Address
Form of workSee NOTE(S) below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.
Plant Operator Trainee positions may be utilized in a water or wastewater treatment plant. Employees will be required to obtain and maintain certification. For certification requirements, click on the following link: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/operator_certification/
Plant Operator Trainee positions participate in a training program that teaches the operation of either a water treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant; obtain experience, skills, and knowledge necessary to qualify for State of California certification as a Water Plant Operator or Wastewater Plant Operator; carry out plant control processes using both computer and manual controls; operate mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, filters, screens, and boilers; calibrate and maintain monitoring instrumentation; perform maintenance and repair; keep logs, records, and documentation; perform chemical and biological analyses; drive pick-up trucks and other vehicles; operate forklifts, utility carts, and small tractors; and perform other duties as assigned.
NOTES:
Plant Operator Trainee positions participate in a training program that teaches the operation of either a water treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant; obtain experience, skills, and knowledge necessary to qualify for State of California certification as a Water Plant Operator or Wastewater Plant Operator; carry out plant control processes using both computer and manual controls; operate mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, filters, screens, and boilers; calibrate and maintain monitoring instrumentation; perform maintenance and repair; keep logs, records, and documentation; perform chemical and biological analyses; drive pick-up trucks and other vehicles; operate forklifts, utility carts, and small tractors; and perform other duties as assigned.
NOTES:
- Employees in job classifications represented by AFSME Local 127 are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases:
4% effective 7/1/24
2% effective 1/1/25
5% effective 7/1/25
- In addition to the scheduled general wage increases, the following special salary wage increase is also scheduled to take effect for Plant Operator Trainee:
5% effective 1/1/25
5% effective 1/1/26
- Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
- Plant Operator Trainee employees may be required to work overtime, including nights, weekends, holidays, and/or rotating shifts for which they may receive 5% additional pay.
- Water and Wastewater plants are staffed 24/7/365. Shifts may include overnight and weekends to meet the 24/7/365 staffing.
- This job typically requires the performance of physically demanding tasks. Plant Operator Trainee employees must be able to stoop, twist, turn, bend, squat, sit, and stand for long periods of time; lift items weighing up to 50 pounds; climb to heights of 25 feet; and enter confined spaces and chlorine environments.
- Plant Operator Trainee employees will be required to perform work that may involve exposure to all weather conditions typical of the outside environment; hazardous chemicals; electrical and mechanical hazards; respiratory hazards; noise hazards; eye/face hazards; uneven terrain/walking hazards; blood-borne pathogen biohazards; water/wastewater substances such as scum, screenings, grit, sludge; and enter confined spaces.
- For positions in the Water System Operations Division, Plant Operator Trainee employees will be given respirator training and must be able to pass a Respirator Fit-Test for entry into confined spaces and chlorine environments within one year from date of hire. Employees must also agree to remain clean shaven in order to safely use a self-contained breathing apparatus or on-line air system.
You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.
AGE: 18 years of age or older; except for high school graduates (or persons with GED equivalency) who are 17.
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school OR passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) or General Education Development (GED) examination.
NOTES: IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYMENT, EMPLOYEES HIRED INTO PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE POSITIONS MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW:
HIGHLY DESIRABLE:
AGE: 18 years of age or older; except for high school graduates (or persons with GED equivalency) who are 17.
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school OR passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) or General Education Development (GED) examination.
NOTES: IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYMENT, EMPLOYEES HIRED INTO PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE POSITIONS MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW:
- WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS DIVISION: Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued from the California State Water Resources Control Board is required within two years from date of hire; and a Grade T3 within three years.
- WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL DIVISION: Operator-in-Training Certificate issued from the California State Water Resources Control Board is required within 60 days from date of hire; and a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate within two years.
- Employees may be responsible for acquiring any additional education needed to qualify for the certificates, as well as any fees associated with obtaining the certificates.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE:
- Associate's Degree in Wastewater Technology or in a closely related field.
- Completion of college-level course work in mathematics, sciences (e.g., chemistry, biology), wastewater or water treatment.
- Experience working on pumps, motors, and other related equipment used in an industrial setting or wastewater/water treatment processes.
- Experience working (paid or volunteer) at a water or wastewater treatment facility.
- Experience working with computer automation programs (e.g., SCADA, Distributed Control System, Wonderware, or similar programs).
- Experience working with computer data management system (e.g., database or spreadsheet software).
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in this initial screening process, your application will be reviewed for applicable education, experience, and/or training to ensure all minimum requirements have been met. Successful candidates will be placed on a list which will be used to fill position vacancies during the next six months (180 days). For each vacancy, only those candidates with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted by the hiring department for an interview.
Rev. 7 - February 28, 2024 (Closing Date Established)
Employment Type: Varies by Position
