety protocols and select and use appropriate PPE during work.
  • Understand, apply, and explain specific provisions and procedures contained in technical manuals, drawings, specifications, blueprints, layouts, and schematics.
  • Provide effective verbal and written communications.
  • Operate heavy equipment, vehicles, forklift, electric carts, and process controls.

Qualifications

QUALIFYING TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

A combination of training and experience that demonstrates an individual has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation if needed). A person with the following combined training and experience would most likely qualify to compete in a selection process:

Operator in Training:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a minimum of six (6) continuing education units directly related to the wastewater treatment field, mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry, or biology as required by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Office of Operator Certification regulations to qualify for Operator-in-Training (OIT) certification.

Experience:Experience with mechanical, hydraulic, or materials processing systems, or has accumulated a minimum of 500 internship hours at a WWTP.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • A valid California Class C driver's license and insurability under the District's driving program must always be maintained.
  • Possess a valid OIT certificate issued by the SWRCB Office of Operator Certification and have accumulated a minimum of 500 internship hours at a WWTP at time of appointment or prior to completion of probationary period.
  • Must possess a WWTP Operator Grade I Certificate or higher issued by the SWRCB Office of Operator Certification within two (2) years of date of hire.
  • Employees in this classification will be required to successfully pass the WWTP Operator Grade I examination within one year of eligibility.
  • Certification(s) required to comply with Cal/OSHA requirements to perform duties involving confined space operations and other job-related safety certificates including but not limited to, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid must be obtained within the probationary period.
  • Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications may result in termination of employment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.
  • Must be responsive to call outs and/or operational emergencies.

Operator I:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of required educational points as required by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) regulations to qualify for required WWTP Operator certification.

Experience:One (1) year of experience at a WWTP of comparable size and complexity to the District.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • A valid California Class C driver's license and insurability under the District's driving program must always be maintained.
  • A valid WWTP Operator Grade I Certificate issued by the SWRCB Office of Operator Certification.Certification(s) required to comply with Cal/OSHA requirements to perform duties involving confined space operations and other job-related safety certificates including, but not limited to, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid must be obtained within the probationary period. Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications may result in termination of employment.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
  • Must be responsive to call outs and/or operational emergencies.

Selection Procedures
Fair Labor Standards Act Classification: Non-exempt
Collective Bargaining Representation Unit: Operations & Maintenance
Pay Level: OM 134
Job Specifications Approved By: Board of Directors
Approval Date: 4/9/03
Appointment and Removal Authority: General Manager
Revision Approval Authority: General Manager
Revision Date: 6/11/14, 7/1/25
BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENT

In addition to providing challenging and interesting career positions, the District offers a comprehensive benefit package, which includes:

Healthcare Insurance: The District contracts with CalPERS to provide medical coverage to qualified employees, their eligible spouse/registered domestic partner, and/or dependent children through the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) and pays the monthly premium up to 100% of the Region 1 CalPERS Kaiser rate for each respective coverage category (employee only, employee + 1, or employee + family). Employees will be required to pay, via pretax payroll deductions, the excess premium amount when electing a healthcare provider whose premium exceeds the Kaiser rate. All employees must enroll in the District's dental plan.

Dental and Vision Insurance: The District provides vision and dental coverage for qualified employees, their eligible spouse/registered domestic partner, and/or dependent children, and pays 100% of the premium.

SS and SDI: The District participates in the federal Social Security (6.2% - FICA and 1.45% - Medicare) and State Disability Insurance (SDI) programs.

Life Insurance: The District provides fully paid basic life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance equal to the employee's salary as of January 1 of each year. The District also provides Long Term Disability coverage and an Employee Assistance Program.

Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts: Employees may contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Dependent Care Spending Plan (DCSP) on a pre-tax basis to assist with the cost of eligible expenses.

