Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I/II

Job Description:

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I/II

Description

Description

PLEASE READ THIS BULLETIN IN ITS ENTIRETY

THE POSITION

5% COLA increase effective July 2025 and July 2026

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one full-time vacancy. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year.

The City of Vallejo is seeking candidates for one Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I/II position as a collaborative member of the City's Water Department. The ideal Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I will possess the ability to learn and perform a variety of basic and routine tasks required in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment and distribution facilities. The ideal Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee II will possess the ability to perform a variety of moderate tasks required in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment and distribution facilities

THE DEPARTMENT
The Vallejo Water Department is a dynamic organization engaged in growth and positive change for the benefit of our customers and community. The Department provides potable water to 121,000 customers through a highly complex system including multiple raw water sources, three treatment plants, a Sludge Dewatering Facility, 600 miles of distribution pipes, 8 pressure zones, 27 pump stations and 37,000 service connections. Vallejo Water is a Treatment-5/Distribution-5system. In 2017, Vallejo water services transitioned from a division of Public Works, to a standalone Water Department reporting directly to the City Manager. This change gives drinking water-related operations and issues greater visibility and strategic direction for the benefit of rate-payers. The Water Department’s strategic goals include: infrastructure reliability, public trust, sustainability, organizational performance and financial viability.

The Water Department has six Divisions: Water Treatment, Engineering, Distribution, Watershed and Facilities Management and Administration/Conservation. The Water Quality Division of the Water Department is an important stakeholder in projects unfolding in Vallejo and the Advance Water Treatment Plant Operator is a key member of the team.
THE CITY OF VALLEJO

The City of Vallejo is located in Solano County and has a population of approximately 121,000 residents. Vallejo is a rapidly changing, highly diverse community located midway between the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento. It is a friendly, active waterfront community that attracts innovative, hardworking people and takes great pride in its 148-year history and maritime heritage. Residents of Vallejo are situated to take advantage of the best of what the area has to offer. Golf, museums, performing arts, boutique shopping, brewpubs and a wide selection of restaurants are all available in Vallejo. Residents and visitors alike enjoy Vallejo’s delightful historical downtown area, weekly downtown farmer’s market, and beautifully restored Victorian homes and business facades. Vallejo is also home to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, one of America’s only combination wildlife, oceanarium and theme parks.
SALARY
Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I: $27.4838 - $33.4069 per hour; $2,198.70 - $2,672.55 bi-weekly; $4,763.86 - $5,790.53 monthly; $57,166.30 - $69,486.35 annually
Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee II: $30.3707 - $36.9157 per hour; $2,429.66 - $2,953.26 bi-weekly; $5,264.26 - $6,398.72 monthly; $63,171.06 - $76,784.66 annually

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I: This is the first trainee level classification in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. This is an entry level classification with limited or no directly related experience required, representing the first level of a progressive classification series designed to prepare an incumbent over the course of thirty-six (36) months from date of hire into this classification, to qualify as a journey-level shift operator, certified by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) as a Grade T3 Water Treatment Plant Operator. Within thirty-six (36) months of the date of hire into this classification, incumbents are expected to have obtained the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to qualify for advancement into the classification of Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee II, and on to the destination classification of Water Treatment Plant Operator. Incumbents receive training and close supervision and are assigned tasks that are routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision making. This classification is distinguished from the Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee II class, in that the latter is the second trainee level classification, serving as the intermediate step toward preparation for advancement to the full journey level Water Treatment Plant Operator Class.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee II: This is the second trainee level classification in the Water Treatment Plant Operator series. This is an intermediate level classification, with incumbents having some directly related experience and having successfully obtained their Grade T2 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification; representing the second level of a progressive classification series designed to prepare an incumbent over the course of twenty-four (24) months from date of advancement into this classification, to qualify as a journey-level shift operator, certified by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) as a Grade T3 Water Treatment Plant Operator. Within twenty-four (24) months of the date of advancement into this classification, incumbents are expected to have obtained the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to qualify for advancement into the classification of Water Treatment Plant Operator. Employees in this class normally have some directly related work experience and are not yet prepared to perform the full range of work assigned to the journey-level classification of Water Treatment Plant Operator. Incumbents continue to receive training and close supervision and are expected to apply acquired job skills to complete tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Judgment is exercised within defined guidelines and procedures to determine appropriate action. This classification is distinguished from the Water Treatment Plant Operator class, in that the latter is the journey level position responsible for independently performing the full range of shift operator duties and maintenance involved in the City's drinking water treatment plant, transmission, distribution systems, and appurtenances.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I:

• Receives lead direction from Water Treatment Plant Operators and Senior Water Treatment Plant Operators, and immediate supervision from Water Treatment Plant Supervisors and/or other supervisory or management staff.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee II:

