Plant Operator Plant Operator in Training

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 Wastewaters 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 34000 residences and 2450 commercial and industrial businesses with a total population of nearly 100000. 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 Position

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.

The Plant Operators-in Training learns to perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the inspection operation and maintenance of WCWs 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.

Plant Operators are expected to perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the inspection operation and maintenance of WCWs 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 Ideal Candidate

The 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.

• 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 customers 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 WCWs culture of transparency and accountability open to continuous improvement.

• 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.

• Accuracy is paramount in this work environment.
• Working in an environment with strong odors noise and potentially unpleasant conditions
• The plant runs 24/7/365 with plant operations working different shifts including nights and holidays.

• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content work steps and final work products
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding and adhering to established safety standards building codes and regulations
• Adaptability- Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization self-discipline and dependability
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty adherence to principles and personal accountability

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 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

• 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 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.

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: None required.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of high school.

License or Certificate: Possession of a California Certificate of Operator-In-Training within a reasonable period. Possession of a Grade I California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board within three years of appointment to the position.

Possession of a valid California Drivers License. The incumbent must continue to meet all of the provisions of the Driving Policy as a condition of continued employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:A minimum of one year of experience in the operation repair and maintenance of equipment such as pumps motors and related apparatus in a wastewater treatment plant comparable to the Operator-In-Training level.
Education:Equivalent to the completion of high school supplemented by courses necessary for certification.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:Possession of a Grade I California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
Possession of a valid California Drivers License. The incumbent must continue to meet all of the provisions of the Driving Policy as a condition of continued employment.

Applying for this Position:
Applicants interested in the position must apply at January 5 2026 as well as attach a resume.

Selection Process:

1. 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.
2. Interview:Candidates that demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral interview conducted in person.