Retirement: The District participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as follows:
  • Employees hired after June 30, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, with reciprocity recognized under CalPERS are provided a retirement benefit of 2% at age 55 formula with the three-year final average compensation period, as defined by CalPERS in Government Code Section 20037. These employees shall pay 100% of their seven percent (7%) employee member contribution on a pre-tax basis.
  • Employees (PEPRA) hired after December 31, 2012, without reciprocity recognized under CalPERS are provided a retirement benefit of 2% at age 62 formula with the three-year final average compensation period, as defined by CalPERS in Government Code Section 20037. These employees shall pay 50% of the total normal cost (PEPRA Member Contribution Rate) as determined annually by CalPERS on a pre-tax basis.

Retiree Medical*: Under the terms of the MOU, the District contracts with CalPERS to provide post-employment medical coverage to qualified employees, their eligible spouse/registered domestic partner, and/or dependent children in accordance with the requirements of CA Government Code Section 22893 and as follows:
  1. Employees hired after February 4, 2023
  • Medical Benefit is equal to the Minimum Employer contribution established annually by CalPERS.
* Retirees must enroll in a Medicare supplemental insurance plan through CalPERS when they become eligible. CalPERS requires that employees pay their Social Security premium for Medical Part B coverage to remain enrolled in a CalPERS Medicare health plan.

Retiree Health Savings Account: The District provides employees a MissionSquare retiree health savings account (a health reimbursement arrangement as described in Internal Revenue Service Notice 2002-45). Employees may withdraw benefits from the plan upon separation from District employment per the requirements of the plan. The Union may set or adjust the employee contribution amount annually. The District shall make contributions to an employee's MissionSquare account as follows:
  • For employees hired after February 4, 2023 - one hundred dollars ($100.00) per pay period.

Deferred Compensation: Eligible employees may participate in the District's 401(a) and 457(b) programs. Employees who participate in the program are eligible to receive a matching contribution up to 4% into their 401(a).

Leave Allowance: Vacation accrual begins with 10 days and increases to a maximum of 25 days annually; 96 hours of sick leave annually; and 11 paid holidays annually. 24 hours of Floating Holiday is credited to employees on July 1 annually (prorated for new hires) and is forfeited if unused by the end of the fiscal year.

Sick Leave Sellback: Employees may sell back sick leave hours exceeding 40 hours in the year that it was accrued up to a maximum sell back of 40 hours of sick leave per year. Sick leave sell back will be paid out in the final paycheck of the calendar year.

Vacation Maximum Accrual: The maximum annual carryover is 400 hours. Any hours earned in excess will be paid out in the final paycheck of the calendar year.

Comp Time: Employee may accrue up to 80 hours of CTO per year. CTO will be carried forward into the next calendar year. CTO cannot be cashed out.

Other Health and Wellness: The District participates in a variety health and wellness activities throughout the year, which includes but is not limited to blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations, fitness/wellness competitions, wellness information sessions, etc. The District also reimburses staff up to $81 quarterly for gym memberships and/or weight loss programs.

**Information concerning additional benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, catastrophic leave, etc. can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Delta Diablo and the Operations and Maintenance Bargaining Unit.

Disaster Service Worker: Employees of Delta Diablo are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either at the District or within the local or their own community pursuant to State Government Code Sections 3100-3109.

Other Important Employment Information: Employees of Delta Diablo are required to maintain a valid California State Class C license. Continued maintenance of valid driver's license, and the ability to be insured for the operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of the District's insurance program are conditions of continued employment.

Equal Opportunity: All aspects of employment and promotion shall be without regards to sex, physical handicap, race, religious creed, color, national origin or age. The District encourages applications from qualified minorities and women interested in employment with the District. Reasonable accommodations are accessible to all individuals as part of the recruitment process. Applicants requesting an accommodation should submit their requests to Human Resources.

All final candidates for employment with the District are subject to a background check. Acceptance of an employment offer is contingent upon successfully passing a District pre-employment physical examination and drug screen.
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  • Operator I

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JOB SUMMARY
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training/Operator Grade I
Delta Diablo
Antioch
10 hours ago
N/A
Full-time

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training/Operator Grade I