THE POSITION
THIS POSITION IS IN THE WASTEWATER & DRAINAGE DIVISION
This Junior Plant Operator position is for the Wastewater and Drainage division. This position performs physically demanding tasks such as heavy equipment operations, operating wastewater conveyance systems, and conducting mechanical equipment inspections and minor service repairs. This position requires working irregular shifts in all weather conditions, including nights, weekends, holidays, standby, and responds to emergencies as needed. A CA Commercial driver license will be required by the end of the probation period.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate will have experience and job knowledge with the following:
- Basic water and wastewater treatment processes and analytical tests including interpreting gauges, meters, and recorders.
Operation, maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for equipment and machinery, such as, but not limited to pumps, motors, chlorinators, alums, polymer and fluoride feeders, lime slakers.
-
Individuals with a California State Water Resources Control Board T-1 certification is desired but not required for this position.
To perform skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation of the City's drinking water treatment plants, wells, reservoirs, distribution system, or swimming pools and fountains; combined wastewater control system, primary wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations; and to assist in monitoring and directing the pumping of storm water, wastewater, and potable water.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Junior Plant Operator is the entry-level classification in the Plant Operator series. Incumbents perform the routine inspection, lubrication, servicing, maintenance, and cleaning of equipment and facilities, and assist in operating plant equipment and performing the more routine water quality laboratory tests.
This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Plant Operator in that the latter is the journey-level operator classification that works independently in operating plant equipment and conducting water quality laboratory tests.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direct supervision is provided by the Supervising Plant Operator; indirect supervision and lead direction is provided by the Senior Plant Operator. Technical directions may be provided by the Plant Operator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Make scheduled and preventive maintenance checks on facility equipment such as pumps, motors, and air compressors. Perform routine servicing and adjustments to equipment and paint equipment.
- Lubricate equipment, including bearings and valves, and change oil as required.
- Load and unload chlorine cylinders or containers, alum, lime, and other materials used in the treatment of potable and nonpotable water using an electric hoist, forklift, crane, and other heavy equipment, and make necessary connections for the transfer of chemicals.
- Clean tanks, sedimentation basins, chemical feeders, reservoirs, filter basins, lime slakers, and sumps.
- Assist in operating treatment plant or pool equipment by reading meters and gauges, operating valves, pumps, and other controls to adjust water flow, pressure, and chemical dosages. Make calculations and record readings.
- Assist in collecting water samples and performing routine water quality laboratory tests.
- Assist in performing various filter tests as part of the filter surveillance program.
- Perform janitorial work and grounds maintenance.
- Perform preventive maintenance duties including painting equipment and cleaning trash screens and filters.
- Operate equipment such as engine driven pumps, generators, compressors, hoists, forklifts, cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Work in confined spaces, on temporary scaffolding, and on high structures; using a self-contained breathing apparatus and/or Level I Hazmat suits.
- Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Basic principles of drinking water, wastewater, strom drainage, or swimming pool water treatment.
- Principles, operation and maintenance requirements of pumps, motors, compressors, generators, valves and internal combustion engines.
- Basic principles and methods used generally in the mechanical and electrical fields.
- Basic principles of mathematics, algebra, and chemistry.
- Safe and efficient work practices as they are related to mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Operating principles of power-driven equipment such as forklifts, electric hoists, and trucks.
Ability to:
- Perform a variety of physically demanding tasks on a regular basis.
- Work any shift (e.g., swing, relief, night), weekends, holidays, and standby that is mandatory for some assignments.
- Perform mathematical and algebraic calculations, interpret basic word problems related to water, wastewater treatment, or swimming pool water, and keep accurate records.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Understand basic water and wastewater treatment processes and analytical tests including interpreting gauges, meters, and recorders.
- Understand the location, function, operation, preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting procedures for pumps, motors, chlorinators, alum, polymer and fluoride feeders, lime slakers and other associated equipment and machinery.
- Understand basic personal computer programs including inter/intranet access, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
- Understand basic Supervising Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system operation for some assignments.
- Understand basic Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) operations for some assignments.
- Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Experience:
Six months experience in performing operations in the water, wastewater or swimming pool field; or performing preventive maintenance-type work on pumps, motors, or related mechanical/electrical equipment.
OR
Education:
Completion of a course of instruction related to water, wastewater plant, or swimming pool (Aquatic Facility Operator or Certified Pool and Spa Operator) operations; or mechanical or electrical technology; assignments in drinking water treatment require one 90 contact hour (9 semester units) course in Water/Wastewater Treatment Operations.
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and
will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service.
Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Ability to obtain a valid California Class A or B Driver License with endorsements as required or Class C Driver License with Hazmat endorsement during the probationary period is required for some assignments. Loss of the license is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Certificate:
Assignments in drinking water treatment require a T-1 or higher certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board at the time of appointment;
For assignments in wastewater treatment, possession of a T-1 or higher certificate is desirable;
For assignments in aquatics, an Aquatic Facility Operator or Certified Pool and Spa Operator certification is required within 6 months of appointment.
Assessment:
If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test for some assignments.
Respiratory Protective Equipment:
Work in this class may require wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such assignments, individuals must act in accordance with the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit
online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline ;
- Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
- Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
- If applicants do not list current and/or past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
- If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
- Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
- Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
- If you’re requesting Veteran’s credit, a copy of your DD214 must be submitted online with your application or emailed to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline. Information regarding the use of Veteran’s credit can be found in the Civil Service Board rules under rule 4.9C.
- Applicants are responsible for attaching a copy of their DD214 to each position for which they apply.
2. Training and Experience Exam: (Weighted 100%) - The questions located at the end of the application are the Training and Experience (T&E) Exam. Responses to the T&E questions will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. The exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. When completing the T&E questions, please note:
- Responses to the T&E questions must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
- A resume will not substitute for the information required in the T&E questions.
3. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the Training and Experience Test will be placed on the eligible list. The hiring department may contact candidates for interview at any time during the life of the one-year list. Candidate’s eligibility expires one year from the date of notification of a passing score for the Junior Plant Operator (Wastewater/Drainage) examination.
4. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)- All candidates that pass the examination and are in one of the top three ranks will have their application forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.
5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan / fingerprinting; review by Human Resources, a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and / or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.
QUESTIONS:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
- Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
- For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
- Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment ;
- Send an email to [email protected] ; or
- Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726
Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf
Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html
Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf
Closing Date/Time: 5/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
