JOB
WCW is an award-winning wastewater treatment and resource recovery agency that collects and treats wastewater for reuse. We are committed to protecting public health, our community and the environment. West County Wastewater's administrative office and Water Quality & Resource Recovery Plant are located in beautiful Richmond, California where we serve west Contra Costa County. The district has approximately 34,000 residences and 2,450 commercial and industrial businesses, with a total population of nearly 100,000. Founded in 1921, today we are transforming our organization and shaping the future of the regional wastewater industry with a team that is dedicated to innovation, progress, collaboration, service and ecofriendly practices. Additionally, we are deeply committed to our community and inspired by the diversity of our employees and the integrity and commitment they bring to our community and to each other every day West County Wastewater (WCW) celebrates our innovative leadership style, where we have reimagined our work culture. WCW is committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment where new ideas and approaches are encouraged and every person is valued.The PositionWCW’s Water Quality and Resource Recovery department is currently seeking to fill the positions of Plant Operator-in-Training or Plant Operator.WCW is seeking a Plant Operator-in-Training who is a results-driven individual with good instincts and problem-solving skills, who thrives on personal accountability, and is seeking professional growth and advancement. Employees who have successfully performed the responsibilities of the Operator-in-Training and meet the minimum qualifications are eligible for a flexible promotion to Plant Operator.WCW wastewater operations are staffed 24 hours per day in shifts running from 6 AM to 6 PM and 6 PM to 6 AM. Operators are required to periodically rotate through all shifts.The Plant Operators-in Training learns to perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the inspection, operation, and maintenance of WCW’s wastewater treatment plant, and related lift stations including primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment processes. The incumbent will participate in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility to control the flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; monitor gauges, meters, and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions; interpret meter and gauge readings; and test results to determine processing requirements.WCW is also looking for a dynamic, experienced wastewater treatment Plant Operator who is flexible, resourceful, and a team player with good instincts and problem-solving skills who thrives on personal accountability. Plant Operators are expected to perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the inspection, operation, and maintenance of WCW’s wastewater treatment plant, and related lift stations including primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment processes. It is critical that the chosen candidate be committed to contributing to further developing and participating in a production-based environment where workflow is measurable, task-based and includes not only typical operational duties but housekeeping, maintenance, painting, and other duties as necessary or assigned.The plant operator will participate in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility to control the flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; monitor gauges, meters, and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions; interpret meter and gauge readings; and test results to determine processing requirements.The successful candidate may be appointed at any level depending on qualifications and experience.Plant Operator-in-Training $81,025 - $98,486 Annually Plant Operator $98,940 - $120,262 AnnuallyThe Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a safety oriented, self-directed individual who recognizes protection and conservation of treated and untreated wastewater as a critical part of the ecosystem. We are looking for someone who is: Knowledgeable. You will need to be knowledgeable of established safety policies and procedures and applicable codes and regulations.Customer focused. Your role will require you to understand your customer's operational needs and to be responsive and proactive when addressing those needs.Flexible. You will need to adapt and adjust your work schedule to meet changing conditions or emergencies. Organized and Results Driven. You will need to be organized and shows a high level of care and thoroughness in handling assignments.Dependable. Your assigned unit will rely on you for support.Able to Personify Integrity. You will be an important part in maintaining WCW’s culture of transparency and accountability, open to continuous improvement.A few reasons you might love this job: Every day brings a variety of work and opportunities to make a difference with the potential to impact the delivery of important public services.You will work in a dynamic department with opportunities to excel and grow.A few challenges you might face in this job: Accuracy is paramount in this work environment.Working in an environment with strong odors, noise, and potentially unpleasant conditionsThe plant runs 24/7/365 with plant operations working different shifts, including nights and holidays.Competencies Desired: Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work productsLegal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding and adhering to established safety standards, building codes and regulationsAdaptability- Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requiresOral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogueWriting: Communicating effectively in writingTeamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goalsProfessional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organizationSelf-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependabilityProfessional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Essential Duties: Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Plant Operator: Perform and monitor daily operational processes of plant and maintain appropriate records and logs Operate wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent Monitor and perform routine adjustment and maintenance work on valves and gates, engines, electric motors, gauges, meters, control panels and related equipment and facilities to control and adjust flow and treatment processesOperate treatment plant vehicles, portable equipment and stationary machinery as required Collect samples and perform routine laboratory testsMay assist in the training of less experienced operatorsPerform related duties as assignedPlant Operator-in-TrainingPerform and monitor daily operational processes of plant and maintain appropriate records and logs.Operate wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent.Monitor and perform routine adjustment and maintenance work on valves and gates, engines, electric motors, gauges, meters, control panels and related equipment and facilities to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.Operate treatment plant vehicles, portable equipment and stationary machinery as required.Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests.May assist in the training of less experienced operators.Perform related duties as assigned.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Applying for this Position: Applicants interested in the position must apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wcwd by January 5, 2026 as well as attach a resume. Selection Process: Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants must complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. Interview: Candidates that demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral interview conducted in person.Tentative Test Dates: Oral Interview: January 20, 2026Internal Interview: January 29, 2026Hiring Interview: February 12, 2026WCW is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting applications. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources at hr@wcwd.org.Disaster Service WorkerAll West County Wastewater employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the WCW requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.Equal Employment OpportunityIt is the policy of West County Wastewater to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

West County Wastewater

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Plant Operator/ Plant Operator in Training