Advanced Water Treatment Operator - Santa Cruz, CA

Position Title:

Advanced Water Treatment Operator

Location:

Santa Cruz, CA

Under the general direction of the Chief Plant Operator, the Advance Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and repair of the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) equipment to maintain regulatory compliance and production.

• Operate valves, pumps, and gates manually and/or through local control center (SCADA).
• Maintain facilities, office building, vehicles, equipment, and pump stations for advanced water treatment operation, including general housekeeping of job sites and work areas.
• Observe variations in operating conditions and record meter, sensor, and gauge readings.
• Perform routine in‑plant lab sampling and analysis, conduct inspections, and collect samples, including flow meter and field measurements throughout individual treatment processes.
• Conduct routine rounds of assigned process areas and record operating data such as run times, chemical usage, flows, and other process information.
• Record operating data in shift logs and perform mathematical calculations.
• Perform preventative maintenance of water quality analyzers and instruments and assist with other maintenance activities.
• Respond to system emergencies.
• Prepare technical and administrative reports as requested.
• Maintain logs and prepare other required reports.
• Perform necessary process control adjustments.
• Operate treatment facilities to control flow and processing of water.
• Perform routine laboratory analyses for process control measures and specific permit reporting as trained and assigned.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with client employees, vendors, and the public.
• Work weekends, holidays, and shift work as assigned.
• Operate under a variety of safe weather and working conditions.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and handle prolonged walking and standing.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment as trained and assigned.
• Develop a commitment to personal safety and the safety of co‑workers.
• Perform custodial and other duties as assigned.

• Valid California driver’s license.
• Ability to meet risk management guidelines.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years’ experience in wastewater/water treatment operations.
• SWRCB Grade II or higher Wastewater/Water Treatment Certification.
• Preferred: CWEA AWTO Grade 3 certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of hiring date.

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred but not required).
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of collection system operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and operation of wastewater treatment systems.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to wastewater system operations.
• Ability to analyze data and maintain computer records.
• Proficiency in standard laboratory sampling and testing.
• Availability for standby duty and emergencies as needed.
• Strong writing skills for reports, business correspondence, and SOPs.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks such as chemical dosing, flow calculations, pipe or tank capacity.
• Capability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret extensive technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.

Safety is a core value. This position involves safety‑sensitive labor or services, requiring fitness for duty testing. Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, coordination, balance, agility, stooping, kneeling, squatting, grasping, reaching,…