Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

Position Information

This recruitment is to fill one position in the at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Operator positions are currently scheduled to work five days per week, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and may include coverage of weekends (typically every third week), depending on staff assignment. This shift is subject to change with notice from management. Employees may be required to work varying shifts on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and standby/on call hours for emergency call services.

The Operator III position requires possession of an active Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate III, or higher, issued by the State of California. Applicants must attach a copy of their valid certificate to their application.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the Wastewater Treatment Plant is looking for an individual who:

• is highly motivated;
• has excellent interpersonal and communication skills (positive and respectful demeanor, able to work independently with a minimum of supervision, maintains courteous relationships with fellow employees and the general public);
• can respond to emergencies as requested;
• has experience working with computer based wastewater process control systems such as SCADA systems and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS);
• and has good analytical, reasoning, and problem solving skills.

Union: Operators are covered by the Stationary Engineers, Local 39 (L39) labor group.

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis, until further notice.

Job Description

Under general supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Manager and direct supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator, to perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift; to act as shift supervisor in the absence of the Wastewater Treatment Supervisor, exercising functional and technical supervision over other plant operations personnel; to perform related work as required.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent;
• Monitor gauges, meters and control panels;
• Observe variation in operating conditions;
• Interpret meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements and make adjustments as necessary within prescribed plant operating procedures and criteria;
• Operate valves and gates;
• Start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes;
• Operate and maintain boilers, centrifuges and digesters;
• Perform routine facility and grounds maintenance work;
• Operate Type A, B and C equipment on plant site to move and transport biosolids and perform related work;
• Operate computer equipment and software;
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses;
• Maintain shift log and record meter and gauge readings ;
• Supervise and train less experienced operators;
• Prepare technical reports as required;
• Act as shift supervisor in the absence of the Wastewater Treatment Supervisor, functioning with little or no direct supervision;
• Perform related assignments as necessary.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of plant machinery;
• Activated sludge biological processes;
• Toxic waste effects; State discharge requirements;
• Solids dewatering practices;
• Interpretation of laboratory results;
• Process balancing; plant emergency response measures, safety requirements and procedures;
• Effluent disinfection; basic policies and procedures for plant operation and maintenance equivalent to those utilized by the City of Chico.

Ability to:

• Use tools necessary in making general repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps and other equipment;
• Read meters and gauges correctly and to act quickly and competently;
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests;
• Effectively use related computer software and equipment;
• Perform all plant operations in a safe and efficient manner without direct supervision.

Education and Experience:

Education :

Completion of specialized training in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant and equipment plus additional college level course work in chemistry, biology or a related science.

Experience : Two years of experience performing duties similar to those assigned to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a Grade III or higher active Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.
• Possession of a valid California Driver License.

Additional Information

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; talk and hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Use of motor vehicle, generators, pumps, gauges, common hand power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and a variety of lab equipment.
Environmental Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts is and occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.

The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 4/26/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Chico

• 530-879-7905

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