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  • Water Plant Operator

    San Jose, California United States Valley Water Full Time Apr 23, 2025
    Valley Water Employer:

    Valley Water

    The Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, is a special district, governed by a seven-member board of directors, and is responsible for water supply, flood protection and watershed management in Santa Clara County. The district encompasses all of the county’s 1,300 square miles and serves the area’s 15 cities, 1.7 million residents and more than 200,000 commuters. Our responsibilities flow from our dual missions: to provide high quality water, and to manage flood and storm waters along the county’s 700 miles of creeks and rivers. The mission of the district is a healthy, safe, and enhanced quality of living in Santa Clara County through the comprehensive management of water resources in a practical, cost-effective and environmentally sensitive manner. The Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County’s 2 million residents. The district effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 400 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and more than 275 miles of streams. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses throughout Santa Clara County. Who We Are A seven-member Board of Directors governs Valley Water. We are an ethnically diverse, family friendly organization with employees who are committed to public service and work collaboratively with other agencies (all levels of government, community-based organizations, and neighborhood organizations) in carrying out our mission. Be a Part of It Valley Water strives to attract, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. Many of our employees have worked at the district for more than 20 years. Our employees come from diverse, cultural and professional backgrounds. The district promotes high performance, diversity and equal employment opportunities. We offer careers in a wide range of fields. We Value Our Employees  The district’s salaries and benefits are highly competitive.  The district supports employee development through tuition reimbursement, certification, management development training, safety training, on-line training and apprenticeship programs.  Please use the links at left to explore our current job openings, salary and classification information, benefits packages, Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity programs. We Value Excellence The district values Excellence in Innovation, Integrity, Transparency and Teamwork. Our Workforce Development Program helps to guide our employees into the future by providing a systematic framework to facilitate the efficient, effective use of resources, which guides the development of a training curriculum based on business needs to enhance job knowledge and skills of the District’s workforce, and promotes professional development. We Support Veterans The Veteran’s Employee Resource Group provides assistance and supports Veteran affairs at Valley Water. Over the past ten years the district has participated in external support activities including care package drives for troops stationed overseas, as well as participating in the “Cell Phones for Troops” program. In recognition of our employees who are veterans, a celebration is held annually around Veteran’s Day and features speakers and topics of historical interest. We Value Diversity The district is committed to creating an inclusive work environment which recognizes and supports the diversity of our community and enriches our perspectives.  

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    Job Description

    Water Plant Operator

     

    Valley Water

     

    Salary: $109,865.60 - $140,712.00 Annually

     

    Job Type: Full-Time

     

    Job Number: 01886-E

     

    Location: CA, CA

     

    Department: Treated Water

     

    Closing: 5/4/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

     

    Description

     

    Overview:

    The Water Plant Operator will perform the duties of a state-designated shift operator in the monitoring and operation of a water treatment plant, to provide relief operations shift coverage and, as necessary, to perform the duties of an Assistant Water Plant Operator. The Water Plant Operator will use the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations. They will analyze data to ensure compliance with all State and Federal drinking water standards and perform administrative procedures. The Water Plant Operator will train and sign-off training checklists for lower-level operations staff. They will perform scheduled and emergency plant shutdowns and start-ups. Additionally, they will complete safety trainings and follow safety protocols. Please note that this position is based at our Penitencia Water Treatment Plant.

     

    Our Commitment: We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.About Valley Water:Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San Jose, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

     

    Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

     

    • As the state-designated shift operator, oversee all plant activities on an assigned shift; maintain situational awareness of, or assist in, maintenance, engineering, and construction work, special projects, contractors, non-plant Valley Water employees, and all plant visitors; represent the treatment plant with personnel located offsite such as retailers, regulators, other Valley Water plants and support units, and other water agencies; direct the activities of the operator on shift; and formulate production and quality related decisions.
    • Use the plant's computer based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations; investigate and respond to alarms; scan multiple computer monitors simultaneously; navigate a multitude of program screens to observe, track, and retrieve on-line instrument readings for water, chemicals, and equipment.
    • Perform various administrative tasks such as data entry into spreadsheets and database programs, initiate and follow up on work orders for preventative and corrective maintenance; create and revise standard operating procedures; order chemicals; maintain, compile, and review plant operations data; complete entries into the plant's log book.
    • Serve in the role of Relief Operator on as needed/rotational basis.
    • Perform scheduled and emergency plant shutdowns and startups.
    • Train lower-level operator staff; sign off on training checklists.

