Wastewater Plant Operator
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Santa Maria, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-7631-01 (O/PW)
Department
Public Works
Opening Date
11/05/2026
Closing Date
11/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
SALARY:
Wastewater Plant Operator I: $74,751.04- $89,554.40 Annually
Wastewater Plant Operator II: $80,687.36- $96,799.04 Annually
Wastewater Plant Operator III: $90,378.08- $108,628.00 Annually
We are accepting applications to hire one (1) full-time Wastewater Plant Operator at the Laguna County Sanitation District (LCSD) wastewater treatment plant facility in Santa Maria.
The department may choose to hire at the Wastewater Plant Operator I, II, or III level. If hired at the I, II, or III level, possession of a valid Grade I, II or III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators certificate issued by the State of California, respectively, and a valid California Class B Driver's License are required at the time of appointment.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW!
Click here or the Benefits Tab on the job bulletin for more information on County benefits.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
THE POSITION: Under close supervision, operates and maintains Laguna County Sanitation District (LCSD) wastewater treatment plant facilities, including collection systems, such as pump stations, conveyance lines, and manholes; treatment systems, such as pumps, gauges, tanks, and automatic switches; and disposal systems, such as effluent irrigation piping, pumps, valves, and storage facilities; and performs related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The LCSD wastewater treatment plant is a Class IV tertiary plant. Incumbents in this technician series may flex from the Trainee through III classes upon meeting established experience requirements and obtaining the appropriate grade certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, and also upon obtaining appropriate licensing from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
NOTE: The Public Works Department operates a wastewater reclamation plant and sewer collection system that serves the Orcutt and unincorporated Santa Maria area through its Laguna County Sanitation District. The District currently has one opening for a Wastewater Plant Operator at the I, II or III level in the Wastewater Plant Operator series (levels I - III) with appropriate experience and education/training.
Wastewater Plant Operator I is the entry-level class in the series and requires possession of a Grade I operator certificate. Incumbents must work under the direction of a Grade III (or higher) certified operator. Incumbents are expected/encouraged to obtain Grade II certification and flex to WPO II after eighteen months of experience at this level.
Wastewater Plant Operator II is the journey-level class in the series and requires possession of a Grade II operator certificate. Incumbents at this level may work independently are expected/encouraged to obtain Grade III certification and flex to WPO III after three years of experience at this level.
Wastewater Plant Operator III is the advanced journey-level class in the series and requires possession of a Grade III operator certificate. Incumbents at this level may act as lead workers for Operator Trainees, I's, II's, and III's. Incumbents may also act as shift supervisors in the absence of Wastewater Plant Operator, Supervisor and Wastewater Plant Operator, Chief.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will have:
The Public Works Department
The Countys Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve. The Department is comprised of five Divisions: Administration, Resource Recovery & Waste Management, Surveyors Office, Transportation, and Water Resources. To learn more about the Public Works Department, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/184/Public-Works.
Examples of Duties
Employment Standards
Possession of a valid Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators certificate issued by the State of California and a valid California Class B Driver's License.
Additional Qualifications: At the time of application, NO restrictions for Air Brakes.
Knowledge of: maintenance practices, tools, and equipment used in wastewater treatment, such as pumps, valves, motors, and filters; basic safety practices, including lifting and use of hand and power tools; basic arithmetic, including percentages; safety practices and hazards related to the operation of wastewater treatment plants; wastewater constituents including simple and routine sampling and analysis procedures; sludge digestion and disinfecting processes; stabilization pond operations; state regulations regarding the classification of wastewater treatment plants; and general record keeping practices and using computers as tools to access and input data.
Ability to: read and interpret maps, gauges, and recording devices reflecting plant operations; operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools; make repairs and adjustments to equipment; understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions; perform basic arithmetical calculations; learn and perform wastewater-related laboratory tests; learn record keeping related to wastewater treatment; follow safety precautions and procedures; and establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; keep accurate records; use a computer and related software; perform routine laboratory sampling and tests.
Appointees to those positions requiring a Class B license will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work; once on the job, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis.
Supplemental Information
Performing the essential functions of this classification requires various types of physical exertion including regularly lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. In addition, incumbents in this series must be willing to work different shifts, weekends, and in emergency situations.
A Grade III Operator will be required to be fit for duty when on standby during non-working hours and be able to respond to the plant. All operators must be able to respond to the plant within 30 to 40 minutes of notification.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s) and exact duration of the employment list.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
The appointee must satisfactorily complete a twelve (12) month probationary period.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: November 27, 2026, by 4:59 p.m. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.
Kim Clark, HR Specialist, kiclark@countyofsb.org
Retirement Plans
Health Benefits
Paid Time Off
Miscellaneous Benefits
Compensation Summary
01
To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Posting or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?
02
In addition to the above Employment Standard, additional qualifications at the time of application require NO restrictions for Air Brakes. Do you have a valid California Class B Drivers License with no restrictions for Air Brakes?
03
I understand the position is located in Santa Maria only.
04
I understand that this facility is open 7 days a week and I will work a 4/10 schedule 4 days at 10 hours days. My work days will either be Monday to Thursday or Thursday to Sunday and those schedules rotate. Standby work may be required.
05
I understand that I will be required to wear the uniform that will be provided to me and any safety gear.
06
A Grade III Operator will be required to be fit for duty when on standby during non-working hours and be able to respond to the plant. All operators must be able to respond to the plant within 30 to 40 minutes of notification.
07
I understand that I may be considered for a higher-level position based on my current qualifications and at the discretion of the hiring department and their needs.
08
The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. Raters will not have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules
09
Examination Question: Describe in detail the type of wastewater treatment facility you have experience working within. In your response, include the treatment processes utilized, the facility's average daily flow, and your specific duties, level of responsibility, and involvement in facility operations. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
10
Examination Question: What is your current wastewater treatment operator certification grade? Have you completed any additional training, coursework, or technical studies to prepare for the next certification level? If yes, briefly describe. If you do not have any certifications, training, coursework, or technical studies, type "N/A."
11
Examination Question: Describe your experience identifying and addressing equipment malfunctions or process control issues at a wastewater treatment facility. Include the type of issue encountered, the troubleshooting or corrective actions you performed, and the outcome. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
12
Examination Question: Describe your experience identifying and addressing safety hazards in a work environment. Include the hazard identified, the actions taken to correct or report it, and the safety procedures you follow to help maintain a safe working environment. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
13
Examination Question: Describe your experience using SCADA systems, operational logbooks, or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) in wastewater treatment operations. Identify the systems or records you have used and the types of operational information you have documented or maintained. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
14
Examination Question: Describe your experience communicating operational information during shift changes at a wastewater treatment facility. Include the methods you use to document and communicate unfinished tasks, safety concerns, and ongoing operational issues to ensure continuity of operations and compliance with applicable regulations. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A."
Required Question
Employer County of Santa Barbara
Address 1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, California, 93101
| Location | Santa Maria, CA |
| Salary | $74,751.04–$89,554.40 Per Year |
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