Description

ABOUT GALT

The City of Galt, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience. Known for its friendly community, excellent schools, and beautiful parks, Galt is an ideal place to live, work, and play. Conveniently situated along Highway 99, Galt provides easy access to both Sacramento and the Bay Area, making it a desirable location for families and professionals alike. The city hosts popular events such as the Galt Market, a vibrant open-air market that draws visitors from across the region. With a strong sense of community, affordable housing, and plenty of recreational opportunities, Galt is a growing city that still holds on to its welcoming, hometown feel. Join us in Galt — the Great American Little Town.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Galt is now accepting applications for

Wastewater System Operator II/III.

**Please note, this recruitment may close without notice once we have received a sufficient number of applicants.

Base Pay Increases:

Effective July 1, 2026:
Wastewater System Operator II - $31.01 - $38.05
Wastewater System Operator III - $37.09 - $45.52

Effective July 1, 2027:
Wastewater System Operator II - $32.73 - $40.17
Wastewater System Operator III - $39.15 - $48.05

ADDITIONAL PAY (UPON ASSIGNMENT AND ELIGIBILITY):

Longevity Pay - beginning at 15 years of service, 5%; 20 years of service, 7.5%.
Bilingual Pay - $100 per month.
Medical-in-lieu - Employees who waive the City's medical coverage shall receive $200 per month for employee only, $350 per month for employee plus one, and $500 per month for family.
Incentives- up to 2.5% - 10%
On Call Pay- Two hours for every normal workday and four hours for every holiday weekend.
Standby Pay- Two hours for each standby shift of 8 hours or less.

BENEFITS:

Home Buying Program - $25,000 interest-free loan to assist with the purchase of a home in Galt city limits.
Tuition Reimbursement - Up to $4,000 per fiscal year.
Holiday Pay - 14 holidays; thirteen (13) paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday. Thirteen (13) fixed holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Vacation Leave- 80 hours per year; after 4 years- 120 hours; after 10 years- 160 hours; after 15 years- 200 hours, and after 22 years- 220 hours.
Vacation Credit - Those with 4+ years of prior public agency experience may request to accrue at a rate of 120 hours.
Vacation Cash Out- Cash out up to forty (40) hours of vacation per year.
Sick Leave- 96 hours per year.
Heath Insurance- City pays a generous portion of the CalPERS medical premium (9 options), City pays 100% for dental and vision premiums.
Life Insurance- City paid $50,000 policy and $1,500 policy for dependents.
Long Term Disability - City-paid policy benefit is up to 60% of base salary.
EAP- Confidential employee assistance plan.

IUOE/REPRESENTED POSITION
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt/Hourly

DEFINITION:

Wastewater System Operator II: Under direct and general supervision, learns, operates, and performs maintenance on equipment, facilities, and related appurtenances found in a secondary, activated sludge wastewater treatment plant and related collection and disposal facilities; takes periodic samples and performs standardized tests to ensure proper operation within established guidelines; assists with preventive maintenance and makes minor repairs to plant facilities and equipment; and performs related work as required.

Wastewater System Operator III: Under direction, leads, trains, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult operation and maintenance on equipment, facilities, and related appurtenances as found in a secondary, activated sludge wastewater treatment plant and related collection and disposal facilities; takes periodic samples and performs standardized tests to ensure proper operation within established guidelines; sets priorities and directs the work of assigned staff on a project or day-to-day basis; provides technical and specialized assistance to the Wastewater Plant Supervisor; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Wastewater Operator II: Receives general supervision from the Wastewater Plant Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Wastewater Operator III: Receives direction from the Wastewater Plant Supervisor. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Wastewater System Operator II: This is the journey-level class in the Wastewater System Operator series. Incumbents are expected to perform a variety of wastewater operator duties without constant instruction and/or supervision. Incumbents are expected to identify maintenance deficiencies and make necessary corrections. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Wastewater System Operator III: This is the advanced journey-lead level in the Wastewater System Operator class series. Incumbents perform the most complex wastewater operator duties and/or tasks without constant instruction and/or supervision. Incumbents are expected to act independently and keep supervisors apprised of their work needs as well as the time and materials needed to complete the tasks in most efficient and timely manner. In addition, incumbents are expected to lead work crews and to provide on-the-job orientation and training to new, full-time, temporary, seasonal, and part-time employees assigned with the incumbents to assist in the completion of assigned functions, tasks, and duties. Incumbents may help staff plan for future assignments and supply needs and are expected to identify maintenance deficiencies and make necessary corrections.

