Utilities Plant Operator I​/II - Water

Utilities Plant Operator I/II

Are you ready to launch a career that keeps your community running? The City is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Utilities team as Utilities Plant Operator I/II — the entry point to a rewarding career in public utilities.

The Utilities Plant operation I/II is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants. This recruitment is for the Water Division. Salary

Incentives:

2.5% Education Incentive
- Bachelor's degree 5% Education Incentive
- Master's degree

Positions allocated to this series are typically flexibly staffed to the next level. Generally, employees may promote upward to the next level as they meet the qualifications/certifications required by the higher-level class and have demonstrated proficiency in performing work at that level, subject to approval by management.

Utilities Plant Operator I
- This is the entry level in the Utilities Plant Operator series. Positions in this class typically have little related work experience and lack the ability to perform the full range of duties independently. The Utilities Plant Operator I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level.

Incumbents work under direct supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to the general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Trainee level.

Utilities Plant Operator II – This is the journey level class in the Utilities Plant Operator series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool.

Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.

Tentative Testing Schedule In-Person Written Exam August 14, 2026

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions :
Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation. Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations. Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations. Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes. Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary.

Check Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) parameters through onsite and remote interfaces in order to monitor and operate systems and to identify maintenance needs; maintain, adjust, and repair SCADA system; enter data into the system at remote sites using micro-computer or other devices. Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water and…