Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator

Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator

Position in the City of Vallejo Water Department. This full‑time role operates and maintains a water treatment plant and distribution system, applies advanced technical knowledge, ensures compliance, and leads other operators.

• Operate complex or unusual plant operations, including scheduling and performing start‑ups and shutdowns, startup testing of new installations, and plant configuration changes.
• Troubleshoot problems, perform minor equipment maintenance and calibration, and collaborate with staff on process or water‑quality challenges.
• Test and monitor treatment equipment and filter media, preparing aliquots and solutions for bench‑scale process testing.
• Check regulatory compliance through observations, assessments, and accurate recording of analytical results.
• Maintain plant operating logs and reports, performing and recording mathematical calculations related to plant performance.
• Examine and interpret plant operating logs, test results, maintenance records, and unusual operating conditions, and report recommendations.
• Dispatch call‑out personnel as required for emergency situations and act as a central communications functional role when necessary.
• Perform lead operator responsibilities on shifts or as assigned.
• Instruct and monitor work of Operator Trainees and Staff Operators in all facets of plant operations and required maintenance.
• Assist Plant Supervisor with special projects and participate in organizational meetings and training programs.
• Contribute to emergency preparedness training and exercises, and lead general tours of the facilities.
• Maintain safety by ensuring proper plant conditions and personal protective equipment are used.
• Observe shift change turn‑overs and ensure accurate and complete information exchange.
• Perform any related duties and responsibilities as required.

• Advanced principles of mathematics, biology, chemistry, and hydraulics as applied to drinking water treatment.
• Advanced operating principles of water treatment equipment such as valves, pumps, motors, controls, instrumentation, and telemetry.
• Laboratory analysis techniques and current drinking water standards and regulations.
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Current safety regulations pertaining to industrial work practices and related equipment.
• Regulations regarding hazardous materials incidents.
• EPA and California SWRB drinking water regulations, including emergency management systems.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and the capacity to diagnose operating problems.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work any shift, rotation, weekend, or holiday as required.
• Capacity to lift 55 pounds and operate under full personal protective equipment including SCBA.
• Ability and willingness to work independently without direct supervision.
• Experience with emergency preparedness and hazardous materials.
• Computer operating skills for emails, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

• Minimum four (4) years of experience working in water treatment operations.
• At least two (2) of those years at a journey‑level with a Grade T3 certification equivalent to a Water Treatment Plant Operator.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of courses required for Grade T4 certification from the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T4 certification.
• Certifications for Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Entry, CPR/First Aid, and Fork Lift Safety desirable but not required.
• Ongoing maintenance of all required certifications, licenses, and registrations.

• Physically fit to perform tasks including lifting, standing, walking, bending, and operating SCBA at all times.
• Medical approval for wearing a Self‑Contained Breathing Apparatus.
• Maintained ability to perform duties while wearing SCBA and to remain shaven of facial hair.
• Work on an unscheduled basis for emergency situations, including any shift, holiday, weekend, or overtime.
• Pass a stringent background check for access to the Travis Air Force Base Water facility.

The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected category. Veteran’s preference will be applied following civil service rules.