Wastewater Plant Operator III

Wastewater Plant Operator III

Salary

$85,800.00 - $115,008.00 Annually

Location

Oceanside, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

26-101

Department

Water Utilities

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/17/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Introduction

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Watsewater Plant Operator III. There is currently one vacancy in the Water Utilites Department.

About Oceanside's Water Utilities Department

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Wastewater Operator III. This program is a part of the City's critical wastewater treatment function at the San Luis Rey Wastewater Reclamation Facility.

The Oceanside Water Utilities Department is an innovative and forward-looking organization whose goal it is to ensure ongoing access to safe, affordable drinking water & reliable wastewater collection & treatment services by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.

About the position

Wastewater Plant Operators are part of our collected effort to meet wastewater treatment quality standards and keep our plants running.

You should be excited about this opportunity because you will…

• Master principles & procedures of wastewater treatment plant operation

• Operate a wide variety of modern wastewater treatment plant equipment

• Maintain an efficient and well-functioning treatment plant

• Utilize SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Software to monitor plant processes

• Be part of the collected effort to keep our environment clean by meeting increasingly stricter wastewater treatment quality standards

We will may also rely on you for…

Preparing reports, working variable shifts and making sound and timely decisions.

If this sounds like you, keep reading!

Examples of Duties

This is the advanced journey level class within the Wastewater Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including overseeing the daily operations of the treatment plant on an assigned shift. Positions in this series are flexibly staffed and may be filled by advancement from the II level however, advancement is not based on time in grade but solely at the discretion of the Water Utilities Director and the organizational needs of the department.

A Wastewater Plant Operator performs a variety of skilled maintenance duties involved in the operation and upkeep of wastewater plant equipment, facilities, monitors plant for efficient operation and safety; monitors plant equipment for defects; reads meters, gauges and charts; regulates water flows in accordance with established procedures; adjusts and calibrates feed machinery for a variety of chemicals to keep treatment at prescribed standards; collects and labels water samples for chemical testing purposes; adjusts pump settings and chemical feed settings; maintains operating logs and records; operates and inspects plant equipment including pumps, valves, electric motors, switch gear, compressors, blowers, chlorinators, cloth filters, engines, cleans, maintains buildings; makes minor repairs; reports malfunctioning equipment; calls for maintenance assistance in the event of serious breakdowns; inspects equipment to determine operating condition and makes necessary adjustment; performs general maintenance and repair of equipment utilized in and around the plant; records instrument readings and changes charts; changes switches chemical tanks and cylinders, pumps; performs all necessary control tests and calculations to maintain efficient operations; performs plant start-up and shutdown; schedules preventive maintenance to equipment; conducts routine and special tests related to water quality and chemistry; orders repair parts, supplies, and laboratory chemicals; receives deliveries; responds to and answers citizens inquires and complaints; records results of test and other measurements and plots data on graphs; and performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Principles and procedures of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Principles of supervision, training and plant administration.
• Basic principles of public relations.
• Rules, policies, regulations regarding the operation and maintenance of a wastewater plant.
• Chemical and biological reactions in the treatment process.
• Various computer applications including Microsoft Office, SCADA, and Computerized Maintenance Management Software.
• Mathematical principles.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Operate and maintain treatment plant facilities.
• Supervise, organize and review the work of staff on an assigned shift.
• Identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures.
• Collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests.
• Operate plant equipment and appropriate vehicles.
• Operate office equipment including computers.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
• Interpret plant instruments and analyze laboratory data to make proper adjustments.
• Work independently and exercise individual judgment.
• Maintain and update accurate records.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately.
• Utilize various computer applications including Microsoft Office, SCADA, and Computerized Maintenance Management Software
• Work variable shifts, during weekends and holidays.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Experience: Three years of experience relative to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by training in Wastewater Treatment Operations or a related field.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Wastewater treatment plant environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical energy, radiant energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather conditions; work in or with water and wastewater.

Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate or light lifting; standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; repeated bending; operating motorized equipment; shift work.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written examination, oral board interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list which will remain valid for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Oceanside City Employees Association

Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits

Retirement

Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individuals benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical/Vision: (First of the month following 60 days)

• Kaiser plan provided through Teamster Medical Trust. For more information please contact #877-214-8928

Dental: (First of the Month following hire)

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.

Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.

Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

MetLife Legal Plan

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year

Leave Benefits

Vacation:

1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours

6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours

11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours

16 + years: 8.19

Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year

Sick Leave:

Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited

Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:

Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of accrued sick leave provided such employee has used 3 work days (maximum of 36 hours) or less of sick leave during the calendar year and has a minimum of 100 hours in their sick leave bank prior to the cash out request.

Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employees immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Certification Pay

The City will provide certification pay up to $1.00 per hour for employees utilizing designated certifications in the performance of their duties.

Bilingual and Notary Pay

Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees

Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees

Uniforms

The City will provide uniforms for any employee required by the City to wear such uniform in the course of their regular job duties.

Commercial Driver License

The City will reimburse the application cost of Commercial Class A or B Driver License to full-time employees in certain classifications.

Safety Shoes

The City will provide reimbursement up to $200 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Term of Compensation Plan

Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026

This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.

01

Do you possess: Three (3) years of experience relative to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in Wastewater Treatment Operations or a related field. * Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, California valid driver's license.

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following Certificates do you possess? Please attach a copy of your certification selected.

• GRADE III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator by California State Water Resources Control Board
• GRADE IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator by California State Water Resources Control Board
• None of the above

03

Describe your work experience maintaining operating logs and record keeping, in relation to the operation and maintenance of a treatment facility. PROVIDE DATES (TO - FROM) along with agency name.

04

Describe your work experience in preventative maintenance tasks, in relation to the operation and maintenance of a treatment facility. PROVIDE DATES (TO - FROM) along with agency name.

05

Describe your work experience in operating solids handling equipment in relation to the operation and maintenance of a treatment facility. PROVIDE DATES (TO - FROM) along with agency name.

06

Describe your work experience in performing control tests, recording results and other measurements, in relation to the operation and maintenance of a treatment facility. PROVIDE DATES (TO - FROM) along with agency name.

07

Describe your work experience in operating odor control equipment in relation to the operation and maintenance of a treatment facility. PROVIDE DATES (TO - FROM) along with agency name.

08

Describe your experience using SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Software. PROVIDE DATES (TO - FROM) along with agency name.

09

Please describe your work experience as a supervisor and/or lead worker. Include employer name and the duration of the supervisory/lead assignment.

10

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit my right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Oceanside

Address 300 North Coast Highway, City Hall South

Oceanside, California, 92054

Phone 760-435-3511

Website http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us