Water Agency Plant Operator

Plant Operator

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.

Additionally, this position:

• Maintains reservoir levels and coordinates water storage, usage, and user allotments
• Reads, records, and maintains detailed operational records, as well as 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 for this position will enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment, have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and will possess many of the following:

• The written and verbal communication skills needed to effectively collaborate with a diverse group of co-workers, write reports, and present to stakeholders
• The ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical plant issues
• An understanding of biological processes and their functions
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel, and some experience with SCADA
• The 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

Note:

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. Operators in need of computer system desk hours may be assigned these shifts in order to meet certification requirements. Additionally, California Water Code sections  require that all Water/Wastewater Certificate requirements listed in the Minimum Qualifications be issued by the State of California (in compliance with State Water Resources Control Board regulations).

About Sonoma Water Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions, including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance.

Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to…