Water​/Wastewater Operator Trainee​/I​/II

Shasta County Water/Wastewater Operator Position

The current vacancy is in the Shasta County Department of Public Works. Oral exam is tentatively scheduled for July 2026. Responses to supplemental questions are required. Final filing date:
July 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Salary information:
Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: $3,833 - $4,892 approximate monthly / $22.11 - $28.22 approximate hourly. Water/Wastewater Operator I: $4,437 - $5,663 approximate monthly / $25.60 - $32.67 approximate hourly. Water/Wastewater Operator II: $5,137 - $6,556 approximate monthly / $29.63 - $37.82 approximate hourly.

About Shasta County

Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Department

The Public Works Department is responsible for construction and maintenance of County facilities, including buildings, roads, bridges, and airports; and for managing permanent road divisions to provide maintenance of private roads on behalf of the citizens in those districts. The department employs engineers and technicians who prepare construction plans as well as supervise construction of these facilities. The responsibilities of County Surveyor, Road Commissioner and Chief Engineer of the Water Agency are administered by the department.

The department reviews land development maps and improvement plans as well as survey mapping for compliance with the Subdivision Map Act and County Development Standards. Administration of the County's solid waste management functions including waste collection and ownership of an active landfill are the responsibility of the department. The Shasta County Water Agency is managed by the department. In addition, the Public Works Department oversees the operation and maintenance of several county service areas.

These service areas include both water and sewer districts along with road, lighting, and flood maintenance districts. The department is responsible for Flood Plain Administration.

The Water-Wastewater Division of Public Works operates eight small, independent water and wastewater systems.

About the Position

Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee:
Under close supervision, to learn to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required.

Water/Wastewater Operator I:
Under direct supervision, to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required.

Water/Wastewater Operator II:
Under general supervision, to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee:
Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee is the entry-level class. An incumbent works under close supervision in a training and learning capacity in the operation of water and wastewater systems.

Water/Wastewater Operator I:
Water/Wastewater Operator I is the first journey level class. The incumbent assists with the operation and maintenance of several water and wastewater systems and may also assist in the operation of other facilities as the need arises.

Water/Wastewater Operator II:
Water/Wastewater Operator II is the full journey level class. The incumbent is responsible for the operation of one or more of the water and wastewater systems and may also assist in the operation of other facilities as the need arises.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be internally motivated with a self-sufficient demeanor and the ability to work independently. Strong prioritization skills are essential. This person will have an extensive knowledge of water and wastewater system operating and maintenance needs including troubleshooting and repair techniques. Experience coordinating the operation of multiple water and/or wastewater systems at the same time is desirable.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee:
Learns to operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and disposal facilities; operate, maintain, and repair valves, pumps, electric motors, chlorination equipment, and other related equipment; troubleshoots hydraulic, electrical, and supervisory sensory control systems; collect samples from selected sites throughout the county and perform lab analysis as required; records readings and lab results, and maintains daily plant logs;

install water services; repair and flush water and sewer mains; monitor and collect samples at landfills and septage ponds throughout the county; may operate equipment necessary to complete the above mentioned duties; responds to…