Plant Operator (Water Production)

Plant Operator (Water Production)

Salary

$67,023.58 - $94,308.91 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Career

Job Number

004002-26-DOU-W

Department

Utilities

Division

Water Maintenance

Opening Date

02/07/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

THIS POSTING WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Application cut-off dates are 2/28/26, 3/31/26, 4/30/26, 5/31/26, 6/30/26, 7/31/26, 8/31/26, 9/30/26, 10/31/26, 11/30/26, 12/31/26

THIS POSITION IS FOR THE WATER DIVISION

To perform skilled work in the operation of the Citys drinking water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs and distribution system; combined wastewater control system, primary wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations; and to assist in monitoring and directing the pumping of storm water, wastewater, and potable water.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Plant Operator is the journey-level classification in the Plant Operator series. Positions assigned to this class are expected to independently perform the full range of drinking water treatment and wastewater plant operations and monitoring duties on an assigned shift. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Senior Plant Operator in that the latter is the responsible shift lead operator. The next lower class of Junior Plant Operator is the entry-level class in the series assigned routine maintenance duties and plant equipment

operational duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by a Superintendent and/or the Supervising Plant Operator. Technical or functional supervision and lead direction is provided by a Senior Plant Operator. Assignments may require technical direction of lower-level plant personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform and interpret standardized water quality tests such as chlorine residual, pH, turbidity, alkalinity, total suspended solids, settleable solids, chlorine residual, pH, dissolved oxygen and jar tests, and calculate and make dosage and related chemical feed equipment adjustments based upon the results from such tests.
• Operate and monitor the combined wastewater control system, potable and nonpotable water facilities, and outlying pumping stations on an assigned shift.
• Monitor water quality during treatment process through visual inspection and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and adjust influent flows, chemical dosages and filtration rates based on observations.
• Inspect and operate plant equipment and intake facilities including computer controls, telemetry systems, microprocessors, flow control devices, power-driven machinery, and chemical feed equipment.
• Adjust pump speeds and/or activate or deactivate pumps as necessary to regulate flows.
• Monitor and adjust water pressures in the City-wide water distribution system and operate finished water reservoirs and water treatment plant influents and effluents to maintain adequate water supplies.
• Monitor and inspect plant equipment and respond to treatment process and equipment alarms.
• Assist in performing various filter tests as part of the filter surveillance program.
• Perform efficiency tests on pumps, compressors, and related equipment.
• On a rotating basis, act as a trouble-call operator and assist a Supervising Plant Operator and/or Senior Plant Operator in monitoring and interpreting telemetry board, dispatching an assigned crew to inspect designated installations, and to take corrective action on problems identified including hazardous or toxic material spills that affect water supplies.
• Monitor the status of flows and equipment, using technical information such as force main pressure, wet well elevation, wastewater elevation in the flow control structure, electrical system voltages, and computer system outputs.
• Maintain control and water treatment system logs and records.
• Use SCADA and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Assist in performing efficiency tests on pumps, compressors, and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot and correct a variety of electrical and mechanical problems or potential problems involving pumping and measuring equipment and recalibrate equipment as required.
• Perform preventive maintenance duties, including painting equipment, cleaning of trash screens, filters, and custodial and grounds maintenance.
• Operate equipment, such as engine-driven pumps, generators, compressors, hoists, forklifts, cranes, and other heavy equipment as necessary.
• Work in confined spaces, on temporary scaffolding, and on high structures; using breathing apparatus and/or Level I Hazmat suits.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, applications, functions, operation and maintenance requirements of pumps, motors, compressors, generators, valves, internal combustion engines, flow control devices and measuring instruments.
• General principles of water and wastewater treatment processes, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, fluoridation, corrosion control, and sludge handling.
• General mechanical principles and practices relating to plant equipment and machinery.
• Principles of mathematics, algebra, chemistry, and hydraulics as they apply to plant operations.
• Safe and efficient work practices.
• Hazardous materials related to plant operations.

Ability to:

• Understand and apply the principles, theories, and operations of process control computers.
• Operate and monitor large pumps, compressors, generators and automated control equipment.
• Read instruments, measuring devices, and pressure gauges.
• Learn and interpret water-related trends, schematics, charts, prints, and specifications.
• Work with considerable independence and initiative.
• Perform a variety of physically demanding tasks on a regular basis.
• Work any shift (e.g., day, swing, relief, night), weekends, holidays, and standby that is mandatory for some assignments.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and operation logs.
• Understand the location, function, operation, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for pumps, motors, chlorinators, alum, polymer and fluoride feeders, lime slakers and other associated equipment and machinery.
• Understand basic personal computer programs including inter/intranet access, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Understand SCADA and computerized maintenance management systems operation.

