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, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, 400 acres of groundwater recharge ponds, and 275 miles of streams.
The Assistant Water Plant Operator helps with all day-to-day plant operations, including operating and maintaining plant equipment, calibrating water quality monitoring equipment; taking and analyzing water and chemical samples; cleaning equipment and facilities; receiving bulk chemical deliveries; operating the sludge dewatering process; using the computer-based plant control, or SCADA system, completing data entry, initiating work orders, and maintaining plant operations logs and reports. Operators work a 4 to 6-month assigned rotations between day shift, night shift, and other shifts, as needed. The facility operates and is staffed continuously, which means 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position reports to the Water Plant Supervisor and works under direction from the Senior/Water Plant Operator.
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.
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 beds; 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; 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. 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 drying beds, washwater clarification system, and containment and delivery areas. Employees have a responsibility for safety; for following safety regulations and safety policies and procedures applicable to their work; and for carrying out those responsibilities with due diligence as a condition of employment.
- 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.
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: 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 I Substitution: - An Associate’s degree in engineering or chemistry from an accredited college may substitute for the training required at the time of application.
- Possession of a Grade T1 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board may substitute for the training requirement at the time of application.
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.
