Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The City of Colton has a great opportunity in our Wastewater Division! The application deadline is July 21, 2026. We encourage you to APPLY HERE ASAP!

DEFINITION: Under the direction of the Wastewater Utilities Supervisor, directs, coordinates and supervises the activities and operations of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators; coordinates daily activities of operation teams, schedules and assigns daily job assignments; and provides supervisory and technical support to the wastewater operation crews. May act as Wastewater Utilities Supervisor in their absence.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is the advanced journey level classification within the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Incumbents in this classification perform work of a manual nature, which requires complex and more difficult repairs and operations. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III and has by the performance of more technical and complex duties and responsibilities which may include operating heavy equipment, maintaining and repairing wastewater equipment. Incumbents in this classification may be assigned to assist crews, assign duties and responsibilities. Incumbents assume lead supervision responsibility over wastewater operation crews classification and may be required to work holidays, evenings, and weekends and be on call for 24-hour shifts as needed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Exercises direct technical and functional supervision over lower-level crews and staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Accept supervisory and lead worker responsibility for activities, operations and services of the Wastewater Utilities Division including daily operations and minor facility equipment maintenance and repair tasks including the operation of heavy equipment.
• Plan, coordinate and review the work of others assigned to daily projects and responsibilities; provide technical direction to operation staff.
• Provide orientation and training to subordinate personnel; identify and report staff deficiencies; recommend discipline procedures as required.
• Analyze and evaluate in-house laboratory results, data and procedures and take corrective action as appropriate; develop new laboratory procedures and may perform laboratory duties as necessary.
• Operate personal computer, keep daily records and produce narrative and statistical reports.
• Make recommendations regarding equipment purchasing, upgrade construction and provide cost estimates as assigned.
• Serve as a resource for the Operation Division, coordinate divisional activities with other divisions and provide information and resources to the Wastewater Utilities Supervisor as needed.
• Write standard operating procedures for plant processes under the direction and supervision of Supervisor and Wastewater Manager.
• Operate trucks and heavy equipment including small tractors, loaders, backhoe; may operate landscape equipment in the maintenance of surrounding facility grounds.
• Ensure all safety rules and regulations are followed.
• Responsible for all weekly and monthly inspections.
• Assist in the training of lower-level personnel in the areas of work; ensure adherence to safe work methods, procedures and practices; identify training opportunities and needs; make recommendations to higher level staff.
• Responsible in the preparation, creation and execution of daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly, preventive maintenance scheduling of treatment facility equipment and reporting of PMS to supervisor.
• Perform weekly safety meetings with lower staff.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: A typical way to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be to possess:

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

AND

Experience: Three (3) years as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II and experience performing duties directly applicable to assigned area of responsibility

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid State of California Class “C” driver’s license is required.
• Possession of a valid Grade III State of California Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification is required. *MUST UPLOAD COPY TO APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED*

Additional Requirements: Depending on the needs of the City, the incumbent of this classification may be required to maintain additional licenses or certificates and Continuing Education Units. The incumbent may be required to work outside the traditional work schedule. May be subject to call out/call back or stand-by scheduling.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices associated with wastewater treatment plant operations as related to primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. Chemical processes associated with the three treatment stages. Safety regulations and procedures associated with all functions of a wastewater treatment facility. Operation of wastewater treatment plant equipment, laboratory procedures and policies. Safety regulations and procedures associated with all functions of a wastewater treatment facility. Biosolids handling and effluent disposal regulations and practices. Odor control techniques. Sampling and testing requirements. Biological and chemical testing practices used in wastewater field operations. Basic OSHA and Cal-OSHA safety regulations. Modern office equipment, including computer and applicable software.

Ability to: Perform functions of the daily operations of wastewater treatment facilities. Operate heavy equipment in the course of performing routine tasks. Perform laboratory tests and procedures in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility. Read and work from blueprints, maps, drawings, sketches, specifications and other technical documents. Understand regulations and policies governing wastewater treatment operations. Identify and analyze problems and correct in the work of normal operations. Collect and analyze water samples. Draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Maintain accurate records. Perform laboratory functions as appropriate. Use computer equipment and related software. Perform simple laboratory tests. Make arithmetical calculations as needed. Establish effective working relationships in the work place. Work standby, per the MOU.

Skill to: Read meters, gauges and control panels. Use computer equipment as needed. Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, loaders, vactor truck, and hand tools. Effectively operate a motor vehicle on City streets. Operate computer and applicable software.
Additional Information:

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use hazardous materials including cleaning and lubricating chemicals, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions.

This job specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify essential functions and requirements of the job. Not all incumbents may perform all duties at all times. However, incumbents must be able to perform the essential duties, with or without accommodation for disability at any time while holding this position.

Recruitment and Selection Process

The candidates with the most desired qualifications and that best meet the city's needs will be invited to participate in the Oral Board Interview process. Candidates successful in this process will have their names certified to an eligibility list. This list is valid for one (1) year from the interview date.