Water Agency Plant Operator

Position Overview

Be part of the solution—keep water sustainable in Sonoma County. Bring your water and wastewater experience to the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) and become a Plant Operator!

As a Plant Operator you will monitor and control the operation of wastewater treatment plants across Sonoma County, using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, laboratory results, and plant process equipment to optimize biological processes and achieve high‑quality effluent for recycled water.

• Operate pumps, valves, chlorinators, telemetry controls, sludge presses, and other water and wastewater flow regulating controls and equipment.
• Maintain reservoir levels and coordinate water storage, usage, and user allotments.
• Record and maintain detailed operational records, monitor the SCADA system, and analyze laboratory data.
• Perform routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples and interpret results.
• Compute volumes and percentages using standard and metric systems.

• Strong written and verbal communication to collaborate with diverse coworkers and present to stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical plant issues.
• Understanding of biological processes and functions.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and some experience with SCADA.
• Ability to remain calm, perform well under pressure, and handle emergency situations.
• Required California State Water Resources Control Board
  
  Certifications:
  • Wastewater Plant Operator Grade II or higher
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 or higher
• Desired
  
  Certifications:
  • Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 or higher

• Education and Experience:
  
  Any combination that provides the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed. Typically, achievement of journey‑level status as a water and wastewater operator performing the full range of operations within a water or wastewater distribution and treatment system.
• License:
  Valid California driver’s license at appropriate level.
• Certificates:
  Possession of California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Plant Operator Grade II and Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 certificates. (Desired: Water Distribution Operator Grade D1.)
• Within five years of hire, incumbent is expected to attain Wastewater Plant Operator Grade III and Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T3 certifications.

• Knowledge of water collection, treatment, distribution, wastewater disposal, and recycled water reuse processes, systems, and facilities.
• Knowledge of computerized electronic equipment used to collect, store, and interpret operational data.
• Basic chemistry and laboratory practices.
• Operational and laboratory safety practices.
• Skill in operating and maintaining control and other equipment related to water and wastewater treatment.
• Ability to read meters and charts, maintain safe reservoir levels, coordinate potable water storage, maintain written shift records, perform arithmetic calculations, conduct chemical tests, follow instruction, learn instrumentation, and establish effective working relationships.

Shifts include nights, weekends, and holidays. The position requires walking on uneven surfaces, reaching, kneeling, climbing, crawling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Exposure to wet, heat, cold, dust, pollutants, chemicals, noise, and biohazards is present. Personal protective equipment, ladders, scaffolds, and motorized vehicles may be required.

• Competitive salary with advancement opportunities.
• Paid time off: vacation, sick leave, 12 holidays, and 8 floating holidays.
• County paid health premium contributions.
• Post‑retirement health reimbursement arrangement.
• Integrated pension plan with Social Security.
• Paid parental leave up to 8 weeks.
• Dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program.
• Professional development and tuition assistance.
• Student loan debt relief options.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.