Water Systems Worker Trainee/I/II/III presso County of San Luis Obispo, CA

About the Department

The anticipated salary range for hire is $47,611.20 - $78,790.40 annually based on experience. The top of the range for salary advancement is $101,296.00.

The position will be working in the scenic Northern Sections of San Luis Obispo County from the Santa Margarita Booster Station. The position will learn to operate and maintain the Nacimiento Water Project (NWP). The NWP conveys raw water to five turnouts, City of Paso Robles, Templeton Community Services District, Atascadero Mutual Water Company, Santa Margarita Ranch and the City of San Luis Obispo. Water is delivered via a 45-mile transmission main with three storage tanks and three pump stations. The pump stations are remotely monitored using SCADA and have redundant pumps and motors at each site.

Classes in this series perform a wide variety of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled work in all phases of the operation, maintenance, repair, and light construction activities associated with potable water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution, collection and disposal systems; and perform other related work as required. Incumbents may work in one or more of the following areas: (a) potable water treatment operations; (b) wastewater treatment operations; or (c) water distribution operations, water supply and wastewater collection and dam and flood control operations

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties

(Not in order of importance)

· Operates pumps, motors, valves, gates, meters and other hydraulic structures to regulate water quality, quantity and distribution; including dam and flood control systems.

· Installs, calibrates, inspects, repairs and performs routine maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, fire hydrants, pipes and related equipment; assists in the installation of water and sewer mains.

· Maintains knowledge of regulations and operations of potable water treatment, wastewater treatment and distribution through continuing education requirements and maintaining appropriate certifications for job class.

· Operates various hand and power tools, motorized vehicles, forklifts, tractors, boats and other equipment as required

· Collects water samples, performs laboratory tests and makes recommended adjustments as required.

· Inspects and maintains all water and wastewater unit processes at assigned facilities including; filters, clarifiers, digesters, aerators, flocculators and lift stations.

· Reads, monitors and records information resulting from water sample testing, process controls, automated control systems and telemetry devices.

· Records observations of plant equipment and environmental factors that may affect plant operation and performance.

· Reads water meters and turns-on and turns-off service as directed.

· Performs general housekeeping and grounds maintenance at assigned facilities.

· Follows all safety procedures and properly uses personal protective equipment, including respiratory devices, as required.

· Responds to requests for on-call, holiday, weekend, and after-hours support for plant operations.

· Provides training and direction to subordinate staff as required.

· Makes chemical adjustments, changes flow rates and other adjustments to regulate water quality and quantity.

· Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of employment.

• Up to 4 Weeks of Vacation (DOE) 
• Generous Benefits Package - Click here!
• Other Incentives/Benefits - Click here!

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County. 

Position Duties

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of operation of pumps, motors, valves, meters and hydraulic equipment; basic equipment maintenance and repair; general plumbing, electrical and construction methods; water sampling and laboratory testing; data collection systems and computer software; regulations and practices of water treatment, distribution and wastewater treatment facilities; water system equipment, procedures and terminology; reading comprehension and basic mathematical computations; accepted methods of employee training and leadership; and safety guidelines and procedures.

Education and Experience

All levels: Graduation from high school or possession of a general educational development (GED) certificate.

Water Systems Worker Trainee: No experience required.

Water Systems Worker I: One year of experience as Water Systems Worker Trainee or equivalent position.

Water Systems Worker II: One year of experience as Water Systems Worker I or equivalent position.

Water Systems Worker III: One year of experience as a Water Systems Worker II or equivalent position.

Licenses and Certificates

A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Water Systems Worker Trainee: No certificate required. Within 12 months of appointment must possess either a T1 or D1 operator certification.

Water Systems Worker I: Possession of both T1 and D1 Operator Certifications at time of appointment.

Water Systems Worker II: Possession of both T2 and D2 Operator Certifications at time of appointment.

Water Systems Worker III: Possession of both T3 and D2 Operator Certifications at time of appointment.

Definitions:

T1, T2, T3 = Potable water treatment certification – levels 1, 2, 3

D1, D2 = Distribution water treatment certification – levels 1, 2

Minimum Qualifications

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. 

Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. 

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Other Qualifications

Other Specifications
Some positions in this classification may be assigned to facilities which require additional certification. Each recruitment will indicate the license or certification, program responsibility and specific experience required to fill an existing vacancy based upon the needs of the County.

Must be willing and able to work alternating shifts and weekend work to provide coverage after normal workday or irregular and on-call emergency requests on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Must successfully pass initial and recurring respiratory fitness test.

Based upon work location or assignment, incumbents may be required to keep hair and facial hair consistent with the ability to ensure proper use of safety equipment.