Plant Operator-In-Training

OPEN/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

TENTATIVE EXAM DATE:
Week of March 23, 2026

Join Our Team as a Plant Operator-in-Training!

The City of Stockton’s Municipal Utilities Department, Wastewater Division, is looking for motivated individuals to fill Plant Operator-in-Training vacancies. In this role, you’ll be part of a dedicated team responsible for keeping our community safe and sustainable by performing critical functions such as:

• Managing wastewater inflow, treatment, and effluent processing.
• Conducting laboratory sampling and monitoring operations.
• Supporting the overall efficiency of plant operations.

This position offers a 12-hour rotating shift schedule (days and nights), providing variety and flexibility while ensuring round-the-clock service to our community. If you’re eager to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply!

Incumbents in this position are included in the Civil Service System, in a "for-cause" employment status, and are represented by the Operating Engineers' Local No. 3, Operations and Maintenance Unit (Classified/Represented).

This list may be used to fill future vacancies.

Prior to appointment, eligible candidates will be required to submit to and successfully pass a background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and a medical examination which includes a back evaluation.

Veteran's Preference:
This position is eligible to receive five (5) Veteran's Preference points for entrance into the Civil Service. Veteran's Preference will not be granted on the promotional list. If you believe you may qualify for Veteran's Preference, a DD-214, Member 4 copy indicating at least 181 consecutive days of service must be received in Human Resources (see supplemental questionnaire for details in submitting DD-214 copy) by the final close date.

Under immediate supervision, the Operator-in-Training performs wastewater inflow, treatment, effluent processing and laboratory sampling operations.

This is a trainee level position in the wastewater treatment Plant Operator series. This position is alternately staffed with Plant Operator I upon acquisition of a California Grade I Wastewater Treatment Certificate.

• Learns process control of wastewater treatment.
• Learns to review and record readings, logs, and test results.
• Learns to read, record, interpret and monitor meters, gauges, control panels and laboratory test results.
• Learns to extract wastewater samples; prepares and maintains associated chain of custody and quality control records; transfers samples to laboratory; performs routine laboratory tests and analyses.
• Learns to operate direct and remote controls of manual and automatic equipment.
• Observes the application of chemicals used during treatment processes.
• Learns to identify and diagnose existing and potential repair requirements to plant, wells, pump stations and associated equipment.

Possession of a high school diploma or GED, and completion of three (3) semester units or quarter unit equivalent of course work in a qualifying math or science category (in biology, chemistry, wastewater treatment, engineering, math or physics) from an accredited college or university. Six (6) educational points, as deemed acceptable by the California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB), may be substituted for the required college units.

No experience required. Experience with mechanical, hydraulic, or material process systems is desirable.

• Must maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License at all times.
• Upon employment, the City will apply for the California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB) Operator-in-Training Certificate on behalf of the employee. Thereafter, it is the responsibility of the employee to maintain a valid certificate.
• Enrollment in supplemental educational courses as determined by the CSWRCB within one (1) year of employment. Failure to comply with CSWRCB regulations will result in termination of employment.
• As a condition of continued employment with the City of Stockton, must obtain a California Grade I Wastewater Treatment Certificate within two (2) years from date of hire. This…