WASTEWATER PLANT SUPERVISOR

WASTEWATER PLANT SUPERVISOR

Salary

$120,780.00 - $146,928.00 Annually

Location

Water Quality Control Plant 5950 Acorn Street, Riverside, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-4140-01

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

11/05/2026

Closing Date

12/2/2026 12:00 AM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of WASTEWATER PLANT SUPERVISOR 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 Wastewater Plant Supervisor for the Public Works Department, Regional Water Quality Control Plant will oversee crews and shifts in various disciplines of Wastewater Treatment, including preliminary, primary, secondary biological nutrient removal through conventional activated sludge and membrane bioreactor, conventional tertiary, chlorination/dechlorination, anaerobic mesophilic digestion, organics receiving, biomethane production, solids dewatering and process control of the various treatment unit processes. The ideal candidate will have a Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the State of California, experience working with Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), Biological Nutrient Removal Process (BNR), Co-digestion of Organics, Microsoft software applications, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System, Process Control Data Base, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems and be able to supervise, motivate, and delegate crews working the various treatment processes.

Under general supervision, a Wastewater Plant Supervisor will perform skilled and supervisory work in the operational control of wastewater treatment processes for effective and efficient operations; to insure that the wastewater is processed and discharged according to all health and environmental regulations; and perform 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, effluent and support processes; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings; and test results to determine processing requirement.
• Maintain such records as logging operations, test results, maintenance work performed, chemical use and operating conditions.
• Review and evaluate records for process control.
• Provide direction and instructions to operations staff to control facility/wastewater processes.
• Provide assistance with contractor tie-ins or shutdowns.
• Plan and coordinate start-up of new processes or equipment.
• Evaluate and review operations of new equipment and processes.
• Perform frequent inspections of facility equipment/processes and review operating procedures to assure their efficient operation.
• Participate in the operation of the plant to solve difficult or unusual problems.
• Read and interpret plant piping and distribution plans; assist in locating and troubleshooting plant malfunctions.
• Organize, operate and maintain plant record system and computer database.
• Recommend and initiate improved work methods and procedures.
• Assist in the training of existing and new employees.
• 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.
• Perform analysis and laboratory tests as necessary to monitor plant and process performance.
• Evaluate alternate proposals and make sound recommendations.
• Conduct surveillance of facilities to determine safety, efficiency of operation, cleanliness and maintenance requirements.
• Ensure that the facility process operations satisfy requirements established by regulatory agencies.
• Monitor operating efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant; develop and implement methods of improving plant efficiency.
• Plan, assign, schedule, supervise, motivate and evaluate employees as assigned.
• Order supplies and materials; prepare cost estimates; develop equipment specifications.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Treatment Services Section.
• Prepare/review regulatory reports.
• Serve as Acting Wastewater Operations Manager as required.

Qualifications

Recruitment Guidelines:

Option 1

A Bachelors Degree with a major related to wastewater treatment and which includes a minimum of 30 units of basic science courses; AND two years of experience performing the functions of a wastewater treatment plant operator;

Option II

An Associates Degree or completion of 60 semester units at a college or university, either of which includes 15 semester units of basic science courses; AND four years of experience performing the functions of a wastewater treatment plant operator;

Option III

Graduation from high school or equivalent AND six years of experience performing the functions of a wastewater treatment plant operator;

Option IV

Four years of experience performing the functions of a wastewater treatment plant operator while certified as a Grade III operator; AND Three years of experience in a supervisor/management level position is required.

Necessary Special Requirement

• Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operators License.
• Possession of an active Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Possession of a Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within 18 months of appointment.*

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Possession of a Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Experience with operation of Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR).
• Wastewater Operations Supervisors hired or promoted prior to 11/2002 are "grand-fathered" so a Grade V certificate is not a requirement.

Selection Process

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:

1) Completed Employment Application

2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire

3) Current Grade IV or Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State of California, State Water Resources Control Board.

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).

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.

The City of Riverside does not provide sponsorship for employment-based work visas. Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

An exception may be made if the selected candidate is eligible to work in the United States as a USMCA professional in the TN nonimmigrant classification.

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.

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 or equivalent (60 semester or 90 quarter units)
• Associates degree or equivalent (60 semester or 90 quarter units) which includes 15 semester units of basic science courses
• Bachelors degree or equivalent (120 semester or 180 quarter units)
• Bachelors Degree with a major related to wastewater treatment or equivalent (120 semester or 180 quarter units) which includes a minimum of 30 units of basic science courses
• Masters degree
• PhD

03

Please indicate the amount of experience you possess performing the functions of a wastewater treatment plant operator.

• None
• Less than two (2) years
• At least two (2) years, but less than four (4) years
• At least four (4) years, but less than six (6) years
• Six (6) years or more

04

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"

05

Do you possess four (4) years of experience performing the functions of a wastewater treatment plant operator while certified as a Grade III operator; AND three (3) years of experience in a supervisor/management level position.

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please indicate the following regarding your experience:

Employer:

Job Title:

Years of Experience:

Examples of Duties:

If you answered "No", please list "N/A".

07

Do you possess a valid class "C" California drivers license?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess an active Grade IV or Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that, if selected, I am required to be in possession of a Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within 18 months of appointment.

• Yes
• No

10

Please indicate whether you possess experience with operation of Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR).

• Yes
• No

11

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