     

    Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

     

    Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

     

    Ideal Experience:

     

    Water Plant Operator Experience: Three (3) or more years of experience performing work as a licensed operator at a water treatment plant that is rated as a T-4 or higher facility.

     

    Ideal Skills and Abilities:

     

    • Working experience/expertise in operating and troubleshooting standard and advanced water treatment plant equipment
    • Proficient in water treatment math and chemistry
    • Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), SCADA, Maximo.

     

    Ideal Knowledge:

     

    • Understanding of key regulations, reporting procedures and requirements of drinking water
    • Knowledge of safe work practices around water treatment plant chemicals and equipment
    • Knowledge of practices and responsibilities of leading the work of assigned staff
    • Understanding and familiarity with new or pending regulations such as algal toxicity.

     

    Ideal Training and Education:

     

    Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college.

     

    Required License or Certificate

     

    Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

     

    Possession of a valid Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

     

    To review the Classification Specification, please click https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/valleywater.org.us-west-1/s3fs-public/Water%20Plant%20Operator%2012-2020.pdf https://get.adobe.com/reader/

     

    North Water Treatment Operations Unit (Position Code 557)

     

    Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

     

    This position requires the individual to be onsite and is typically not a teleworking position.

     

    Selection Process

     

    (1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview.

    (2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.

     

    NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.

    Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.

    Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.

     

    Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.

     

    Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.

     

    To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6171443

     

    Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

     

    https://www.jobelephant.com/

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    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Wastewater Treatment Jobs in the United States

Wastewater Treatment Jobs in the United States

As the demand for clean and safe water rises, wastewater department jobs are essential in maintaining public health and protecting the environment. These positions offer opportunities for qualified applicants who are passionate about ensuring that wastewater is properly treated before it is released into the atmosphere or reused.

Professionals in the wastewater field are key members of the teams responsible for managing, operating, and maintaining the facilities that handle sewage and industrial wastewater. With roles ranging from plant operators to engineers, these careers are critical to the smooth operation of municipal and industrial water treatment systems.

 

Wastewater Treatment Careers

Wastewater treatment careers offer a range of positions, each with unique duties and responsibilities. Job seekers can find job postings in various cities for roles that involve overseeing the daily operations of treatment facilities.

These jobs help ensure that treatment plants meet regulatory standards, reduce environmental contamination, and manage the infrastructure that processes wastewater. The wastewater treatment field offers various career paths, whether you’re interested in plant operations, supervisory, or administrative positions.

From a detailed job summary to specific requirements, each posting in this field outlines opportunities for qualified applicants looking to make a difference in environmental management.

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Types of Wastewater Treatment Jobs

The wastewater treatment sector offers a range of job roles, from entry-level to management positions. Here are some common types of wastewater treatment jobs:

  1. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
    Operators are responsible for running and maintaining equipment that treats wastewater. They monitor plant systems, adjust chemical levels, and ensure the treatment process runs smoothly. Operators are the backbone of any wastewater treatment facility, performing regular inspections and troubleshooting equipment.
  2. Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor
    Supervisors manage teams of plant operators, overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and monitoring plant performance. They also handle scheduling, training, and ensuring the facility operates efficiently.
  3. Code Enforcement Officer II
    In this role, officers ensure compliance with municipal codes and regulations related to wastewater treatment. They inspect facilities, review permits, and address violations to maintain environmental safety and public health.
  4. Public Works Lead: Water
    This role involves managing the operations and maintenance of public water systems, ensuring that wastewater is treated and safely returned to the environment. Public Works Leads coordinate with different departments and manage water distribution and treatment teams.
  5. Source and Supply Field Supervisor
    Field supervisors oversee the collection and treatment of water, ensuring that it meets the required standards. They work with engineers and operators to ensure efficient system operation and compliance with environmental regulations.
  6. Permit Review Engineer (Engineer III)
    Engineers review permit applications for wastewater facilities, ensuring that construction and operation plans comply with environmental laws. They approve projects and ensure they meet safety and regulatory standards.
  7. General Manager
    The General Manager leads the overall operation of a wastewater treatment plant, overseeing staff, financial management, and long-term strategy. This role is crucial in ensuring the plant meets regulatory requirements and operates efficiently.
  8. Principal Engineer
    Principal Engineers are responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving wastewater treatment infrastructure. They collaborate with other engineers and supervisors to develop systems that meet operational and environmental requirements.
 