Example of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS(Illustrative Only)Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Wastewater System Operator II:

Monitors plant operations equipment and processes to ensure compliance with environmental and public health standards, including monitoring and making adjustments as needed to optimize efficiency, making chemical dosage changes, changing pumping rates, and monitoring all equipment daily.
Inspects plant operational equipment and facilities on a regularly scheduled basis; reads and records readings of pumps, chemical feed, and other treatment, influent, and effluent equipment.
Reviews and analyzes operational information and revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as instructed.
Operates and performs maintenance and repairs on collection and disposal lines and appurtenances, including lift stations.
Operates and performs preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment, such as pumps, chlorinators, filters, chemical valves, sludge lagoon, bar screens, and agitators.
Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through the plant; operates valves to dispose of plant effluent.
Removes screenings and grit; cleans clarifiers and primary, secondary, and other wastewater equipment and facilities.
Reads, records, and calculates readings of meters and gauges; interprets information into operational characteristics; changes flow meter charts; makes process adjustments according to information gathered, samples collected, readings, and records.
Lubricates pumps, motors, chains, conveyors, and other machinery and equipment; performs preventive maintenance, makes minor repairs to equipment, and reports the need for major repairs.
Maintains facilities and equipment in a clean and orderly condition; performs routine maintenance, painting of machinery, structures, equipment, and piping systems.
Collects wastewater, sludge, and other samples from various phases of the treatment process; performs basic chemical and physical tests on these samples to ensure the plant is operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met.
May assist in preventative maintenance, services equipment and inspects facilities and equipment to determine the need for maintenance or repair.
Confers with maintenance staff to determine equipment problems; suggests methods of resolving problems in an operational setting.
Uses a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment.
Changes recording charts; ensures that chemical feeders have a constant supply of chlorine and other treatment chemicals.
Observes appropriate safety procedures, including those related to the safe handling of chlorine and other treatment chemicals.
Attends training and safety sessions as assigned.
May perform general public works maintenance work on streets, storm drains, and other City infrastructure on a relief or as-needed basis.
Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Wastewater System Operator III:

Provides technical and functional supervision to assigned wastewater treatment plant operations staff; reviews and controls quality of work; participates in performing routine to complex and specialized wastewater treatment operations and maintenance work.
Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and assigns operations and maintenance work in consultation with the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor; communicates status of operations to appropriate personnel, working cooperatively to schedule assignments in accordance with established and special operational priorities.
Trains employees in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions.
Estimates costs of maintenance work, supplies, equipment, and materials; orders supplies and equipment for work projects; maintains records of purchase orders; assists in developing budget figures for the division; monitors expenditures.
Inspects and evaluates work in progress and upon completion to assure that operations, maintenance, and project activities are performed in accordance with City standards and specifications.
Inspects plant operational equipment and facilities on a regularly scheduled basis; reads and records readings of pumps, chemical feed, and other treatment, influent, and effluent equipment.
Reviews and analyzes operational information and revises equipment settings as appropriate; notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems as instructed.
Operates and performs maintenance and repair on collection and disposal lines and appurtenances, including lift stations.
Operates and performs preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment, such as pumps, chlorinators, filters, chemical valves, sludge lagoon, bar screens, and agitators.
Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of wastewater through the plant; operates valves to dispose of plant effluent.
Removes screenings and grit; cleans clarifiers, and primary, secondary, and other wastewater equipment and facilities.
Lubricates pumps, motors, chains, conveyors, and other machinery and equipment; performs preventive maintenance, makes minor repairs to equipment, and reports the need for major repairs.
Maintains facilities and equipment in a clean and orderly condition; performs routine maintenance, painting of machinery, structures, equipment, and piping systems.
Collects wastewater, sludge, and other samples from various phases of the treatment process; performs basic chemical and physical tests on these samples to ensure that the plant is operating effectively and that regulatory requirements are being met.
Performs basic adjustments and troubleshooting for electrical motors and controls.
Changes recording charts; ensures that chemical feeders have a constant supply of chlorine and other treatment chemicals.
Maintains accurate records of gauge and meter readings, chemical test results, and work performed.
Observes appropriate safety procedures, including those related to the safe handling of chlorine and other treatment chemicals.
Responds to complaints and answers questions from public, or escalates to supervisor as necessary.
Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergencies as required.
Maintains records and logs of daily activities; prepares reports as necessary.
Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
Operate a standard vehicle to multiple locations in order to perform assigned tasks; transporting equipment as needed, and performing assigned tasks at each worksite.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Wastewater System Operator II:

