Salary : $80,635.36 - $97,984.64 Annually
Location : Spring Valley, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-00129
Department: Water Quality
Section: Water Treatment
Opening Date: 07/07/2025
Closing Date: 8/7/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
Perform skilled work, on a rotating shift, in the operation of Sweetwater Authority's (Authority) water treatment facilities and associated groundwater production facilities (as appropriate) to meet water quality and supply standards in an environmentally and economically responsible and safe manner.

Department: Water Quality

Disclaimer:

The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Supervision Received/Exercised:

• General supervision is provided by the Director of Water Quality and Water Treatment Superintendent.
• Direct supervision is provided by the Water Treatment Plant Operator Supervisor.
• Technical and training assistance is provided by the Water Treatment Plant Operator II or III.
• There are no staff supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Examples of Duties/Responsibilities

• Monitor plant SCADA system and make plant operational changes through the system: Review and understand plant performance trends; make flow adjustments to meet daily demands; interpret meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements; monitor gauges, meters, and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions; maintain or adjust system flow and pressure requirements; control flows to meet consumer demands, including fire flow; calculate and adjust chemical flow rates and other operational parameters.
• Operate water treatment facilities (surface and groundwater) including urban runoff diversion system to control flow and processing of water in accordance with all appropriate state and federal regulations.
• Perform routine maintenance work on the filter plant facility: Perform filter backwashes; oil, grease, clean, paint, and calibrate water treatment equipment; empty and change chlorine tanks; and perform other related activities.
• Perform laboratory tests, including turbidity, chlorine residual, jar testing, zeta potential, and pH testing.
• Perform proper laboratory techniques to collect samples that will accurately describe the physical, chemical, and biological attributes of untreated and finished water systems.
• Inspect plant equipment for proper performance; prepare related work orders to resolve performance problems.
• Provide customer service to consumers; enter information related to customer accounts into applicable database(s).
• Respond to emergency work requirements on a 24-hour basis.
• Operate pumps, valves, gates, engines, electric motors and other related flow, pressure control and storage facilities to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
• Read meters to determine and document chemical levels and water usage; determine and control proper chemical dosage rates for wellhead disinfection and distribution residual maintenance; maintain shift logs and records meter and gauge readings.
• Receive chemicals and ensure compliance with required security and safety procedures.
• Participate in assigned treatment plant rounds: Inspect, maintain, monitor, troubleshoot, performance testing, and document plant processes, including the urban runoff diversion system, in accordance with all appropriate state and federal regulations.
• Assist System Operators to maintain and adjust system flow and pressure requirements and control flows to meet consumer demands including fire flow.
• Assist Laboratory personnel in the collection of samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses.
• Assist Water Treatment Plant Operators in all phases of water supply treatment and distribution: Operation of filters, pumps, controls, valves, addition of chemicals; inspection of water surface elevation, determination of loss of head, meter and gauge readings, troubleshooting feed equipment and valves.
• Assist with investigation of water quality problems in the distribution system.
• Perform or assist others in related endeavors as assigned.
• Monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions.
• Interpret meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Receive and log emergency calls after hours, on weekends, and holidays.
• Determine and control proper chemical dosage rates for wellhead disinfection and distribution residual maintenance.
• Maintain shift logs and record meter and gauge readings.
• Serve as an Entry Team member on the Authority's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) team and ensure that chemical and hazardous material spills are handled in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board members, and the public.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques.
• Computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office.
• Principles and practices of proper water quality sampling.
• Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a water treatment facility including the operation and maintenance of surface water, ground water and reverse osmosis treatment plant equipment and machinery.
• Basic water quality regulations.
• Water treatment plant operating policies and procedures.
• Basic occupational health and safety procedures.
• Mathematical principles.
• Mechanical principles.
• Data interpretation methods.
• Basic hazardous materials and chemical safety requirements.
• Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Follow lab procedures.
• Operate a computer and related software applications.
• Use tools necessary in making general repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps, and other equipment.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Perform duties as a Hazardous Materials Technician.
• Understand sampling and chemical testing requirements for unfinished and finished water supplies.
• Serve as a hazardous material responder to ensure that chemical and hazardous material spills are handled in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Understand hazardous material and chemical safety requirements.
• Troubleshoot motors, pumps, and other equipment.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare simple written reports.
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Pass and certify as a Hazardous Materials Technician (24 hours).
• Understand emergency response policies and procedures.
• Handle water quality complaints and other customer inquiries with courtesy and efficiency.
• Work effectively under pressure.
• Work on rotating shifts on a 24-hour/7-day per week basis.
• Work around various types of animals and insects such as dogs, snakes, spiders, bees, rodents, etc.
• Keyboard proficiently.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education/Training/Experience (positions in this class typically require):
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Supplemented by state mandated training in water treatment plant operations, and some experience in the operation and repair of motors, pumps, and related hydraulic equipment; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licenses/Certifications - Required Conditions of Employment:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.
• Maintain an acceptable, safe, and active driving record, together with proof of insurability.
• Possess a Water Treatment Plant Operator T3 certification as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW).
• Possess a Water Distribution Operator D2 certification as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW).
• Obtain a Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification (24-Hour training course in compliance with OSHA regulations) within six (6) months of hire date.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

