Plant Operator Trainee / Plant Operator I.II

PLEASE NOTE: Successful candidate will be placed in either the Plant Operator Trainee or Plant Operator I/II position, depending on qualifications.

 

HELIX WATER DISTRICT is seeking a motivated, analytical thinker with strong communication skills who is committed to excellence to join our team at the R.M. Levy Water Plant in Lakeside, CA. (East San Diego County)

Depending on qualifications of the successful candidate, they will be placed in either the Plant Operator Trainee or the Plant Operator I/II job classification. Both levels are responsible for working swing, grave and relief shifts on a rotational basis.

 

Excellent Benefits Package includes:

• 100% employee premiums paid for all health benefits
• California Public Employees Retirement System membership
• 24 annual days of accrued leave and increases after 5 years of service to 29 annual days of accrued leave
• 12 paid holidays per year, including 2 floating holidays
• Up to $3,500 matching on 457 plan
• Up to $4,000 annually for qualifying courses after 1 year of service

 

Plant Operator Trainee: $33.63 – $42.93/hourly

Plant Operator I: $37.08 – $47.33/hourly

Plant Operator II: $40.88 – $52.17/hourly

Once on shift, Trainees and Operators receive a 5% Shift Differential

 

Scheduled Pay Increases for Full-Time Classifications:

• July 1, 2024: 2% salary adjustment + 2 – 4% cost-of-living adjustment
• July 1, 2025: 2 – 4% cost-of-living adjustment
• Up to 5% merit increase on an annual basis until employee has reached top of pay range

 

The Plant Operator Trainee is a non-exempt, entry-level technical classification. Plant Operator I is the entry-level class and requires three years of progressively responsible experience in plant operations involving potable water production, treatment, storage and transmission. The Plant Operator I is flexibly staffed with the Plant Operator II classification. Typically, proficiency criteria are met within six to 18 months, depending on an individual’s experience.

 

Overview of Responsibilities 

Operates a large, state-of-the-art water treatment facility using electronic and computer control systems (supervisory control and data acquisition); interprets gauges, meters, charts and graphs; operates pumps, valves, motors and related equipment; inspects plant equipment; performs preventive and predictive maintenance to treatment plant equipment; reports the need for major or specialized repairs to equipment, machinery and electrical and electronic systems to supervisors; assists specialized trades personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment, machinery and systems; coordinates repairs and maintenance with other department sections and contractors to ensure regular and preventive maintenance is scheduled for minimum system impact.

Monitors the transmission and distribution system in conjunction with the system operators; advises system operators of potential problems and alarms; coordinates activities with system operators.

Performs water quality analysis as assigned, examples include chlorine residual, turbidity, zeta potential, alkalinity and hardness; performs jar tests; makes calculations based on data analysis.

Works varied shifts and takes rotation duties in both plant operation and maintenance.

For a complete list of job responsibilities for the Plant Operator Trainee and Plant Operator I/II, please visit hwd.com/careers/.

 

Qualifications 

Valid Class C California driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability under the district’s vehicle insurance policy.

Possession of or ability to obtain CPR/AED and first aid certification within six months and maintain valid certification thereafter.

Plant Operator Trainee:

Training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED plus one of the following is required:

• College-level course work in biology, chemistry or water treatment technology.
• One year of progressively responsible experience working at a treatment or wastewater plant.
• One year of progressively responsible experience working in water distribution, construction or maintenance.
• One year of progressively responsible maintenance experience.

A valid state of California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade 2 (T2).  This Plant Operator Trainee position requires passing the State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade 3, (T3) test within 12 months from the date of hire as a Plant Operator Trainee.  Failure to pass the required examination within the prescribed time frame will result in a transfer to another vacant position in a different job classification for which he/she is selected or termination of employment from the district.

 

Plant Operator I/II:

Training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED equivalent, supplemented by college-level course work in biology, chemistry and water treatment technology; and three years of progressively responsible experience in plant operations involving potable water production, treatment, storage and transmission.

 

A valid state of California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade 3 (T3).

 

A valid state of California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade 2 (D2) is highly desirable.

 

Application Process:

To be considered for the Plant Operator Trainee or Plant Operator I/II, please complete the online application and supplemental questionnaire and view a complete list of job responsibilities by visiting our career section at www.hwd.com/Careers.  Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the online application.