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Water Operator Apprentice, I, II, III

City Of Coalinga


Job Location:

Coalinga, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 44792 - 57168
Posted: 23 August 2026 (24 days ago)
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Water Operator Apprentice/I/II/III

Must be available to work any shift including nights weekends and holidays and be able to respond to the work site within one (1) hour.

Salary ranges:

Water Operator Apprentice:

22 General ($21.5351 - $27.4849 hourly) FLSA Non-Exempt

Water Operator I:

24 General ($23.7424 - $30.3021 hourly) FLSA Non-Exempt

Water Operator II:

28 General ($28.8592 - $36.8324 hourly) FLSA Non-Exempt

Water Operator III:

30 General ($31.8172 - $40.6077 hourly) FLSA Non-Exempt

Water Operator Apprentice:

This is an unlicensed entry level class in the Water Operator series. Positions assigned to this classwork under the supervision of a licensed operator on a training basis in the performance of a wide variety of routine unskilled to semi-skilled water and wastewater plant operations and maintenance tasks that do not require previous water plant experience. General work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise.

Under general supervision of the Utilities Supervisor and/or Chief Plant Operator will learn to perform a variety of tasks to maintain water and wastewater plant equipment machinery and appurtenances such as monitoring operating and adjusting controls of the water valves motors pumps chemical feed pumps and other plant equipment including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA); maintain grounds buildings and related areas as needed; and perform other duties as assigned.

Water Operator I

This is a licensed entry level class in the Water Operator series. Positions assigned to this class work under the supervision of a licensed operator on a training basis in the performance of a wide variety of routine unskilled to semi-skilled water and wastewater plant operations and maintenance tasks that do not require previous water plant experience. General work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise.

Under general supervision of the Utilities Supervisor and/or Chief Plant Operator will learn to perform a variety of tasks to maintain water and wastewater plant equipment machinery and appurtenances such as monitoring operating and adjusting controls of the water valves motors pumps chemical feed pumps and other plant equipment including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA); maintain grounds buildings and related areas as needed; and perform other duties as assigned.

Water Operator II

Under general supervision of the Utility Supervisor and/or the Chief Plant Operator operates a surface water filtration plant and distribution system with reservoirs. Operates the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Performs a variety of tasks including but not limited to adjusting plant and reservoir flows chemical dosages backwash filters; using the SCADA system to monitor and adjust treatment and distribution; maintaining water plant and distribution equipment and appurtenances such as pumps chemical feed systems valves and motors; and maintaining grounds buildings and other related areas. Responds to distribution system needs.

Water Operator III

Under general supervision of the Utilities Supervisor and/or the Chief Plant Operator operates a surface water filtration plant and distribution system with reservoirs. Operates the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Performs a variety of tasks including but not limited to adjusting plant and reservoir flows chemical dosages backwash filters; using the SCADA system to monitor and adjust treatment and distribution; maintaining water plant and distribution equipment and appurtenances such as pumps chemical feed systems valves and motors; and maintaining grounds buildings and other related areas. Responds to distribution system needs. May oversee monitor and/or direct the work of lower level personnel.
Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

NOTE: Examples listed in this class specification represents but is not necessarily exhaustive or descriptive of duties assigned to this position. Each individual in this classification may not necessarily perform all the duties listed. Further management is not precluded from assigning other related tasks not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment for this position.

Water Operator Apprentice:

  • Assists in the operation of water and wastewater plant equipment and appurtenances.
  • Monitors operates and adjusts controls for the water and wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery such as valves motors pumps chemical feed pumps and other plant equipment under the direct supervision of a licensed operator.
  • Assists in obtaining water and wastewater samples for laboratory analysis using standard sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.
  • Operates construction equipment for grounds maintenance and other construction projects.
  • Lifts and moves heavy objects from time to time during work shift.
  • Cleans work and break areas and tools used on the job.
  • Carries out daily pre-job inspection of equipment and vehicles; completes other safety maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.
  • Participates in educational and other related courses and on the job training as required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Water Operator I:

  • Assists in the operation of water and wastewater plant equipment andappurtenances.
  • Monitors operates and adjusts controls for the water and wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery such as valves motors pumps chemical feed pumps and other plant equipment under thedirect supervision of a licensed operator.
  • Assists in obtaining water and wastewater samples for laboratory analysis using standard sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.
  • Operates construction equipment for grounds maintenance and other constructionprojects.
  • Lifts and moves heavy objects from time to time during workshift.
  • Cleans work and break areas and tools used on thejob.
  • Carries out daily pre-job inspection of equipment and vehicles; completes other safety maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.
  • Participates in educational and other related courses and on the job training asrequired.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Water Operator II:

  • Evaluates real time operational and historic data to determine optimal flow rates chemical feed rates filter backwash scheduling and all other parameters needed in the operation of the water treatment transmission and reservoir systems.

  • Monitors all applicable water quality parameters to ensure that EPA and DHS quality standards are being met at all times in treatment and distribution systems.

  • Maintains cleans lubricates and adjusts water and treatment and booster pump station equipment and appurtenances such as pumps chemical feed systems valves motors etc.

  • Maintains and cleans grounds buildings and other areas as needed.

  • Obtains water and wastewater samples for laboratory analysis using standard sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.

  • Takes water samples and makes standardized laboratory tests such as tests for pH turbidity; performs field-testing for chlorine residual temperature pH and additional tests as needed.

  • Operates construction equipment for pipeline repair grounds maintenance and similar construction projects.

  • Lifts and moves heavy objects from time to time.

  • Maintains and cleans tools used on the job work areas office spaces etc. as needed.

  • Performs daily pre-job inspection of equipment and vehicles and completes regular safety maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.

  • Guides individuals or groups of visitors through the plant discussing plant operations and functions and all applicable EPA DHS SWRCB and Health Services regulations governing the operation of water and wastewater treatment plants.

  • Under limited supervision operates repairs and maintains Wastewater Treatment Facility.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Water Operator III:

  • Evaluates real time operational and historic data to determine optimal flow rates chemical feed rates filter backwash scheduling and all other parameters needed in the operation of the water treatment transmission and reservoir systems.

  • Monitors all applicable water quality parameters to insure that EPA and DHS quality standards are being met at all times in treatment and distribution systems.

  • Maintains cleans lubricates and adjusts water and treatment and booster pump station equipment and appurtenances such as pumps chemical feed systems valves motors etc.

  • Maintains and cleans grounds buildings and other areas as needed.

  • Obtains water and wastewater samples for laboratory analysis using standard sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.

  • Takes water samples and makes standardized laboratory tests such as tests for pH turbidity; performs field-testing for chlorine residual temperature pH and additional tests as needed.

  • Operates construction equipment for pipeline repair grounds maintenance and similar construction projects.

  • Lifts and moves heavy objects from time to time.

  • Maintains and cleans tools used on the job work areas office spaces etc. as needed.

  • Performs daily pre-job inspection of equipment and vehicles and completes regular safety maintenance and cleanliness checks as required.

  • Guides individuals or groups of visitors through the plant discussing plant operations and functions and all applicable EPA DHS WRCB and Health Services regulations governing the operation of water and wastewater treatment plants.

  • May serve as a shift operator; may assist in the training of new operators.

  • Under limited supervision operates repairs and maintains Wastewater Treatment Facility.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

NOTE: The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential tasks of the position.

Water Operator Apprentice/I

Obtain a Working Knowledge of: The proper maintenance and repair of pumps motors and distribution lines; basic operation and treatment processes of water filtration and the wastewater treatment; use of computers for the purpose of accessing and evaluating data needed to make operational decisions; all applicable federal state and local regulations governing the operation and quality needed to ensure regulatory compliance; safe work habits and all hazardous material(s) electrical and mechanical safety procedures; the operating principles of valves pumps screens chemical feed systems etc. as needed to properly operate treatment processes.

