Senior Wastewater Plant Operator
Listed on 2026-07-16
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Engineering
Environmental Engineer, Wastewater Treatment, Water Management
The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Senior Wastewater Plant Operator to fill one (1) vacancy in the Sewer Treatment Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.
The Riverside Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) is located at 5950 Acorn Street Riverside, CA 92504. In 2018, RWQCP was expanded and retrofitted to meet the needs of future generations. This plant expansion introduced several new technologies designed to produce high quality effluent water and increase the plant's efficiency. As currently constructed, the RWQCP consists of two separate treatment plants with a common chlorine contact basin, de-chlorination and outfall structures.
These provide preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment for a rated capacity of 46 million gallons per day (MGD) or enough to fill up 70 Olympic size pools.
Under general supervision, to perform skilled and supervisory work in the operation of all equipment and processes in a wastewater treatment plant during an assigned shift (day, swing or graveyard); and to do related work as required.
- Supervise and participate in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variations in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirement.
- Supervise and participate in the operation of valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers and incinerators; perform routine maintenance work.
- Supervise and participate in the collection of samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analysis.
- Oversee the maintenance of shift logs and the recording of meter and gauge readings.
- Calculate loadings, flow rates, set pumping rates and make process adjustments as required.
- Supervise and train subordinate operators.
- Respond to emergencies on an on-call basis 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
- Schedule overtime when necessary.
- Read and interpret plant piping and distribution plans; assist in locating and troubleshooting plant malfunctions.
- Recommend, produce, and initiate improved work methods and standard operating procedures.
- Assist in the training of existing and new employees in the operations section.
- Write technical reports and instructions for the operation of process equipment and systems.
- Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus as required.
- Research and investigate information for development of process parameters and standard operating procedures.
- Oversee the control, monitoring and operation of wastewater processes and equipment utilizing a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA).
- Assist in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system development, operation and upgrades.
Education
:
High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED). A Bachelor's Degree or Associate's Degree with major coursework related to wastewater treatment or environmental science or related education is highly desired.
Experience
:
Six years of qualifying experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant; two of which is in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant while certified as a Grade III Operator. Plant operations supervisory experience is desirable.
Special Requirements
- Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Operations Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control.
- Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
- May require possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate valid California Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator's License based upon operational need and the duties assigned.
- Completed Employment Application.
- Completed Supplemental Questionnaire.
- Current Wastewater Operations Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control (must be scanned and attached to the online application).
NOTE:
The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.
Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.
Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:
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