Become a Water and Sewage Plant Operator

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

Under general direction in a conservation camp in the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to perform a variety of skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a water/wastewater treatment plant, water, sewer, heating, boiler, air conditioning, ventilating, lighting, power, and other mechanical systems normally found in a State conservation camp facility; to work closely with Region, Headquarters facility planners, and various control agencies on facility maintenance problems and code requirements; to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates or wards; to instruct or lead inmates, wards, or resident workers in facilities maintenance while protecting and maintaining the safety of persons and property; and to do other related work.

Job Characteristics

Positions in this class are in Department of Forestry and Fire Protection conservation camps which are located in remote, isolated areas of California that preclude using existing local municipal water or wastewater systems. The camps have their own drinking water supply and treatment systems, along with on-site wastewater disposal systems that serve the inmate population as well as State staff. Assignments may include sole responsibility for the lead and instruction of inmates, wards, or resident workers and/or the protection of personal and real property.

Water/wastewater certificate requirements vary among camps. Specific camp needs will indicate which license is required.

Typical Tasks

Operates, inspects, maintains, and repairs all water and/or wastewater treatment systems per California Code of Regulations Title 22 and Title 23, including piping, pumps, ponds, sprayfields, leach fields, and storage used in conjunction with water and sewer systems; performs daily tests of water and sewage in various stages of treatment and personally makes the analyses; prepares and submits to the Department of Health Services and/or State Water Resources Control Board all required water quality monitoring documentation; interprets water quality tests and determines necessary changes in dosage and treatment processes; performs the maintenance of equipment and related facilities; adjusts and repairs mechanical equipment such as pumps, chlorinators, gas engines, and metering devices; monitors and directs the pumping of septic tanks and grease traps; maintains manholes, water and sewer pipelines, storm drains, hydrants, and water valves, and continually monitors cross connections per Title 17; repairs and maintains all types of motors and engines used to power pumps, compressors, and fans; operates and directs the operation of related equipment at incinerators and other mechanical equipment; prepares and processes a variety of purchase documents to order and maintain an adequate supply of parts, tools, and supplies necessary to maintain the facilities of a conservation camp; leads and instructs two or more inmates, wards, or resident workers; provides training and instruction in the maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment plants, water and sewer distribution lines, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), boilers, interior and exterior painting, laundry and culinary equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems; inspects, maintains, and repairs: water filters, softeners, piping, and pumps used in conjunction with water distribution, including all sinks and toilet bowls, supply lines, sewer lines, and water lines; all natural and manufactured gas distribution lines and manufacturing systems, including all valves and control devices; all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including control systems for air balance, humidistat, and solid-state electronic motor control amplifiers; single-phase and multiphase electrical circuits up to 220 volts, including emergency generators; boiler and steam generator plant; performs general building preventive maintenance and repair; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the Departments of Corrections and the Youth Authority; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves or others or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; and inspects premises and searches inmates or wards for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$6,501 - $8,230 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of engineering or operating experience in a water filtration plant or a sewage treatment plant serving a population of at least 2,000; (and)

Possession of an appropriate State of California Certification for Sewage Treatment Plant Operator and/or Water Treatment Plant Operator is required at the time of appointment. Certificates are issued by the Department of Health Services and Water Resources Control Board. (Applicants who are within six months of obtaining the required certification will be admitted to the examination but must produce evidence of certification before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
Water, sewage, and other mechanical systems and equipment; methods, materials, and tools used in the operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment; principles of water and sewage treatment; the department's affirmative action program objectives; a manager's role in the affirmative action program; and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to:
Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; make and interpret chemical and physical laboratory tests to determine the effectiveness of water and sewage treatment; prepare routine reports and keep accurate records; train and supervise employees engaged in operating water and sewage treatment plants; read, interpret, and work from plans, drawings, and specifications; think and act quickly in emergencies; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; and effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Additional Desirable Qualification
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

No examinations at this time.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!