Learn the Skill and Ability to: Keep organized records maintain and develop related water and wastewater report information; submit needed reports in a timely manner; and perform other clerical needs of a water and wastewater treatment system. Take water and wastewater samples transport to laboratory and document all sample analysis; independently operate the water filtration plant and distribution system; perform minor repair work; read and interpret gauges and recording devices; diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of responsible action; conduct guided tours of the plant and assist in the training of new employees; communicate well with others and understand and follow oral and written direction; interact with the public to create a positive atmosphere with regard to water quality treatment and testing procedures; work flexible work schedules weekends overtime and scheduled standby time as needed and during emergency work situations.

Water Operator Apprentice II/III:

Knowledge of: Operation of the water filtration plant the distribution system and wastewater plant; use of computers for the purpose of accessing and evaluating data needed to make operational decisions; treatment processes involved in the daily operations of water filtration and distribution system; all applicable Federal and State regulations governing the operation and quality needed to ensure regulatory compliance; safe work habits and all hazardous material(s) electrical and mechanical safety procedures; the operating principles of valves pumps screens chemical feed systems etc. as needed to properly operate treatment processes.

Skill and Ability to: Independently operate the water filtration plant distribution system and wastewater plant; read and interpret system plans; evaluate real time operational and historic data; perform minor and major plant repair work using a variety of tools; read and interpret gauges and recording devices; diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action; conduct guided tours of the plant and assist in the training of new employees; communicate well with others and understand and follow oral and written direction; interact with the public to create a positive atmosphere with regard to water quality treatment and testing procedures; work flexible work schedules weekends overtime and scheduled standby time as needed and during emergency work situations.

ATTITUDE

Characterized by initiative commitment to teamwork and quality performance and a customer-service orientation; must interact in a positive manner with City employees and the public.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

NOTE: The specifications listed below outline theminimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessary convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

Water Operator Apprentice:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Preferably One (1) year of general experience involving mechanical repair and maintenance and/or construction preferably in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant.

Licenses: Valid State of California Drivers License; must be insurable under the Citys insurance policy without any additional premiums or costs being incurred by the City.

Certifications: None. However MUST successfully meet requirements to promote to the Water Operator I within one (1) year of appointment as a Water Operator Apprentice.

Water Operator I:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Preferably One (1) year of general experience involving mechanical repair and maintenance and/or construction preferably in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant.

Licenses: Valid State of California Drivers License; must be insurable under the Citys insurance policy without any additional premiums or costs being incurred by the City.

Certifications: Possession of the following certifications issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board:

  • Grade T1 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate;

  • Grade D1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate;

Additionally MUST successfully meet requirements to promote to the Water Operator II within one (1) year of appointment as a Water Operator I.

Water Operator II:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: One (1) year of responsible experience in work involving operations and maintenance of surface water treatment and distribution systems.

Licenses: Valid State of California Drivers License Class B preferred; must be insurable under the Citys insurance policy without any additional premiums or costs being incurred by the City.

Certifications: Possession of the following certificates issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board:

  • Grade T2 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate;

  • Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate;

Additionally MUST successfully meet requirements to promote to the Water Operator III within two (2) years of appointment as a Water Operator II.

Water Operator III:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Three (3) years of responsible experience in work involving operations and maintenance of surface water treatment and distribution systems.

Licenses: Valid State of California Drivers License must be insurable under the Citys insurance policy without any additional premiums or costs being incurred by the City.

Certifications: Possession of the following certificates issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board:

Grade T3 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate;

Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate;

Supplemental Information


Required Materials:

  1. City of Coalinga Employment Application in the Government Jobs portal at
  2. Resume
Application deadline: 2 weeks to September 6 2026
Contact information: City of Coalinga Human Resources Office 155 West Durian Ave Coalinga CA 93210 Ph. .
Email:
Website:


Notes:

Minimum Qualifications and required material must be met/received by the last day of the filing period. It is the applicants responsibility to make sure that all required material has been received.

Faxed applications will not be accepted. Individuals must complete applications online at Government Jobs website at

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Resumes submitted in lieu of a completed City of Coalinga Employment application will not be accepted.

All communication and correspondence from the City of Coalinga will be sent to the applicant via electronic communication to the email address provided by the applicant on the submitted employment application.

The City of Coalinga is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender gender identity gender expression pregnancy age disability or covered veterans status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.


Required Experience:

IC