Wastewater Plant Operator III

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. About the Water Utilities Department

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Wastewater Plant Operator III. This program is a part of the City’s critical wastewater treatment function at the San Luis Rey Wastewater Reclamation Facility. The department ensures ongoing access to safe, affordable drinking water and reliable wastewater collection & treatment services by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.

Wastewater Plant Operators are part of the effort to meet wastewater treatment quality standards and keep our plants running. The role is the advanced journey level class within the Wastewater Plant Operator series. Employees in this class maintain and operate the plant, overseeing daily operations on assigned shift, and performing skilled maintenance duties.

• Master principles and procedures of wastewater treatment plant operation
• Operate a wide variety of modern wastewater treatment plant equipment
• Maintain an efficient and well‑functioning treatment plant
• Utilize SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Software to monitor plant processes
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Work variable shifts, including weekends and holidays
• Respond to and answer citizen inquiries and complaints
• Perform all general maintenance and repair of equipment, including pumps, valves, motors, compressors, etc.
• Schedule preventive maintenance and conduct routine and special water quality and chemistry tests
• Maintain records, logs, and data plots, and perform related calculations to ensure efficient operations
• Operate plant equipment and appropriate vehicles and office equipment, including computers
• Interpret plant instruments, analyze laboratory data, and make proper adjustments
• Make sound decisions and demonstrate intellectual capability as needed
• Carry out assigned duties with safety and quality standards in mind

• Operations, services and activities of a wastewater treatment plant
• Principles and procedures of wastewater treatment plant operations
• Principles of supervision, training and plant administration
• Basic principles of public relations
• Rules, policies, and regulations regarding the operation and maintenance of a wastewater plant
• Chemical and biological reactions in the treatment process
• Computer applications including Microsoft Office, SCADA, and CMMS
• Mathematical principles
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations

• Operate and maintain treatment plant facilities
• Supervise, organize, and review the work of staff on an assigned shift
• Identify and implement efficient work practices and procedures
• Collect water samples and conduct appropriate tests
• Operate plant equipment and appropriate vehicles
• Operate office equipment, including computers
• Maintain mental capacity for making sound decisions
• Interpret plant instruments and analyze laboratory data
• Work independently and exercise individual judgment
• Maintain and update accurate records
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately
• Utilize computer applications e.g. Microsoft Office, SCADA, CMMS
• Work variable shifts, during weekends and holidays
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Three years of experience relative to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility. Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by training in Wastewater Treatment Operations or a related field.

• Possession of Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board
• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver’s license

Wastewater 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 and wastewater.

Functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate or light lifting; standing or walking for prolonged periods; repeated bending; operating motorized equipment; and shift work.