Water Agency Plant Operator

About the role

Be part of the solution—keep water sustainable in Sonoma County. Bring your water and wastewater experience to the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) and become a Plant Operator!

Responsibilities

• Maintain reservoir levels and coordinate water storage, usage, and user allotments
• Read, record, and maintain detailed operational records
• Monitor and control the operation of the wastewater treatment plants
• Utilize supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, laboratory results, and plant process equipment to optimize the biological process and achieve high-quality plant effluent
• Operate pumps, valves, chlorinators, telemetry controls, sludge presses, and other water and wastewater flow regulating controls and equipment
• Perform routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples using accepted analytical techniques and interpret the results
• Compute volumes and percentages using both standard and metric systems

Requirements

• California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Plant Operator Grade II or higher
• California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 or higher
• California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 or higher (desired)

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment, have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and will possess many of the following:

• The written and verbal communication skills needed to effectively collaborate with a diverse group of co-workers, write reports, and present to stakeholders
• The ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical plant issues
• An understanding of biological processes and their functions
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel
• Some experience with SCADA
• The ability to remain calm, perform well under pressure, and potentially deal with emergency situations

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical plant issues
• An understanding of biological processes and their functions
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel
• Some experience with SCADA
• The ability to remain calm, perform well under pressure, and potentially deal with emergency situations

Benefits

What We Offer

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Senior Water Agency Plant Operator (annual salary up to $153,027)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retail Pension - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Note: Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers Local 39 Memorandum of Understanding and our Employee Benefits Directory.

Pay

Salary is negotiable within the established range.

Schedule

Operators in need of computer system desk hours may be assigned these shifts in order to meet certification requirements. Additionally, California Water Code sections 13625-13633 require that all Water/Wastewater Certificate requirements listed in the Minimum Qualifications be issued by the State of California (in compliance with State Water Resources Control Board regulations).

About Sonoma Water

Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions, including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs. Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma.