Definition

The City of Poway is looking for a dedicated, detail-oriented, and safety-minded Water Treatment Plant Operator to help ensure the delivery of clean, reliable, and high-quality drinking water to our community. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys technical work, problem solving, and operating sophisticated treatment and distribution systems. Working both independently and as part of a team, you will help maintain regulatory compliance, support critical infrastructure, and play an important role in protecting public health and water quality across the City. If you meet the minimum qualifications and want to be part of a skilled, supportive team, we encourage you to apply today!

Water Treatment Plant Operator I: $35.8059 - $43.5217

Water Treatment Plant Operator II: $40.5111 - $49.2415

Water Treatment Plant Operator III: $45.8346 - $55.7122

The City is in its final year of a six-year agreement and future negotiated increases for this position include:

7/1/2026 - 5% wage increase

Under immediate, direct, or general supervision, operates equipment, facilities, and related appurtenances involved in the monitoring, regulation, maintenance, and operation of a conventional water treatment plant using coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and chlorination; performs routine water quality laboratory analysis and adjusts chemicals to comply with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; to operate and maintain plant equipment including pumps, motors, valves, chemical feed systems, and filters to maintain adequate production and reserves; assists with preventive maintenance and makes repairs to plant facilities and equipment; monitors water distribution system infrastructure, wastewater lift stations and potable/reclaimed pumping and storage systems and reports deficiencies; and performs related work as required.

Receives immediate, direct, or general supervision from the Water Treatment Plant Manager or assigned supervisor. May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Operates the City’s water treatment facility and distribution system using electronic and computer control systems called Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and revises equipment settings as appropriate; interprets gauges, meters, charts, and graphs; operates pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment; inspects plant equipment; notifies supervisor of unusual situations, and makes inspections or corrects system problems as necessary.
Monitors the distribution system via SCADA to maintain adequate reservoir levels, meet system demands, ensure adequate fire protection, and address distribution water quality concerns. Also complies with all Federal, State and Local regulations.
Monitors Water Treatment Plant operations, equipment, and processes to ensure safe and ascetically acceptable drinking water is being produced in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
Optimizes the treatment process efficiencies, properly responds to alarms and satisfies the distribution system demands; advises system technicians and mechanics of potential problems and alarms; coordinates activities with system technicians and mechanics.
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance to the Water Treatment Plant equipment, such as electric motors, engines, gas and electric powered pumps, air compressors, emergency systems, power generation systems, pressure and flow regulators, analyzers, filters, chemical feed systems, and blowers; reports the need for repairs to equipment, machinery, and electrical and electronic systems.
Makes minor repairs to equipment and assists Utility Systems Maintenance staff with major repair work as needed.
Performs routine maintenance and painting of machinery, structures, equipment, and piping systems; operators may be required to perform minor weed control maintenance at the Water Treatment Plant and the Dam facility.
Performs surface inspections of water storage reservoirs and reports any concerns to supervisor.
Performs chemical calculations and volumetric checks to determine and ensure proper dosage of chemicals.
Uses chemicals properly and handles them safely according to industry standards.
Performs analysis for parameters such as chlorine, turbidity, pH and odor.
Performs field water quality monitoring at sample sites and reservoirs.
Boosts residual as needed in distribution reservoirs to maintain water quality.
Determines chemical, laboratory reagent and other product usage in the Water Treatment Plant and places orders for these products.
Calibrates and/or repairs online and bench water analyzing instrumentation to ensure proper operation.
Submits work requests for repairs to water treatment and distribution system equipment; completes requests for repairs to sewer, street, drainage, and parks infrastructure during after hours dispatch duty.
Assists in determining chemicals, laboratory reagents, and equipment needed for budget purposes.
Inspects and repairs water treatment filters; analyzes and measures filter media to determine compliance with design specifications; replaces and/or adds as needed.
Monitors phone and radio systems and responds or dispatches appropriate personnel to resolve water, sewer, street, or drainage problems throughout the City after normal business hours and weekends.
Performs periodic water quality and visual inspections of Lake Poway and reports any cases of non-native plant species and mussels.
Maintains accurate records of gauge reading, level sensors data, flow meter values, chemical usage, and lab results to be utilized in compiling comprehensive and accurate reports.
Participates in safety training and exercises; implements safe working habits based on safety training and through the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
Responds to after-hours emergencies.
Maintains attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements/License Or Certificates Required

Any combination of the following education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.

Experience

Water Treatment Plant Operator I: One year of experience in a water-related field and/or mechanical/electrical repair and maintenance position.

Water Treatment Plant Operator II: One year of experience equivalent to Water Treatment Plant Operator I in the City of Poway.

Water Treatment Plant Operator III: Two years of experience equivalent to Water Treatment Plant Operator II in the City of Poway.

Education/Training

Water Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III: Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade supplemented by specialized training in water treatment operations. Additional college level coursework in water treatment, water distribution, chemistry, biology, or a related field is desirable. Education and training required to obtain Grade I – III certifications through the State Water Resources Control Board as outlined below.

Licenses And Certifications

Water Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III:

Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
Possess and maintain valid CPR and First Aid Certificates.

