Water Reclamation Plant Operator I/II/III/OIT

This recruitment is being conducted to establish an eligibility list to fulfill current and future needs during the life of the eligibility list (up to one year). There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy assigned to the Tapia Water Reclamation Plant. New salary ranges will be effective 01/01/2026, with the starting Step and top Step as follows:

Water Reclamation Plant Operator-in-Training: $30.3789/hr to $41.8105/hr

Water Reclamation Plant Operator I: $35.2303/ hr to $48.4874

Water Distribution Operator II: $38.8875/hr to $53.5209/hr

Water Distribution Operator III: $46.2251/hr to $63.6196/hr

Under general supervision of the Chief Water Reclamation Plant Operator and/or Compost Operations Supervisor, a Water Reclamation Plant Operator I, II, III operates, maintains and repairs the water reclamation plant and/or the composting facility and maintains and performs minor repair work on a variety of water reclamation components; while a Water Reclamation Plant Operator-in-Training assists in such duties under close supervision.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a flexibly staffed series. A Water Reclamation Plant Operator-in-Training (OIT) operates at a trainee level, learning to perform the tasks associated with either the treatment facility or the composting facility. An OIT assists in performing the duties associated with the classification. Upon completion of training and obtaining a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, the OIT must meet designated performance standards to be promoted to Water Reclamation Plant Operator I.

A Water Reclamation Plant Operator I performs all tasks associated with either the treatment facility or the composting facility and is eligible to serve composting facility standby if requirements are met. Employees are promoted to the II level when the following requirements are met: (1) meets the performance standards of the higher level as designated by the division; and (2) acquires appropriate wastewater certification.

A Water Reclamation Plant Operator II independently performs all duties and assignments with little supervision, trains lower-level operators, and is eligible to serve composting facility standby if requirements are met. Employees are promoted to the III level when the following requirements are met: (1) meets the performance standards of the higher level as designated by the division; (2) acquires appropriate wastewater certification; and (3) meets standby requirements.

A Water Reclamation Plant Operator III is thoroughly familiar with the interrelationship of all process units, has greater authority to provide technical guidance and coordinate phases of operational activities, and can independently operate either or both the water reclamation facility and/or the composting facility. Water Reclamation Plant Operator IIIs are required to serve standby at their assigned facility and may act as "Operator in Charge" in the absence of the Chief Water Reclamation Plant Operator, Compost Operations Supervisor, or Senior Water Reclamation Plant Operator.

Water Reclamation Plant Operators are required to work after-hours, on-call, and other unusual times.

The Recruitment Process Will Consist Of An Application Screening, 1st Round (structured) Interview, And 2nd Round (selection) Interview. The Tentative Date Ranges For The Interviews Are Listed Below

1st Round Interview Date Range: February 2 - 13, 2026

2nd Round Interview Date Range: February 16 - 20, 2026

Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail.

Monitors the operations of the water reclamation plant or composting facility electrical generators, air compressors, screens, belt filter presses, centrifuges, agitators, mechanical bar screens, various types of pumps, motors and other equipment.

Assists in the general operation and maintenance of water reclamation plant, composting facility or composting, sewage lift stations, centrate treatment and sludge injection activities; inspects various plant systems and makes necessary changes and adjustments; controls the flow of various materials to equipment for proper operation, including electrical generators, chlorination/dechlorination, air compressors, cyclones, screens, belt presses and pumps; assists in monitoring the plant performance, process trends and equipment status on the computer.

Inspects and performs light maintenance and makes semiskilled repairs to plant equipment; greases, lubricates, replaces filters and performs other preventive maintenance work on engines and pumps; cleans, washes and paints in various areas and on pieces of equipment; unplugs lines; performs pump capacity efficiency tests. May respond to after-hours calls including sewer issues and odor complaints.

Injects sludge at the solids disposal farm and is responsible for the transmission and storage of the sludge, the farming and upkeep of the land, pump stations, buildings and tanks.

Collects plant samples, performs routine laboratory analysis and coordinates equipment calibration.

Disposes of grit, sludge, and effluent in compliance with State and Federal Regulation; controls the flow of chemicals, polymers, sewage, sludge, air and water throughout the unit processes; adjusts reclaimed water flows to the distribution system; stocks and adds chemicals to the reclamation and/or compost processes.

Reads and interprets instrumentation on equipment and unit processes; enters and retrieves data from the computer, reports problems to supervisory personnel; prepares reports; maintains records and logs plant activities. Provides leadership and training to junior operators.

Maintains good public relations with customers and the public.

Performs work in a safe manner at all times; complies with safety and health policies, procedures and practices; attends and completes all mandatory safety training courses and events; and works to insure the safety of co-workers and the general public.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Demonstrated Knowledge Of And Performance In The Following Areas

- Proper and safe use of various hand and power tools and equipment employed in basic repair and maintenance work;

- Principles, methods and tools employed in the installation, repair and maintenance of water reclamation plant equipment and facilities;

- Principles and state requirements relative to primary, secondary and tertiary sewage treatment; water reclamation plant operations and water reclamation plant equipment;

- Safe working practices necessary in working with tools and with hazardous materials and chemicals;

- Safe work practices regarding entry of confined spaces.

Ability To

- Perform manual labor; use basic hand tools; perform minor repair and maintenance tasks;

- Learn to operate of variety of equipment;

- Learn appropriate safety precautions and procedures;

- Understand Water Reclamation Plant and Compost Facility operations and equipment;

- Perform basic mathematical computations, keep accurate records;

- Read and understand written operating procedures and equipment maintenance manuals;

- Understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions;

- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, supervisors, customers and the public;

- Take samples and perform routine laboratory tests.

Physical And Sensory Requirements

- Sufficient eyesight to read standard text and data on computer terminal screens;

- Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone;

- Manual dexterity to use hand and power tools;

- Ability to reach, bend or stoop in performing work;

- Ability to lift and carry up to approximately forty pounds of equipment and/or materials;

- Ability to operate mechanical equipment and trucks.

Required

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed), typically: EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent is required. College course work in water or wastewater treatment is desirable.

Experience

Water Reclamation Plant Operator-in-Training – No experience required

Water Reclamation Plant Operator I – One (1) year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a water reclamation or wastewater treatment plant.

Water Reclamation Plant Operator II – Two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a water reclamation or wastewater treatment plant.

Water Reclamation Plant Operator III - Three (3) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a water reclamation or wastewater treatment plant, and must meet standby requirements for assigned facility.

Required Certifications, Licenses, And Registrations

A valid California class C driver’s license must be maintained at all times.

Water Reclamation Plant Operator-in-Training - An Operator-in-Training Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required within 90 days of employment. A Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required within 18 months of appointment.

Water Reclamation Plant Operator I - A Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required.

Water Reclamation Plant Operator II - A Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required.

Water Reclamation Plant Operator III – A Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required.

Desired Certifications, Licenses, And Registrations

Water Reclamation Plant Operator I - A Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is desirable.

Water Reclamation Plant Operator II - A Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is desirable.

Water Reclamation Plant Operator III - A Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is desirable.

It is the policy of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical impairment, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, or age (except where a bona fide occupational qualification). The District will act to ensure equal treatment to all persons in matters affecting recruitment, hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, assignment, benefits, training, and layoff practices, and any other matters affecting employment with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. The same policy applies to all qualified Vietnam- era veterans, disabled veterans or other persons with disabilities that are capable of performing a particular job with reasonable accommodation to their disability. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing, upon applying.