Water Agency Plant Operator. Santa Rosa LilyLifestyle
Listed on 2026-06-17
-
Engineering
Environmental Engineer, Water Engineer, Water Management
Position Information
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!
Water Agency Plant Operators at Sonoma Water have the incredible opportunity to operate four separate classifications and types of wastewater and recycled water treatment facilities that are located across Sonoma County. These include tertiary, extended air, biological nutrient removal, and lagoon plants. Sonoma Water also operates a water treatment facility that treats over 16.5 billion gallons of water annually and distributes it to over 600,000 customers.
This experience provides Plant Operators the opportunity to qualify for Grade 5 Water and Wastewater treatment certifications, and with time and certification, the ability to promote to Senior Water Agency Plant Operator.
In accordance with federal and state regulations, Plant Operators monitor and control the operation of the wastewater treatment plants. As an operator, you will utilize supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, laboratory results, and plant process equipment to optimize the biological process and achieve a high‑quality plant effluent that can be used as recycled water at certain facilities. This position will operate pumps, valves, chlorinators, telemetry controls, sludge presses, and other water and wastewater flow regulating controls and equipment.
Responsibilities- Maintains reservoir levels and coordinates water storage, usage, and user allotments.
- Reads, records, and maintains detailed operational records, and monitors a SCADA system which controls water supply, water and wastewater treatment processes, and reclamation facilities.
- Performs routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples using accepted analytical techniques, and interprets the results.
- Computes volumes and percentages using both standard and metric systems.
The ideal candidate will enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment, have strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and possess many of the following:
- Written and verbal communication skills needed to effectively collaborate with a diverse group of co‑workers, write reports, and present to stakeholders.
- Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical plant issues.
- Understanding of biological processes and their functions.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel, and some experience with SCADA.
- Ability to remain calm, perform well under pressure, and potentially deal with emergency situations.
- Required California State Water Resources Control Board Certifications, including:
- Wastewater Plant Operator Grade II or higher
- Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 or higher
- Desired California State Water Resources Control Board
Certifications:- Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 or higher
Sonoma Water Operators work a “4‑10” schedule and are required to rotate through all three shift schedules, including swing shifts, weekends, and standby shifts as assigned.
What We Offer- Salary Advancement – A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full‑time) for good performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range.
- Career Advancement – With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Senior Water Agency Plant Operator (annual salary up to $153,027).
- Paid Time Off – Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year.
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions – 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee‑only and employee + family health plan options.
- Post‑Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement – County contributions to help fund post‑retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
- Retirement – A pension fully integrated with Social Security.
- Paid Parental Leave – May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment.
- Additional Benefits – Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance,…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).