Job Responsibilities

Wastewater treatment professionals are tasked with critical responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of treatment plants and compliance with environmental laws. Some of the key duties include:

  • Operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities
    Operators monitor systems, adjust chemical levels, and perform regular maintenance to keep the plant running efficiently.
  • Monitor the performance of processes and equipment
    Monitoring involves checking various treatment processes to ensure equipment functions correctly and meets safety standards.
  • Develop and implement safety policies and procedures
    Supervisors and managers are responsible for creating safety protocols to protect workers and the public from potential hazards.
  • Manage construction projects and ensure compliance with building codes
    Engineers and managers oversee the development and construction of new treatment facilities, ensuring that all work complies with local and federal codes.
  • Provide administrative support to the Public Works Department
    Administrative staff handle paperwork, manage budgets, and ensure the department runs smoothly.
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  • Operate and maintain utility systems
    This includes managing the electrical, mechanical, and chemical systems that keep wastewater treatment plants operational.
 

Qualifications and Requirements

Wastewater treatment jobs have specific educational and skill requirements, depending on the level and type of position.

  • Education and Training
    Many positions require an associate’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field. Technical certifications and licenses, such as a Minnesota Boiler Operator License or a Certified Water Treatment Operator certification, are often required.
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  • Experience
    Most wastewater treatment jobs require several years of experience in equipment maintenance, plant operations, or a related field. For supervisory and managerial roles, candidates need leadership experience and expertise in overseeing plant operations.
  • Licensing
    Positions like Plant Operators often require specific licenses, such as a Class D Driver’s License or a boiler operator license. Knowledge of plumbing, electrical systems, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and HVAC systems is also essential.
 

Work Environment

Working in wastewater treatment can be physically demanding, with operators often requiring lifting heavy equipment and working in fast-paced environments. The nature of the job may require working from home part-time, especially in managerial roles, and traveling within the region.

  • Hours and Physical Demands
    Wastewater treatment professionals typically work full-time, with opportunities for overtime. Physical tasks may include lifting up to 50 pounds and handling hazardous materials. Salaries range from $30,000 to over $100,000 annually, depending on the position and experience level. Benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Job Search and Application

Finding wastewater treatment jobs can be as straightforward as searching online job boards, such as government websites, or networking with professionals in the industry. Some tips for finding jobs in this field include:

  • Search job postings on Indeed, Glassdoor, and government job boards.
  • Network with professionals through industry associations or LinkedIn.
  • Check with local government agencies and water treatment plants for job openings.
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  • Consider working with recruitment agencies specializing in environmental or public works careers.
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Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations

Maintenance and management are critical aspects of wastewater treatment plant operations. Operators and supervisors ensure that all equipment runs efficiently and perform regular inspections to prevent breakdowns. Responsibilities include:

  • Scheduling and assigning tasks to the maintenance team.
  • Managing preventative maintenance to avoid equipment failure.
  • Assisting with construction and repair projects.
 

Environmental Review and Regulations

Wastewater treatment professionals must comply with strict environmental regulations. Ensuring compliance with environmental permits is a key part of the job. This involves conducting environmental assessments, developing policies, and collaborating with regulatory agencies.

 

Career Advancement

Wastewater treatment offers numerous opportunities for career advancement, particularly for individuals willing to pursue certifications and further education. Certifications such as the Certified Water Treatment Operator (CWTO) can open doors to higher-level positions, including management roles. Networking within the industry and attending workshops or training sessions can also lead to new job opportunities.

 

Job Benefits and Salary

Wastewater treatment jobs offer competitive salaries and benefits. Entry-level positions typically start around $30,000 annually, while supervisory and managerial roles can pay upwards of $100,000 annually. Benefits often include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off.

 

Conclusion

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The wastewater treatment industry is vital, offering numerous job opportunities across various skill levels. Whether you’re interested in hands-on roles such as a plant operator or a managerial position overseeing operations, this field provides a unique chance to contribute to water wastewater management, environmental protection, and public health.

As a key member of this essential industry, you’ll play a crucial role in maintaining clean water systems for your city and community. With the right education, training, and experience, wastewater treatment professionals can secure long-term careers. By reviewing job postings in this field, you can find opportunities that offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and the potential for career advancement.

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