Basic principles, practices, tools, and materials as they relate to the operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
Basic operational and maintenance practices of electrical motors, pumps, and circuitry.
Basic chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
Tools and equipment required for the work.
Basic principles and practices of recordkeeping methods.
Basic mathematics.
Basic computer software related to work.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Safe driving rules and practices.
The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances.
Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
The operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of activated sludge wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
Standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

Wastewater System Operator III:

Basic principles of supervision and training.
Principles, practices, equipment, materials, and tools used in the operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances.
Standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
Practices and techniques related to wastewater and/or hazardous materials sampling, sample handling, and standard analysis methods.
Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
Operational and maintenance practices of electrical motors, pumps, and circuitry.
Applicable regulatory relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
Applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
Computer applications related to the work.
Shop arithmetic.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
Basic mathematics.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Safe driving rules and practices.

Ability to:

Wastewater System Operator II:

Operate, maintain, and repair a variety of wastewater collection and treatment facilities and equipment.
Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
Perform routine equipment maintenance.
Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
Safely operate a variety of hand and power tools as well as various vehicles used in the work.
Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Work independently or in a team situation.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Read a variety of gauges, charts, and meters; record data accurately and make appropriate process adjustments.
Conduct basic chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
Use and maintain the tools and equipment of the work skillfully and safely.
Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Wastewater System Operator III:

Plan, schedule, assign, and oversee activities of wastewater operator personnel.
Train others in proper and safe work procedures.
Inspect the work of others and maintain established quality control standards.
Identify and implement an effective course of action to complete assigned work.
Oversee and participate in operations, maintenance, and related projects in the wastewater treatment plant.
Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
Operate, maintain, and repair a variety of wastewater collection and treatment facilities and equipment.
Read a variety of gauges, charts, and meters; record data accurately and make appropriate process adjustments.
Conduct complex chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
Use and maintain tools and equipment related to the work skillfully and safely.
Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
Safely operate a variety of hand and power tools as well as various vehicles used in the work.
Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
Give, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone or radio, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information

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

Wastewater System Operator II: Equivalent to graduation from high school and two (2) years of experience in operating and performing routine maintenance to facilities and/or equipment in a secondary wastewater treatment plant and related collection systems and pumping stations, or one (1) year of experience equivalent to the Wastewater System Operator I in the City of Galt.

Wastewater System Operator III: Equivalent to graduation from high school and four (4) years of responsible experience in wastewater treatment plant operations.

Licenses and Certifications:

Wastewater System Operator II- Required:

Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of Collection System Maintenance Certification Grade I from the California Water Environmental Association.
Possession of Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Grade II.

Licenses and certificates listed below are desirable, but not required at the time of appointment. However, at the discretion of the City and depending upon business necessity, certain persons in this class may be required to obtain any of the below listed licenses, certificates, or specialized education and training within a specified timeframe.

Possession of a valid Class B California driver’s license with airbrake and tanker endorsements and have a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of Environmental compliance Inspector Certification issued by CWEA.
Possession of Laboratory Analyst Certification issued by CWEA.
Possession of Mechanical Technologist Certification issued by CWEA.
Possession of Traffic Control Technician Certification.
Possession of Collection System Maintenance Certification Grade II or above.
Possession of Water Treatment Certification Grade I (T1) or above.
Possession of Water Distribution System Operator Certification Grade I (D1) or above.
Possession of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Grade III or above.
Possession of Drone Operator Certification.

Wastewater System Operator III - Required

Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV Certification within probationary period.
Possession of Collection System Maintenance Certification Grade I or above issued by the California Water Environmental Association within a time specified by the City.
Obtain one of the following additional Technical California Water Environment Association (CWEA) certifications within probationary period: Laboratory Analyst, Environmental Inspector, Electrical & Instrumentation, and Mechanical Technologist.

Possession of valid Class B (or higher) California driver’s license with airbrakes and tanker endorsements.
Possession of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Grade V.
Possession of Water Treatment Operator Certification Grade II (T2) or above.
Possession of Collection System Maintenance Certificate Grade II or above.
Possession of any of the following California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Certifications other than the one required: Laboratory Analyst, Environmental Inspector, Electrical & Instrumentation, and Mechanical Technologist.
Possession of Drone Operator Certificate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in standard wastewater treatment plant and related facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed material and a computer screen; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work partially indoors and partially outdoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background investigation, including fingerprinting. May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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This summary is subject to change without notice, and does not constitute either an expressed or an implied contract.

If conflicts between this summary and basic policy statements occur, the basic policy will prevail.

City of Galt, CA

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Wastewater System Operator II/III