Water Plant Operator

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 shut-downs and start-ups. Additionally, they will complete safety trainings and follow safety protocols.

About Valley Water

Valley Water's mission is to provide Santa Clara County with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. The FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget of $1.284 billion supports approximately 876 employees. With headquarters in San José, 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

• 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 operations staff; sign off on training checklists.

Ideal 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.

Compensation

Salary: $118,248.00 - $151,465.60 Annually

Schedule

Full-Time

North Water Treatment Operations Unit (Position Code 233)

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.