• Receives lead direction from Water Treatment Plant Operators and Senior Water Treatment Plant Operators, and immediate supervision from Water Treatment Plant Supervisors and other supervisory or management staff.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I

• Learn to operate, monitor, adjust and control functions within a water treatment plant, distribution system and sludge de-watering facility, using local controls and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
• Learn to operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
• Learn to regulate the flow of water into and through the source water transmission system, the water treatment plant, and the distribution system.
• Learn to record entries, update and maintain plant operation logs, forms and reports; learn to perform and document calculations related to plant operational activities.
• Learn to monitor water quality by use of online instrumentation, sampling procedures, and performing analyses using standardized testing methods, tools, and equipment in a plant process laboratory, and at various stages in the treatment process.
• Learn to mix and apply chemicals for use at various stages in the treatment process.
• Learn to calculate dosages and adjust chemical feeders/chemical injection pumps for proper operation and application of chemicals in order to ensure a high finished water quality standard.
• Learn to work with hazardous chemicals related to water treatment and laboratory operations; receive training in and assist in spill prevention and response at City facilities.
• Learn to maintain plant, operating equipment and facilities in a clean and orderly condition; perform routine housekeeping inside and outside the plant and conduct regular site safety inspections as directed.
• Learn to dispatch call-out personnel as required for emergency situations at all hours.
• Learn to assist in the receiving, safe unloading and storage of chemicals and materials by hand and by use of motorized and mechanical equipment.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee II

• Operate, monitor, and adjust control functions within a water treatment plant, distribution system and sludge de-watering facility, using local controls and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
• Operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
• Regulate the flow of water into and through the source water transmission system, the water treatment plant, and the distribution system.
• Record entries, update and maintain plant operation logs, forms and reports; perform and document calculations related to plant operational activities.
• Monitor water quality through online instrumentation, sampling procedures, and performing analyses using standardized testing methods, tools, and equipment in a plant process laboratory, and at various stages in the treatment process.
• Mix and apply chemicals for use at various stages in the treatment process.
• Calculate dosages and adjust chemical feeders/chemical injection pumps for proper operation and application of chemicals in order to ensure a high finished water quality standard.
• Work with hazardous chemicals related to water treatment and laboratory operations; receive training in and assist in spill prevention and response at City facilities.
• Maintain plant, operating equipment and facilities in a clean and orderly condition; perform routine housekeeping inside and outside the plant and conduct regular site safety inspections.
• Learn to dispatch call-out personnel as required for emergency situations at all hours.
• Receive, safely unload and store chemicals and materials by hand and by use of motorized and mechanical equipment.
• Safely operate a City-owned motor vehicle for travel to a number of pumping stations and water distribution and treatment facilities; operate City communication equipment.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I

KNOWLEDGE OF :

• Basic principles of mathematics, biology, chemistry, and applied hydraulics.
• Basic computer (PC) skills in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Safe work practices and use of related personal protective equipment.

ABILITY TO :

• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Accurately read, interpret and document information from instruments and recording devices.
• Learn how to read and interpret plant piping and distribution diagrams and other technical documents.
• Identify problems and hazardous situations.
• Learn the practices, procedures, techniques, regulations, and laws pertaining to water treatment plant
• and distribution system operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work any shift, rotations, weekends, and holidays, at any Water Department facility. Water
• Treatment Plant Operators may be assigned and required to report directly to any City treatment
• facility location, and to travel to alternate duty/work locations and offsite meetings.
• Lift 55 pounds and move heavy chemical containers safely.
• Wear respiratory protection equipment as required; perform required duties while wearing a Self-
• Contained Breath Apparatus (SCBA).

Experience and Education
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience:

None required. Related experience is desirable.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, and ability to maintain, a valid driver's license.
  
• The ability to obtain the Grade T2 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within twelve (12) months of the date of hire is required. Once hired into this classification, failure to obtain the Grade T2 certification within the 12 months or two (2) State provided/mandated testing cycles, will result in termination of employment.
  
• Possession of current and valid certifications for Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Entry, CPR/First Aid, and Fork Lift Safety at the time of appointment is desirable, but must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment and maintained thereafter.
  

*Any license, certification, or registration required for this position shall be maintained (i.e. active and in good standing) at all times during employment with City of Vallejo. For continued employment with City of Vallejo, you must maintain such license, certification, or registration to meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Pursuant to California Government Code, Title 1 Division 4, Chapter 8, Section 3100 "all public employees have been declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law."
• Must be medically approved for wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and maintain facial hair at all times as required to not interfere with wearing respiratory protection equipment.
• Must maintain the ability to perform required duties while wearing SCBA.
• Must be able to work safely while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Work on an unscheduled basis for emergency situations; must be willing to work any day and any shift within a 24-hour period as assigned, including rotations, holidays, weekends and overtime as needed.
• Must be able to pass a stringent background check to enter the Travis Air Force Base Water facility.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee II

KNOWLEDGE OF :

• Standard principles of mathematics, biology, chemistry, and hydraulics as applied in the operation of a drinking water treatment facility.
• Standard principles and practices of drinking water treatment plant operations, as well as applicable drinking water standards and regulations.
• Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, motors, controls, instrumentation and telemetry.
• Basic computer (PC) skills in Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Safety regulations pertaining to industrial work practices and use of related equipment.

