Water Plant Operator II/III

Water Plant Operator II/III

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Oceanside, CA, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2627-04

Department

Water Utilities

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Introduction

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Monthly Salary Ranges:

Water Plant Operator II: $6,505 - $8,715

Water Plant Operator III: $7,150 - $9,584

About Oceanside's Water Utilities Department & Our Water Treatment Plants

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Water Plant Operator II/II in the Water Treatment Plants Division which is responsible for the efficient production and delivery of safe drinking water to all Oceanside residents. This recruitment is intended to fill one current vacancy in Water Treatment Division. This division operates two water treatment plants:

• Robert A. Weese Filtration Plant - our connection to imported water sources from throughout California and the Colorado River
• Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility - our reverse osmosis connection to Oceanside's freshwater aquifer!

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 & operator grades

Under minimal supervision, a Plant Operator Grade II will operate the plant with a detailed understanding of plant processes, and working with heightened independence on daily duties. Under direction a Plant Operator Grade III will act in a mostly independent capacity relying on personal initiative and judgement to decide and conduct daily and higher-level plant operations and analyses. All grades of Water Operator professionals are essential to ensuring our dependable water treatment system.

You should be excited about this opportunity because you will…

• Apply various levels of training and experience to become an integral part of our water treatment system.
• Leverage and refine your treatment knowledge working among the best operators.
• Be progressively relied on to operate and manage each aspect of our water treatment plants.
• Collaborate with operation and maintenance staff to improve processes and protect our capital assets.
• Utilize a modernized SCADA system to remotely control processes in addition to manually reading and operating the system.

Who we are looking for…

The ideal candidate for this position will be confident in water treatment processes and will be able to make decisions that ensure safe, efficient and reliable production of drinking water for Oceanside's residents, businesses and tourists.

If this sounds like you, keep reading!

This recruitment aims to establish eligibility lists for: Water Plant Operator II and Water Plant Operator III. The eligibility lists established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months.

Examples of Duties

Water Plant Operator II: This is the journey level class within the Water Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Plant Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned in the operation and upkeep of plant equipment and facilities. Employees at this level may function independently and exercise individual judgment. The minimum certification requirement for the II-level is a State Water Resources Control Board Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this series are flexibly staffed and may be filled by advancement from the I level, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience. 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.

Water Plant Operator III: This is the advanced journey-level class within the Water Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Plant Operator II by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned including scheduling of preventive maintenance to equipment and accomplishing standard and special tests in the chemical and bacteriological analysis of samples taken for treatment purposes. Employees at this level function independently and exercise individual judgment. The minimum certification level of a Water Plant Operator III is a State of California Grade III Water Treatment Operator Certificate. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility. Positions in this series are flexibly staffed and may be filled by advancement from the II level, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience. 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.

The Water Plant Operator performs a variety of skilled or semi-skilled maintenance duties involved in the operation and upkeep of plant equipment and facilities; 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, chemical mixers, engines and generators; cleans, oils and greases equipment; maintains buildings; makes minor repairs; paints inside and outside of buildings; reports malfunctioning equipment; calls for maintenance assistance in the event of serious breakdowns; operates pumps and other allied equipment; 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 chemical tanks and cylinders; performs all necessary control tests and calculations to maintain efficient operations; records results of test and other measurements and plots data on graphs; may assist in training subordinates; and performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Water Plant Operator II

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a water treatment plant.
• Principles and procedures of water treatment plant operations.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of motors, engines, pumps and other water treatment plant equipment.
• Methods, equipment, chemicals and materials used in the treatment, storage and distribution of water.
• Chemical and biological reactions in the treatment process.
• Basic laboratory practices and techniques.

Ability to:

• Operate and maintain water treatment plant facilities.
• Operate distribution system using SCADA controls.
• Ensure drinking water is in compliance with State and Federal guidelines and regulations.
• Collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests.
• Operate plant equipment and appropriate vehicles.
• Operate office equipment including computers.
• Operate a variety of water treatment plant equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.

Experience and Training

Experience: Two years experience in a capacity performing functions relative to the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility.

Up to one (1) year of experience may be substituted with any of the following:

• One (1) year of experience may be substituted for with an Associate's Degree (or above) in a related field OR a Certificate of Achievement in Water Technology Education.
• Experience gained as a certified wastewater treatment operator may be used to substitute up to one (1) year of experience. Wastewater Treatment Operator experience is credited on a two-for-one basis (I.e., 2 months in wastewater = 1 month in drinking water).

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

License/Certificate:

• Possession of, at a minimum, a Grade II Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. As mandated by the State, specialized and continuing education/training is mandatory for renewal of the certificate. Additional certification(s) may be required to operate some treatment facilities.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate, valid drivers license.

