Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/II

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I/II

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Colton City Hall, 650 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26/27-00009

Department

Public Works & Utility Services

Division

Wastewater Utility

Opening Date

07/28/2026

Closing Date

8/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Definition

THE CITY OF COLTON HAS AN IMMEDIATE OPENING AS A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I OR II

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL BE USED FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE VACANCIES.

Depending on qualifications, candidates may be hired at a level I or II. Salaries per month are:

I - $5,126.98 - $6,231.85

II - $5,894.58 - $7,164.89

DEFINITION:

Level I: Under the direct supervision of Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, performs a variety of semi-skilled and limited skilled maintenance duties and activities within the Wastewater Treatment Plant; operates power-driven maintenance and construction equipment. Operates power-driven maintenance and construction equipment.

Level II: Under the general supervision of higher level wastewater treatment plant personnel, performs and leads skilled maintenance duties and activities assigned to maintenance positions; independently performs a variety of highly skilled maintenance activities relative to assigned area of responsibility; operates power-driven maintenance and construction equipment. Provide training and direction to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator In-Training classes.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I is the entry-level classification within the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Incumbents within this classification also perform work of a manual nature, which requires a high degree of mental and physical dexterity. Incumbents within this classification perform similar duties and responsibilities to those of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II; however, they do so under close supervision and direction progressing to general direction as experience is gained. May be required to work holidays, evenings, and weekends and be on call for 24-hour shifts as needed.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II is the journey level classification within the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Incumbents in this classification perform work of a manual nature, which requires a higher degree of mental and physical dexterity. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I and has by the performance of more technical and complex duties and responsibilities which may include operating heavy equipment, maintaining and repairing wastewater equipment. Incumbents in this classification may be assigned to assist crews with assigned duties and responsibilities. Incumbent may oversee the work performed by a lower classification and may be required to work holidays, evenings, and weekends and be on call for 24-hour shifts as needed.

Essential Functions

For additional essential functions of the job, review the job description by visiting the applicable link below:

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR I

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR II

Qualifications

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

A typical way to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be to possess:

WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATOR I

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

AND

Experience: One (1) year of experience performing operations, maintenance and construction of wastewater production, water treatment and storage facilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid California Class "C" drivers license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and good driving record is required. Possession of a valid Class "B" California drivers license is desirable.
• Possession of a valid Grade I State of California Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification within 12 months of hire.
• A Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued from the State of California Water Resources Control Board is desired.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATOR II

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

AND

Experience: Two (2) years of experience performing operations, maintenance and construction of wastewater production, water treatment and storage facilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid California Class "C" drivers license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and good driving record is required. Possession of a valid Class "B" California drivers license is desirable.
• Possession of a valid Grade II Treatment Operator Certificate issued from the State of California Water Resources Control Board is required. (MUST UPLOAD TO APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR LEVEL II)
• A Grade III Treatment Operator Certificate issued from the State of California Water Resources Control Board is desired.

Additional Requirements:

Depending on the needs of the City, the incumbent of this classification may be required to maintain additional licenses or certificates and Continuing Education Units. The incumbent may be required to work outside the traditional work schedule. May be subject to call out/call back or stand-by scheduling.

Knowledge of:

Basic principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations. Functions and operations of pumps, motors, engines and other mechanical equipment. Operation of heavy plant equipment. Safety procedures and regulations concerning the functions, operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility. Basic procedures for the proper handling and processing associated with bio-solids and effluent disposal. Relevant State, Federal, County and City regulations and practices is highly desirable. Modern office equipment, including computer and applicable software.

Ability to:

Assist in and perform the daily operations of wastewater treatment facilities. Operate heavy equipment in the course of performing routine maintenance and operational procedures. Perform laboratory testing and sampling as directed. Collect wastewater samples as needed. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Maintain accurate records. Make arithmetical calculations as needed. Establish effective working relationships in the workplace. Work standby, per the MOU after successful completion of probation and obtaining the required certification and experience.

Skill to:

Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, loaders, vactor truck. Operate hand tools. Use computer equipment as needed. Effectively operate a motor vehicle on City streets. Operate computer and applicable software.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use hazardous materials including cleaning and lubricating chemicals, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions.

This job specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify essential functions and requirements of the job. Not all incumbents may perform all duties at all times. However, incumbents must be able to perform the essential duties, with or without accommodation for disability at any time while holding this position.

Recruitment and Selection Process

The candidates with the most desired qualifications and that best meet the citys needs will be invited to participate in the Oral Board Interview process. Candidates successful in this process will have their names certified to an eligibility list. This list is valid for one (1) year.

Disaster Service Worker Government Code Section 3100

Positions designated in the IBEW-Water/Wastewater Division receive the following benefits:

• Cafeteria amount for the purchase of medical, dental and vision insurance is $1,625.00/mo effective August, 2024
• Employees hired on or after July 1, 2017, shall have a maximum cap of $550 for cash in-lieu or for the difference between the medical insurance premium and the cafeteria dollar amount
• Up to 80 hours per year of vacation accrued for 0 - 5 years of service
• Up to 96 hours of sick leave (8 hours accrued monthly)
• 12 paid holidays (per calendar year)
• 20 floating holiday hours (per fiscal year)
• California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for Miscellaneous Members:

Classic Members hired prior to 6/1/2012 benefit level is 2.7% @ 55

Classic Members hired after 6/1/2012 benefit level is 2.5% @ 55

PEPRA Members hired after 1/1/2013 benefit level is 2% @ 62

• Term Life Insurance: City-paid term life insurance coverage of $75,000
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $2,500 per fiscal year
• Boot Allowance - up to $300 per fiscal year.
• City does not participate in the Social Security System.
• Six month probationary period.

01

Do you possess a valid California Class "C" drivers license, or higher, issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of experience do you possess in Wastewater, Water Treatment, or Water Production/Distribution?

• 0
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 3+

04

The Level I position does require a State of California Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade I certification within one year from the date of hire. Do you possess a current certification? If yes, please upload copy to your application. If not, understand you will need to obtain within one year from appointment. Please state below "I understand I must obtain a certification within one year of employment" or "I uploaded my valid certification to my application".

05

If applying for the Level II position, do you possess a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification from the State of California Water Resources Control Board? If yes, a copy of the certification must be uploaded to your application for consideration.

• Yes
• N/A

06

Please explain any experience you may possess in a wastewater lab and analysis, or water treatment. Describe your steps in this process. If no experience, please type "N/A".

Required Question

Employer City of Colton

Address 650 N. La Cadena Drive

Colton, California, 92324

Phone (909) 370-5064

Website http://www.coltonca.gov