Location
Description
The City of Dixon is excited to announce the recruitment for the position of Chief Plant Operator in the Wastewater Division! The position manages, supervises and participates in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the City of Dixon's ("City") Grade III, Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Facility, laboratory facilities, industrial pretreatment program, related property and equipment to ensure compliance with Local, County, State and Federal regulations; WDR limitations, effluent limitations and ensuring that operators-in-training are supervised directly as required by State Regulations; and performs related and other work as required.
Exam Process: A limited number of candidates whose applications indicate that they, among those competing, are better qualified in terms of related education, training and experience may be invited to participate in a written exam and/or an interview process (weighted 100%). The most qualified candidates from this process will be placed on an employment eligibility list. Note: the examination process may be changed as deemed necessary.
Employment Processing: Those selected will be subject to pre-employment drug testing, physical evaluation and fingerprinting. In accordance with Federal law, an employee must provide proof of identity and legal right to work in the United States.
Veteran’s Preference Points: Veteran’s Preference points will be applied. A copy of the DD214 form must be filed as a PDF attachment at the time of application.
The City of Dixon is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable Accommodation in the application, examination and selection process will be made upon request by calling (707) 678-7000.
Please do not reply to emails from CalOpps during this process at any time as this correspondence does not come back to our agency.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in terminology, principle, procedures, mathematics, materials, tools and equipment used in operating and maintaining an activated sludge wastewater treatment facility and related systems. They will have the ability to effectively supervise and operate a wastewater treatment facility, laboratory operations and the industrial pretreatment program; to develop, interpret and implement department policies.
The ideal candidate will also have knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) control systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). The ability to estimate needed materials and labor, and secure sufficient quantities, to read and understand plans, blueprints and specifications is also required. In addition, they will need the ability to supervise, train, and evaluate less experiences personnel; work effectively without immediate supervision; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, prepare a variety of reports, spreadsheets and maintain accurate records.
Education:
Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in wastewater treatment or a related subject.
Associate's degree in a technical field related to wastewater treatment and facilities operations or closely related field, such as water treatment, engineering, environmental science, chemistry or biology is desirable.
Experience:
Three years of increasingly responsible experience involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. One year of lead or supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Other Requirements:
Must possess a current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certification or higher issued by the California, State Water Resources Control Board, Office of Operator Certification.
Possession of a Class B Commercial motor vehicle operator's license, with tank and air brake endorsements may be required in order to successfully complete the probation period at the discretion of the Department Head.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California Department of Pesticide, Qualified Applicator's Certificate (QAC) within 1 year from assignment may be required.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid American Red Cross or equivalent, Adult CPR/AED Certificate within 6 months from appointment.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Forklift Operator Safety Training Certificate within 6 months of appointment.
Possession of a valid California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) Collections Systems Maintenance Grade I certificate or higher is desirable.
Possession of a valid California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade I certificate or higher is desirable.
Benefits
Full-Time Permanent Employees in this classification are represented by Dixon Mid Manager’s and Supervisor’s Association (DMSA) (PDF).
CalPERS TIER DEFINITIONS - MOU INTERPRETATION OF CALPERS TIERS
COLA Increase in July: 3%
Retirement: CalPERS Retirement System (2% @ 60 formula for Classic CalPERS members and 2% @ 62 formula for new CalPERS members). The City does not participate in social security.
Medical: CalPERS Medical Insurance Plans, including HMOs and PPOs. City will contribute an amount up to 85% of the premium for the Kaiser (Region 1) health plan. 2026 Maximum Employer Medical Contribution for family will be $2,583.18.
Bilingual Pay: $150 per month upon certification.
Standby Pay: $60/weekday evening; $150/weekend day; $150/holidays
Review the DMSA Benefit Summary for full scope of benefits.
This summary is subject to change without notice, and does not constitute either an expressed or an implied contract. If conflicts between this summary and basic policy statements occur, the basic policy will prevail.
Special Instructions
Candidates must complete:
1. Online application
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Answers
Candidates must submit:
3. A satisfactory CA DMV driving record. (Attach DMV Printout obtained from an official California DMV Office or online - www.DMV.ca.gov). The online Driver Record is not an official document, but the City will accept either this or an official copy. The City will also accept an out of state/country DMV record. However, you will need to obtain a California State Driver’s License within 30 days of appointment.
4. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certificate, required
Candidates may submit:
5. Associate's degree
6. Adult CPR/AED Certificate
7. Forklift Operator Safety Training certificate
8. Qualified Applicator's Certificate (QAC)
9. Collections Systems Maintenance Grade I certificate
10. Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade I certificate
11. DD214, if applicable
Applicants will not be invited to continue in the selection process without a complete packet.
The most qualified candidates whose applications indicate that they, among those competing, are better qualified in terms of related training and experience will be considered.