Assistant Water Plant Operator I/II

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Assistant Water Plant Operator I/II

Salary

$85,841.60 - $109,865.60 Annually

Location

CA, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

01856-E

Division

Treated Water

Unit

South Water Treatment Operations

Opening Date

01/17/2025

Closing Date

2/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Description

Overview:

Are you interested in becoming a water treatment plant operator? Do you have water treatment process experience? Are you a T1 or T2 licensed Water Treatment Operator? If so, check out the Assistant Water Plant Operator position at Valley Water!

Valley Water is the primary water resource agency for Santa Clara County, supplying wholesale water, providing flood protection, and serving as environmental steward for clean, safe creeks and healthy ecosystems. Valley Water serves approximately two million people in 15 cities: Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mt. View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale, and the towns of Los Altos Hills and Los Gatos, and manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, 400 acres of groundwater recharge ponds, and 275 miles of streams.

The Assistant Water Plant Operator position assists the state-designated shift operator in the monitoring, control, maintenance and operations of Valley Water treatment plants. Key Functions of the Assistant Water Plant Operator position includes conducting regular plant rounds to monitor and troubleshoot plant operations, operate/adjust plant equipment including minor cleaning/maintenance, receive chemical deliveries, collect water samples from various stages of the treatment process to determine compliance with water quality standards/regulatory requirements, record measurement/instrument reads, and perform sludge disposal (operating the solids handling facility and managing the sludge hauling offsite).

Our Commitment:

Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:

Valley Water is a public agency with a capital budget of $964 million, and approx.900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Regularly conduct rounds to monitor plant operations and maintain plant equipment and grounds; observe, evaluate, troubleshoot, and report condition of the facility and equipment, including pipes, pumps, valves, feeders, motors, basins, tanks, generators, analyzers, and sludge processing equipment; and assist in maintaining grounds in a clean, orderly, and secure state. Draw samples of water and other materials from the different phases of water treatment; measure and analyze the samples to determine compliance with Valley Water and regulatory standards for chlorine, ozone, phosphate, and ammonia residuals, pH, turbidity, taste, and odor.

• Take and record measurements and instrument readings, such as pressures, temperature, flow, volume, and concentrations; operate and adjust pumps and valves; calibrate and perform preventative maintenance on plant instruments; observe and report on the flow, volume, and quality of the water, including color, odor, and turbidity.

• Receive and monitor deliveries of bulk chemicals and other plant supplies.

• Perform cleaning and maintenance procedures on operating equipment and facilities, including flocculators, basins, filters, sludge processing facilities, washwater clarification system, and containment and delivery areas.

• Perform sludge disposal, including managing the volume and distribution of the sludge, applying polymer compound and operating solids handling facility to dry the sludge, and loading the dry sludge into trucks for transport to a landfill.

• Use the plant's computer based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor plant operations; scan multiple computer monitors simultaneously; navigate a multitude of program screens to observe, track, and retrieve water, chemical, and equipment readings.

• Perform various administrative tasks, including data entry into spreadsheets, update standard operating procedures, initiate work orders, maintain, compile and update plant operations logs and reports.

• Follow safety regulations and safety policies and procedures applicable to their work.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

Level I- Zero-One (0-1) year of experience, including intern/temporary, in a similar work environment, such as handling industrial chemicals, working various alternating shifts (including night shift), operating mechanical equipment, and/or maintaining regulatory compliance.

Level II- One (1) or more years of experience performing work as a licensed operator at a water treatment plant that is rated as a T-4 or higher facility.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

Both Level I & II:

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to assimilate constructive feedback during on-the-job training.

• Attention to details and ability to follow instructions.

Ideal Knowledge:

Both Level I & II:

• Knowledge of the water treatment process.

• Understanding of job duties of water plant operators.

• Good high-school level math skills.

• Basic understanding of chemistry.

• Knowledge and recognition of importance of safety protocols, especially around chemicals.

Ideal Training and Education:

Both Level I & II:Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college.

Level II Substitution:

• An Associate’s degree in engineering or chemistry from an accredited college may substitute for the training and experience required at the time of application.

Required License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Level I:

• As a condition of employment individuals must acquire and maintain a Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within eighteen (18) months of appointment.

Level II:

• Possession of a Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

• As a condition of employment, individuals must acquire and maintain a Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within twenty-four (24) months of appointment.

To review the Classification Specification, please click here (https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/valleywater.org.us-west-1/s3fs-public/Assistant%20Water%20Plant%20Operator%20I-II%20-%203-2022.pdf)

South Water Treatment Operations Unit (Position Code 250)

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position requires the individual to be onsite and is typically not a teleworking position.

Selection Process

(1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview.

(2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.

NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.

Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.

Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.

Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.

Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, offers a comprehensive benefit package including, vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, EAP, life and disability insurance. In addition, Valley Water participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). To view a summary of benefits, clickhere (https://www.valleywater.org/benefits)

01

I acknowledge that I have entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position.

• Yes

• No

  02

  Please answer the supplemental questions thoroughly, clearly, and concisely as the responses provided (along with the application) will be carefully reviewed to determine which candidates will move forward in the recruitment process. I have read this information and am aware of the importance of responses to the supplemental questions.

• Yes

• No

  03

  Have you completed six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Do you possess an Associate’s degree or higher in engineering, water resources or chemistry from an accredited college?

• Yes

• No

  05

  Do you possess a valid T1 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the CA State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)?

• Yes

• No

  06

  Do you possess a valid T2 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the CA State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)?

• Yes

• No

  07

  Operators work 12-hour shifts, rotating approximately every 4-6 months between "days” and "nights". Do you have any concerns with this schedule?

• Yes

• No

  08

  As an Assistant Water Plant Operator, you will work with mechanical equipment and handle chemicals. • A. Can you describe any experience or training that has prepared you for this type of work? • B. What safety measures do you follow when working with hazardous chemicals?

  09

  This position involves both technical tasks and physical work, including heavy lifting and general housekeeping assignments. Can you describe your experience working in similar environments?

  10

  Please list the full name of the regular/permanent Valley Water employee who referred you to this position (only one name will be accepted, so if multiple are listed, the first name provided will be documented as the referring employee). If this does not apply to you, write "N/A".

  11

  Employment with Valley Water requires employees to take an Oath as a Disaster Service Worker within California and to live within 150 miles of Valley Water Headquarters in San Jose, California by the start date. Valley Water does not cover relocation costs. If you live further than 150 miles from Valley Water Headquarters, please discuss your willingness to relocate if offered the position. If this does not apply to you, write "N/A".

  Required Question

Employer

Santa Clara Valley Water District (CA)

Address

5750 Almaden Expressway

San Jose, California, 95118

Phone

1-408-630-2260

Website

https://www.valleywater.org

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