ABILITY TO :

• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Read and interpret plant piping and distribution diagrams and other technical documents.
• Identify problems and hazardous situations.
• Learn and apply daily practices, procedures, techniques, regulations, and laws pertaining to water treatment plant and distribution system operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work any shift, rotation, weekends, and holidays, at any Water Department facility. Water Treatment Plant Operators may be assigned and required to report directly to any City treatment facility location, and to travel to alternate duty/work locations and offsite meetings.
• Lift 55 pounds and move heavy chemical containers safely.
• Perform simple to moderately complex tasks while wearing Level A personal protective equipment.
• Wear respiratory protection equipment as required; perform required duties while wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Experience and Education
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience:

A minimum of twelve (12) months of experience within the classification of Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I with the City of Vallejo or two (2) years’ experience performing duties similar to those of a Water Treatment Plant Operator II with a valid T2 license.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Successful completion of relevant courses required in order to obtain Grade T2 certification from the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, and ability to maintain, a valid driver’s license.
  
• Possession of, and ability to maintain, a Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Failure to maintain appropriate certification throughout employment for this classification will result in termination of employment.
  
• The ability to obtain the Grade T3 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within twenty-four (24) months of the date of hire is required. Once hired into this classification, failure to obtain the Grade T3 certification within 24 months will result in termination of employment.
  
• Possession of current and valid certifications for Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Entry, CPR/First Aid, and Fork Lift Safety at the time of appointment is desirable, but must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment and maintained thereafter.
  

*Any license, certification, or registration required for this position shall be maintained (i.e. active and in good standing) at all times during employment with City of Vallejo. For continued employment with City of Vallejo, you must maintain such license, certification, or registration to meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Pursuant to California Government Code, Title 1 Division 4, Chapter 8, Section 3100 "all public employees have been declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law."
• Must be medically approved for wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and maintain facial hair at all times as required to not interfere with wearing respiratory protection equipment.
• Must maintain the ability to perform required duties while wearing SCBA.
• Must be able to work safely while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Work on an unscheduled basis for emergency situations; must be willing to work any day and any shift within a 24-hour period as assigned, including rotations, holidays, weekends and overtime as needed.
• Must be able to pass a stringent background check to enter the Travis Air Force Base Water facility.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The Recruitment & Selection Process

1. Applications are due by 5:00 P.M. on Monday, May 12, 2025. Applicants must submit a completed City of Vallejo online application, including all responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Resume/Cover Letter Optional), by the posted deadline in order to be considered.

NOTE: If you have problems creating a user account, obtaining your already created account information, or submitting your online application, please contact governmentjobs.com applicant support directly at 855-524-5627. City of Vallejo staff are unable to assist with these issues.

2. Applications will be screened for overall qualifications the week of May 12, 2025.
3. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental responses scored by subject matter experts the week of May 19, 2025. The most qualified applicants from the scoring of the supplemental questions will be invited for an Oral Panel Interview.

4. Oral Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place the week of May 26, 2025. Oral Panel Interviews are weighted at 100% of the candidates’ score. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70%. Those achieving 70% or higher will be placed on the Register of Eligibles (eligible list) and may be considered to fill positions for up to one year.

The City reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to those determined to be best qualified based upon all requested application materials, including training and experience, current resume, and responses to supplemental questions.

5. Candidates placed on the Register of Eligibles (eligible list) will be referred to the department for final interviews based on their performance in the exam. The number of candidates referred for a hiring interview is at the discretion of the hiring department.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The City of Vallejo is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, assessment or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department to request an accommodation. Please contact April Adams at (707) 648-4378 or send an email to: april.adams@cityofvallejo.net no later than May 12, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

PRIOR TO HIRE
The selected candidate will be required to: 1) Submit to reference checks 2) Submit to and successfully pass a pre-employment background check, including fingerprint check. 3) Successfully complete a job-related pre-placement medical exam. 4) Provide proof of legal right to work in the United States.

Disaster Service Workers - All City of Vallejo ("City") employees are designated Disaster Service Workers ("DSW") by state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all DSW-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Veteran's Preference - Veteran's preference points will be applied in accordance with Civil Service Rule 24. A copy of the DD 214 form must be filed at time of application.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Vallejo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Click here for benefit information for International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers Employees (IBEW):

Closing Date/Time: 5/12/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$57,166.30 - $76,784.66 Annually