• Hear normal conversation in person and on the telephone.
• Mobility of arms to reach, and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly.
• Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages, including good peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Speak in a normal voice; able to be heard and understood on the telephone, in person, and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Use office equipment such as personal computers, copiers and fax machines.
• Operate standard passenger vehicles.
• Lift, carry, push or pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Mobility to stand, walk and stoop, bend and extend legs on uneven ground.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing tasks, which includes respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and a Level A suit.
• Climb ladders and stairs on water storage tanks and facilities and work on top of these structures.
• Work outside in weather extremes of the local climate.
• If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work & the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
• Subject to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, fumes, odors, gases, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
• Facial hair must be removed every day prior to the start of the shift to ensure a proper seal during negative and positive pressure tests (seal check) in accordance with the Sweetwater Authority Respiratory Protection Program.
• May be exposed to chemicals typically found in a water treatment facility.
• Work around and with electrical equipment.

Working Hours:

• Rotating shifts or, as assigned by the supervisor.

Other Conditions:

• Work conditions require that a uniform be worn; to be provided by the Authority.
• It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and businesslike image to the public at all times:
  • A neat, clean and pressed appearance in clothing, hair and personal hygiene is important every day.
  • Good judgment is expected in determining proper dress and appearance.
  • All facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed.

Supplemental Information

Position may be filled at the Water Treatment Plant Operator II or III level depending upon qualifications. See Water Treatment Plant Operator II and Water Treatment Plant Operator III job descriptions for minimum qualifications and salary range.

• Health insurance: Option of Cigna HMO's or Kaiser HMO for all full time employees and their dependents; employees share in a portion of the cost, not to exceed $35 per pay period.
• Vision, dental, and orthodontic insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for employees and dependents.
• Life insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for the employee. Optional dependent life insurance is offered at the employee's expense.
• Retirement: Membership in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) with the retirement formula of 2.5% @ 55 for existing "classic" members and 2% @ 62 for "new" members.
• The Authority will contribute the equivalence of 24 hours of the employee's hourly rate into PARS 401(a) each fiscal year.
• Deferred compensation: Authority-matched employee contributions to a qualified 457 (Lincoln, National, and CalPERS) plan up to $1,300 made to the employee's 401(a) (PARS) plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is provided in lieu of traditional vacation and sick leave benefits. PTO is accrued based on years of service, beginning at 18 work days per year up to a maximum of 35 days.
• 40 hours of "floating" holidays to use each year.
• Retiree Healthcare: At age 55 with 15 years of service the Authority pays $700/month. The amount the Authority pays is prorated for 10-15 years of service. Employees who retire between ages 50-54 with 10 or more years of service will receive 50% of the benefit amount. Payments cease after 10 years or upon reaching Medicare-eligible age.
• Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more.

01

Are you 18 or older?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you able to work Full Time?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least a High School Diploma or G.E.D.?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a Driver License?

• Yes
• No

05

If hired, can you provide proof of your legal right to work in the U.S.?

• Yes
• No

06

What level of Water Distribution Operator certification do you currently possess?

• None
• D-1
• D-2
• D-3
• D-4
• D-5

07

What level of Water Treatment Operator certification do you currently possess?

• None
• T-1
• T-2
• T-3
• T-4
• T-5

08

Briefly describe any educational and/or working experience that you have relevant to this position. Please explain how this experience makes you a good fit to operate Sweetwater Authority's drinking water treatment facilities.
Required Question