Water Plant Operator I,II, III for the City of Willits, CA

Water Plant Operator I, II, III

The City of Willits is actively seeking a collaborative professional for the position of Water Plant Operator I, II, or III. The pay ranges are as follows:

Water Plant Operator I $44,830 - $54,491 annually

Water Plant Operator II $48,196 - $58,583 annually

Water Plant Operator III $57,978 - $70,472 annually

Plus a great benefits package.

The position requires operating and maintaining the facilities of the City of Willits water system. The Water Plant Operator will inspect and perform repair work on water facilities and equipment. They will also monitor and maintain water sources and storage tanks and keep various records pertaining to water system operations, dams, reservoirs, and watersheds.

If you are comfortable with basic math and fractions, enjoy maintaining pumps, machinery, and equipment, are willing to serve on-call weekends and holidays, and work well on a team, this is your time to apply!

The department may hire at either the I, II, or III level, depending on the education, experience, and certifications held by candidates in the pool of qualified applicants. This recruitment is intended to fill one full-time vacancy and create a qualified list for each level to fill future vacancies as needed. This is an external, open, and competitive recruitment process.

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess or have the ability to possess within the first six months a Grade II or higher Water Plant Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possess or have the ability to possess within eighteen months, a Grade II Water Distribution Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Understand and carry out appropriate safety procedures.
• Demonstrate exceptional organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Be comfortable with basic algebra, mechanically inclined, a skilled technician and problem solver, and a sound decision-maker.
• Maintain accurate and legible daily records of operations.
• Show initiative, be ethical, self-motivated, creative, affable, adaptable, organized, and comfortable working in a dynamic and team-oriented environment.
• Exercise sound judgment, tact, discretion, impartiality, joyful demeanor, and professionalism when providing exemplary customer service to all encountered.
• Be reliable and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Work well on a team to reach common goals.
• Show compassion and integrity to fellow employees and the community.
• Be able to climb a ladder of up to 48 feet in height.
• Have sufficient strength and the ability to lift items found in a modern water plant.
• Live within 30 minutes driving time of the plant.
• Be available on-call for emergencies that may fall on nights, weekends, or holidays.

Qualifications:

Water Plant Operator I:

• Possession of a valid Class C or higher California driver's license.
• Persons employed in the classification will be required to possess a Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Water Plant Operator II:

• Possession of a valid Class C or higher California driver's license.
• Persons employed in the classification will be required to possess a Grade II Water Plant Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Water Plant Operator III:

• Possession of a valid Class C or higher California driver's license.
• Persons employed in the classification will be required to possess a Grade III Water Plant certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Selection Process:

Application materials will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to interview. The most qualified will be invited to an exam to demonstrate skills and aptitude for the position. Those who score the highest on the exam will be advanced to department interviews.

Application Process:

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates should apply by submitting an application, resume, cover letter, and a copy of valid certification(s) via email to the City of Willits Human Resources Department  your email subject line, please indicate which level you are qualified for and applying to. Example: "Water Plant Operator III Applicant."

Final date to receive applications:
Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process or additional inquiries about the position may be directed to Human Resources at human resources

The City of Willits is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment services provided by Muchmore Than Consulting, LLC.