Water Treatment Plant Operator I:Water Treatment Plant Operator II:

Possess and maintain a valid Grade II Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T-2) issued by State Water Resources Control Board, and obtain Grade III Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T-3) within four consecutive test cycles.
Possess and maintain valid SCBA/Fitness Testing, Confined Space, Fork Lift Certificates.

Water Treatment Plant Operator III

Possess and maintain a valid Grade III Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T-3) issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Possess and maintain valid SCBA/Fitness Testing, Confined Space, Fork Lift Certificates.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard water 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 operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials 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 weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with assistance and/or with the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements

Employees work inside a water treatment plant and in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

May be required to be on-call and to work various or rotating shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays. In case of a Citywide emergency or natural disaster, employees in this class may be required to serve as an Emergency Responder.

Examination Process

A completed NeoGov application, including supplemental questions, must be submitted through NeoGov for consideration by the application deadline. Application materials will not be accepted separate from NeoGov or after the deadline.

A FULLY COMPLETED APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED AND PART OF THE REVIEW AND QUALIFYING PROCESS. QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED COMPLETELY.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training, education and experience as presented in the application and supplemental questions. The process may include interviews and/or performance tests. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list established, which will be in effect for a period of up to six months. A background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting and a verification of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles may be required. All appointments are also subject to the successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination that includes a drug screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The City of Poway participates in E-Verify. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.

Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time (2,080 hrs/yr) status. Benefits for positions considered less than full-time are pro-rated based upon hours and may differ from those indicated.

Vacation - Annual paid vacation as follows: 0-4 years service = 96 hrs/yr; 5-9 years service = 120 hrs/yr; 10-14 years service = 144 hrs/yr; and 15+ years service = 168 hrs/yr. Prior Public Service Credit for vacation accruals may be granted for verifiable experience.

Sick Leave - The City provides 96 hours each year of paid sick leave. There are sick leave incentive and conversion programs available to those who qualify.

Holidays - The City observes 10 holidays each year. Additionally, employees shall be entitled to eighteen (18) benefit day hours each fiscal year. Benefit day hours will be prorated based upon an employee’s hire date.

Flexible Saving Account - These are IRS-approved plans, which enables you to have witheld from your paycheck an amount to cover eligible dependent care, and/or certain eligible medical exspenses without being subject to federal income or social security tax on the income used to pay for these benefits. Employees can opt into either the Dependent care or medical expense accounts.

Life Insurance - The City provides group term life insurance equal to 1 1/2 times annual salary to a maximum of $350,000. Supplemental life insurance for employees and family members is available by payroll deduction at reasonable group rates and is portable.

Short & Long Term Disability -

The City provides short-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of your income (up to $2,516) after a 7-day waiting period if totally disabled due to illness or injury.

The City provides long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of your income (up to $10,900) after a 90-day elimination period if totally disabled due to illness or injury.

Retirement - Benefits are provided by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Classic CalPERS members - 2% @ 60 formula with employees contributing 8% of regular salary. Beginning the first full pay period in July 2024, employees considered "classic" members will contribute an additional 1%. The total employee contribution will be 9%. New CalPERS members - 2% @ 62 formula with employees contributing 50% of the total normal cost; 50% of the total normal cost is currently 7.75%. Beginning the first full pay period in July 2024, employees considered "classic" members will contribute an additional 1%. The total employee contribution will be 9%. The City participates in Medicare, but does not participate in Social Security.

Health Insurance - Poway provides employer-paid group medical and dental insurance for the employee. For medical plans, the City contributes 100% of the cost for employees enrolled in either the Kaiser or CIGNA HMO plans and 60% of the cost for dependent coverage for both HMO plans. The City also has a CIGNA PPO option, and the City covers the premium costs for employees enrolled in the CIGNA PPO equivalent to what the City covers for employees enrolled in the CIGNA HMO, at every coverage level. For dental plans, employees have a choice between an HMO and PPO plan. Family vision insurance is provided at no cost to the employee. An IRS Section 125 plan (Flexible Spending Account) for reimbursement of medical and dependent care expenses is also available.

Deferred Compensation Plan - Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to all regular employees and is voluntary with a matching City contribution of up to $900. The City also contributes $38.00 per pay period to a 401(a) deferred compensation plan with vesting on a graduated schedule beginning with 2 years service and becoming 100% vested after 6 years.

Tuition Reimbursement - The City may reimburse the actual cost paid for tuition, books and required technical supplies and equipment up to a maximum of $2,000 per fiscal year for eligible employees receiving a grade of "C" or better in approved courses.

Additional Benefits - The City offers additional benefits such as Pet Insurance discounts, Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and a 9/80 work schedule dependent on your position upon hire.

01

Please indicate which of the following certificates you possess and attach copies to your application.

If you do not possess any of the following certifications, please mark "Not Applicable".

Class A Driver's License
CPR/First Aid
Traffic Control certificate
Fork Lift certificate
Not Applicable

02

Please indicate which of the following California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Certifications you currently possess.

T-1
T-2
T-3
T-4
T-5
None

03

Please list your certificate number for the above California State Water Resources Control Board Certificate.

04

Please list the following information for any experience you have as a Water Treatment Plant Operator. *Employer Name *Your title *Month/Year started in position - Month/Year left the position. Please repeat this information for each position you held in which you were treating water.

Required Question

City of Poway

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Water Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III