Water Plant Operator III

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a surface water direct filtration water treatment or reverse osmosis facility.
• Principles and procedures of water treatment plant operations.
• Principles and processes of production wells, reverse membrane trains, iron and manganese and granulated active carbon (GAC) systems and mixed media filtration and chlorination.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of motors, engines, pumps and other water treatment plant equipment.
• Methods, equipment, chemicals and materials used in the treatment, storage and distribution of water.
• Operational and safety regulations pertaining to water treatment plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage.
• Operational characteristics of water treatment plant equipment and tools.
• Principles of water sampling and testing.
• Chemical and biological reactions in the treatment process.
• Laboratory practices and techniques.
• Methods and techniques of preventive maintenance.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of skilled maintenance duties.
• Operate and maintain water treatment plant facilities.
• Operate production wells, reverse membrane trains, iron and manganese and granulated active carbon (GAC) systems and mixed media filtration and chlorination.
• Operate distribution system using SCADA controls.
• Collect a variety of water samples and conduct appropriate tests.
• Operate plant equipment and appropriate vehicles.
• Operate office equipment including computers.
• Operate a variety of water treatment plant equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Monitor and adjusts plant processes.
• Ensure drinking water is in compliance with State and Federal guidelines and regulations.
• Perform inspections of treatment plant equipment.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Maintain and update accurate records.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• 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 experience in a capacity performing functions relative to the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility.

Up to one and a half (1.5) years of experience may be substituted with any combination of the following:

• One (1) year of experience may be substituted for with an Associate's Degree in a related field OR a Certificate of Achievement in Water Technology Education.
• One and a half (1.5) years of experience may be substituted for with a Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Experience gained as a certified wastewater treatment operator may be used to substitute up to one (1) year of experience. Wastewater Treatment Operator experience is credited on a two-for-one basis (i.e., 2 months in wastewater = 1 month in drinking water).

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

License/Certificate:

• Possession of, at a minimum, a Grade III Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. Additional certification may be required to operate some treatment facilities. As mandated by the State, specialized and continuing education/training is mandatory for renewal of the certificate.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid drivers license.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Water 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.

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking or bending for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; 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. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral board exam, and/or skills assessment to further assess job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the Eligibility List for a minimum of six months.

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

Which position(s) are you applying for:

• Water Plant Operator II
• Water Plant Operator III

02

If you are looking to substitute years of Water Plant Operator experience, do you possess any experience as a certified wastewater treatment operator? Please list dates and organization (From - To).

03

How many years of experience do you possess in a capacity performing functions relative to the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility?

• One Year
• Two Years
• Three Years +
• No Experience

04

Which grade of Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board do you possess? Attach a copy to your application.

• Water Treatment Operator Grade II
• Water Treatment Operator Grade III or above
• Water Treatment Operator Grade I or None

05

If you possess a bachelors or associates degree in a related field or a Certificate of Achievement in Water Technology Education, please provide appropriate details. Attach any additional documentation.

06

Describe your work experience performing functions relative to the operation and preventative maintenance of a drinking water treatment facility. Include employer(s) name(s) and dates of employment (From - To).

07

Please select the number of years of experience you have within operations & maintenance of drinking water treatment facility

• 24 - 35 months
• 36 - 47 months
• 48 months (4 years) or more
• Less then 24 months (2 years)

08

Describe your work experience in conducting routine and special tests related to water quality and chemistry on samples taken at a water treatment facility. Include employer(s) name(s) and dates of employment (From - To).

09

Please select the number of years of experience you have in sample collection and laboratory testing of water.

• 12 - 23 months
• 24 - 35 months
• 36 months (3 Years) or more
• Less then 12 months (1 Year)

10

Describe your work experience in monitoring distribution systems using SCADA controls. Include employer(s) name(s) and dates of employment (From - To).

11

Please select the number of years of experience you have using SCADA controls for operations.

• Less then 12 months
• 12 - 23 months
• 24 - 35 months
• 36 months (3 years) or more

12

Describe your work experience in maintaining operating perating a direct filtration or reverse osmosis plant. Include employer(s) name(s) and dates of employment (From - To).

13

Operating a direct filtration or reverse osmosis plant.

• less then 24 moths
• 24 - 35 months
• 36 months (3 years) - 47 months
• 48 months (4 years) or more

14

Please list any software programs that you have used for preventative and/or corrective maintenance of equipment.

15

Describe your work experience in responding to and answering citizen inquiries and complaints. Include employer(s) name(s) and dates of employment (From - To).

16

Please select the number of years of experience you have responding to inquiries and complaints.

• 6 - 11 months
• 12 months (1 year) or more
• Less than 6 months of experience

17

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 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