SENIOR WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$109,584–$133,200 Per Year
SKILLS
CDL Driver's License, California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), Educational Technology, Electric Motor, Environmental Sciences, Health Plan, High School Diploma, Identify Issues, Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Testing, Legal, Operations Processes, People Management, Performance Analysis, Piping, Process Flow, Pumps, Quality Control, Reporting Skills, Retirement Plan, Specimen Collection, Staff Training, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), System Operations, Testing, Truck Driver, United States Department of Transportation (DOT), Vision Plan, Water Quality Testing
LOCATION
Riverside, CA
POSTED
3 days ago

SENIOR WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR

Salary

$109,584.00 - $133,200.00 Annually

Location

Water Quality Control Plant 5950 Acorn Street, Riverside, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-4130-01

Department

Public Works

Division

Public Works-Sewer-Treatment

Opening Date

07/09/2026

Closing Date

7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Senior Wastewater Plant Operator to fill one (1) vacancy in the Sewer Treatment Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.

The Riverside Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) is located at 5950 Acorn Street Riverside, CA 92504. In 2018, RWQCP was expanded and retrofitted to meet the needs of future generations. This plant expansion introduced several new technologies designed to produce high quality effluent water and increase the plants efficiency. As currently constructed, the RWQCP consists of two separate treatment plants with a common chlorine contact basin, de-chlorination and outfall structures. These provide preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment for a rated capacity of 46 million gallons per day (MGD) or enough to fill up 70 Olympic size pools.

Under general supervision, to perform skilled and supervisory work in the operation of all equipment and processes in a wastewater treatment plant during an assigned shift (day, swing or graveyard); and to do related work as required.

Work Performed

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Supervise and participate in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirement.
  • Supervise and participate in the operation of valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers and incinerators; perform routine maintenance work.
  • Supervise and participate in the collection of samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analysis.
  • Oversee the maintenance of shift logs and the recording of meter and gauge readings.
  • Calculate loadings, flow rates, set pumping rates and make process adjustments as required.
  • Supervise and train subordinate operators.
  • Respond to emergencies on an on-call basis 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
  • Schedule overtime when necessary.
  • Read and interpret plant piping and distribution plans; assist in locating and troubleshooting plant malfunctions.
  • Recommend, produce, and initiate improved work methods and standard operating procedures.
  • Assist in the training of existing and new employees in the operations section.
  • Write technical reports and instructions for the operation of process equipment and systems.
  • Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus as required.
  • Research and investigate information for development of process parameters and standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee the control, monitoring and operation of wastewater processes and equipment utilizing a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA).
  • Assist in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system development, operation and upgrades.

Qualifications

Recruitment Guidelines:

Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED). A Bachelors Degree or Associates Degree with major course work related to wastewater treatment or environmental science or related education is highly desired.

Experience: Six years of qualifying experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant; two of which is in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant while certified as a Grade III Operator. Plant operations supervisory experience is desirable.

Necessary Special Requirements

  • Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Operations Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control.
  • Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operators License.
  • May require possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate valid California Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators License based upon operational need and the duties assigned.

Selection Process

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:

1) Completed Employment Application

2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire

3) Current Wastewater Operations Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control (must be scanned and attached to the online application).

PLEASE NOTE: THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED MUST BE SCANNED AND ATTACHED TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION. FOR DIRECTIONS ON ATTACHING A DOCUMENT TO AN ON-LINE APPLICATION, OR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:

If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver's License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:

  • An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/.
  • An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - Wastewater

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

  • Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  • Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost. And is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  • Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,734 per month for employee and dependent coverage (HMO plan).
  • Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $45 per month.
  • Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
  • Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment equal to two times the annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000 plus AD&D. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employee and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
  • Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $125 per month to a 457 deferred compensation plan for a minimum $25 monthly employee contribution.
  • Leave Benefits - Includes all the typical vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits.
  • Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
  • Long Term Disability - The City contributes a monthly premium of $25.60 towards the LTD premium cost, with the employee paying the remainder of the premium to cover the total monthly premium cost; such premium will be deducted from employees wages. Enrollment in the LTD plan is mandatory for all employees
  • LegalEase Plan - Optional legal services plan for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Critical Illness Plan - Optional critical illness insurance plan for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Vacation Accrual - 0-9 yrs. = 128 hrs., 10+ yrs.= 168 hrs.

For additional benefits information, please visit the following website: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/about-1

01

Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or highly desirable qualifications for the position in which you are applying. Detailed responses must be provided for each question in order to ensure qualifications are properly considered.

(*Do not refer to a resume in lieu of completing the supplemental questions).

Employers listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.

  • I understand.

02

Please indicate the highest level of education that you have completed.

  • Less than a High School Diploma or GED
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Some college (up to 59 semester units or 89 quarter units)
  • Associates degree (60 semester or 90 quarter units)
  • Bachelors degree (120 semester or 180 quarter units)
  • Masters degree
  • PhD

03

Does you education include Bachelors Degree or Associates Degree with major course work related to wastewater treatment or environmental science?

  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you possess a minimum of six (6) years of qualifying experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant; two of which is in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant while certified as a Grade III Operator.

  • Yes
  • No

05

Please indicate the following regarding your experience listed above, or relevant work experience:

Employer:

Job Title:

Years of Experience:

Examples of Duties:

If you answered "None", please list "N/A"]

06

Please indicate which level of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Board you possess?

  • None
  • Grade I
  • Grade II
  • Grade III
  • Grade IV
  • Grade V

07

Do you possess Wastewater Plant Operation Supervisory experience?

  • Yes
  • No

08

Certification: I understand that I cannot update my application once it has been submitted. Therefore, I have fully completed ALL sections, provided full descriptions of my duties and responsibilities for each employer, and have fully answered ALL questions on the Supplemental Questionnaire. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation, as it will not be reviewed in lieu of completing the Supplemental Questionnaire. Note: Employers and/or experience noted on the Supplemental Questionnaire must also be included and fully detailed on the Application.

  • I understand.

Required Question

Employer City of Riverside

Address 3900 Main Street

Riverside, California, 92522

Phone 951-826-5808

Website http://www.riversideca.gov

About the Company

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City of Riverside