Wastewater Operator Apprentice

Water operator positions provide essential wastewater and water plant operations, require shift flexibility (including nights, weekends, and holidays), and are paid on an hourly basis.

Salary
:
Apprentice: $20.81‑$26.56/hr; I: $22.94‑$29.28/hr; II: $27.88‑$35.59/hr.

This entry‑level class requires no prior wastewater experience. The apprentice learns to maintain wastewater plant and sewer collection equipment, machinery, and plant controls under supervision.

• Assist in operating plant equipment and controls.
• Monitor, operate, and adjust controls for water and wastewater treatment plant equipment, such as valves, motors, pumps, and chemical feed pumps.
• Assist in sampling water and wastewater for laboratory analysis.
• Operate construction equipment for grounds maintenance and related construction projects.
• Lift and move heavy objects occasionally.
• Clean work and break areas and tools used on the job.
• Perform a daily pre‑job inspection of equipment and vehicles.
• Complete safety, maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.
• Participate in training courses and on‑the‑job training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This licensed entry‑level class works under supervision of a licensed operator and performs routine water and wastewater plant operations and maintenance.

• Assist in operating plant equipment and controls under the direct supervision of a licensed operator.
• Monitor, operate, and adjust controls for water and wastewater treatment plant equipment.
• Assist in sampling water and wastewater for laboratory analysis.
• Operate construction equipment for grounds maintenance and related construction projects.
• Lift and move heavy objects occasionally.
• Clean work and break areas and tools used on the job.
• Perform a daily pre‑job inspection of equipment and vehicles.
• Complete safety, maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.
• Participate in educational and training courses as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This advanced class operates surface water filtration plants, distribution systems, and the wastewater treatment plant, using SCADA and performing engineering tasks.

• Evaluate real‑time operational and historic data to determine optimal flow rates, chemical feed rates, filter backwash scheduling, and other operating parameters.
• Monitor all applicable water quality parameters to ensure EPA and other quality standards are met.
• Maintain and clean pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, valves, and other plant equipment.
• Obtain water and wastewater samples and perform laboratory and field tests for pH, turbidity, chlorine residual, temperature, and additional tests.
• Operate construction equipment for pipeline repair, grounds maintenance, and similar construction projects.
• Lift and move heavy goods as required.
• Clean work areas, tools, and office spaces.
• Perform daily pre‑job inspection of equipment and vehicles, and complete safety, maintenance, and cleanliness checks.
• Guide plant tours for visitors, explaining operations and regulations.
• Under limited supervision, operate, repair, and maintain wastewater treatment facilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one year of general maintenance experience (Apprentice) or general experience involving mechanical repair/maintenance and/or construction (Operator I); and responsible experience in surface water treatment and distribution systems (Operator II).
• Valid California driver’s license (Class B preferred for Operator II).
• No certifications required for Apprentice.

• Apprentice:
  Must be promoted to Water Operator I within one year; no active certifications required.
• Operator I:
  Must hold Grade T1 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, Grade D1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, and Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate; promotion to Operator II within one year.
• Operator II:
  Must hold Grade T2 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, and Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate; certified to promote to Operator III within two years. Award of certain certification incentive pay may apply.

The City of Coalinga is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.