Experience and Education:

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

One year of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a drinking water treatment plant or wastewater facility.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Driver License:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Ability to obtain a valid California Class A or B Driver License with required endorsements during the probationary period is required for some assignments. Loss of the license is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Certificate:

Assignments to surface water treatment require a T-2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate from the California Department of Health Services. Assignments to groundwater operations require a T-2 certificate. For assignments to the combined wastewater control system, a T-2 certificate is desirable.

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION

Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

Assessment:

If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test for some assignments.

Respiratory Protective Equipment:

Work in this class may require wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such assignments, individuals must act in accordance with the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramentos preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the next posted cut-off date;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.

• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:

• If applicants do not list current and/or past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).

• If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.

• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.

• Proof of certification and/or license should be submitted online with your application. Proof of certification and/or license will be required at time of appointment.

• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

• If you're requesting Veteran's credit, a copy of your DD214 must be submitted online with your application or emailed to the Employment Office by the next posted cut-off date. Information regarding the use of Veteran's credit can be found in the Civil Service Board rules under rule 4.9C.

• Applicants are responsible for attaching a copy of their DD214 to each position for which they apply.

2. Training and Experience Exam: (Weighted 100%) - The questions located at the end of the application are the Training and Experience (T&E) Exam. Responses to the T&E questions will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidates education, training and experience. The exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. When completing the T&E questions, please note:

• Responses to the T&E questions must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the T&E questions.

3. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the Training and Experience Test will be placed on the eligible list. The hiring department may contact candidates for interview at any time during the life of the one-year list. Candidate's eligibility expires one year from the date of notification of a passing score for the Plant Operator examination.

4. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)- All candidates that pass the examination and are in one of the top three ranks will have their application forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan / fingerprinting; review by Human Resources, a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and / or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.

QUESTIONS:

For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment;
• Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org; or
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay

Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? Thats right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act

The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicants eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information

Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts:https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

01

APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

• Yes

02

PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use any combination of education and/or experience as listed to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities. I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position. Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.

• Yes

03

EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• No units from an accredited college or university
• Less than 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
• 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
• 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university
• Associates Degree
• 90 semester or 135 quarter units from an accredited college or university
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate

04

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION: I understand proof of certification, should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment.

• Yes

05

CERTIFICATION CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a T-2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate from the California Department of Health Services by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• Yes
• No

06

DRIVERS LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Drivers License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• Yes
• No

07

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring departments review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.

• Yes

08

Select the one box that best describes your active California State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Treatment Operator Grade Certificate. If you do not possess any active certifications, select none.

• None
• I possess an active Drinking Water Treatment Operator Grade I Certificate
• I possess an active Drinking Water Treatment Operator Grade II or higher Certificate
• I possess an active Drinking Water Treatment Operator Grade II and have passed the Grade III examination

09

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION: The following questions are the Training and Experience (T&E) Examination. In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, applicants must complete and submit online responses to the T&E questions. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidates education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the T&E Exam questions should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. In accordance with the City of Sacramentos Racial and Gender Equity Action Plan (RGEAP), this examination contains non-binary names and pronouns. For additional information regarding the Citys RGEAP, please copy and paste the following link into a web browser: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/Divisions/ode/workforce-equity-documents/Full-RGEAP.pdf I understand and agree to the above instructions.

• Yes

10

Select the one option that best describes your experience with documenting and maintaining accurate records, such as, but not limited to: Water Quality Records, Inspections Maintenance Records, Safety Records and Time Reporting Records.

• Two years or more
• At least eighteen months, but less than two years
• At least one year, but less than eighteen months
• At least six months, but less than one year
• Less than six months

11

Select all the electrical and mechanical plant equipment you have experience operating in a water facility operation.

• Pumps
• Motors
• Compressors
• Generators
• Valves
• Internal combustion engines
• Flow control devices
• Measuring instruments
• Lab equipment
• Water quality testing equipment
• None of the above

12

Select the one option that best describes your experience performing water quality tests for coagulation, filtration, and/or disinfection processes.

• Two years or more
• At least eighteen months, but less than two years
• At least one year, but less than eighteen months
• At least six months, but less than one year
• Less than six months

13

Select the one option that best describes your experience with measuring devices and monitoring treatment chemicals, tank levels and/or water distribution pressure in a potable water treatment.

• Two years or more
• At least eighteen months, but less than two years
• At least one year, but less than eighteen months
• At least six months, but less than one year
• Less than six months

14

Select all the boxes that best describe the software programs you are proficient in and use on a regular basis.

• Microsoft Outlook or equivalent
• Microsoft Word or equivalent
• Microsoft Excel or equivalent
• Microsoft Teams or equivalent
• Computerized Maintenance Management System or equivalent
• None of the above

Required Question

Employer City of Sacramento

Address 915 I Street

Historic City Hall

Sacramento, California, 95814-2604

Phone (916) 808-5726

Website http://portal.cityofsacramento.org/HR