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.

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

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 be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work 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, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.