Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Grade OIT-V, DOQ)

THE POSITION : THE OPPORTUNITY :

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is seeking motivated and safety-focused individuals to join our Operations team as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators I-V (DOQ). In this role, you'll be part of the essential frontline workforce responsible for operating and maintaining our regional water recycling facilities-helping ensure reliable, high-quality service to the community we serve.

As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, you'll gain hands-on experience with advanced treatment processes and state-of-the-art technology while working side-by-side with a collaborative team of professional operators. From monitoring treatment systems to collecting samples and performing lab tests, you'll play a critical role in protecting water quality, safeguarding the environment, and supporting the Agency's mission of sustainability. Whether you're just starting your career in wastewater operations or are an experienced professional ready to advance, this role provides meaningful work, professional development, and the chance to make a lasting impact in your community.

Successful candidates may be assigned to work at any of the Agency's facilities and / or multiple locations. This position serves the front-line operation of the various wastewater treatment facilities. Dependent upon possession and grade of wastewater or water certification, employees will receive various levels of on-the-job training and guidance from operations staff as required to safely and efficiently meet day-to-day compliance. Staff in this position follows prescribed and standardized procedures, under various levels of supervision of a higher-level Operator on duty. 4 / 10 work schedule; w / ability to work varying shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call duty and respond to call backs, and may be required to work alone.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE :

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with additional college-level coursework in chemistry, biology, and wastewater and / or water treatment technology; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Operator III :

At least two years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater or water treatment plant operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

Operator IV / V :

At least four years of progressively responsible experience in skilled, journey-level wastewater or water treatment plant operation; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program.

California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment and / or Distribution Operator certifications are desirable.

Annual certification for CPR, First Aid, HAZWOPER, forklift, and confined-space entry. Annual completion of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) fit test per OSHA requirements is required within six months of appointment and during the course of employment. The employee may be required to wear other types of respirators, dust, and particulate or cartridge masks dependent upon the work environment.

Operator-In-Training :

A valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I Certificate or higher must be obtained within 24 months from date of hire to advance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I / II class. Failure to obtain a Grade I or higher certificate could result in termination of employment.

Operator I :

A valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I Certification is required at hire or promotion.

Operator II :

A valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II Certification is required at hire or promotion.

Operator III :

A valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certification is required at hire or promotion.

Operator IV / V :

A valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV / V Certification is required at promotion or hire.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to adhere to established safety policies and procedures, including proper use of PPE, confined space entry, and lockout / tagout practices, to ensure personal and team protection.
• Ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of the purpose, function, and design of treatment processes and equipment to optimize operations and achieve performance objectives.
• Experienced in identifying and resolving process and equipment issues using SCADA data, diagnostic tools, and established troubleshooting techniques to ensure operational reliability.
• Knowledge of how equipment and process performance affects upstream and downstream operations, with the ability to recognize both positive and negative impacts when systems are in or out of service.
• Skilled in monitoring, interpreting, and acting on KPIs related to chemical usage, equipment performance, and process efficiency to maintain cost control and operational excellence.
• Ability to receive and apply instruction and training provided by operations, safety personnel, and other Agency staff.

To view the full job description, please click the following links :

Operator-In-Training OP 171 ($33.5188 - $40.8404 Hourly)

Operator I OP 174 ($38.7986 - $47.2726 Hourly)

Operator II OP 176 ($42.7717 - $52.1140 Hourly )

Operator III OP 178 ($47.1553 - $57.4534 Hourly )

Operator IV / V OP 180 ($51.9895 - $63.3443 Hourly) FLSA : Non-Exempt

Probationary Period : 12 months

About Us The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is a regional wastewater treatment agency and wholesale distributor of imported water to approximately 950,000 people across 242-square miles in western San Bernardino County. Under the leadership of a directly elected five-member Board of Directors, the Agency is committed to supporting the needs of its service area and safeguarding public health through significant investments in a diverse water supply portfolio, reliable municipal / industrial wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner.

As a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan), IEUA provides supplemental water supplies, primarily via the State Water Project (SWP) for distribution among nine retail agencies. IEUA also replenishes local groundwater supplies with captured stormwater and recycled water produced by IEUA that is later extracted by local water agencies for use as a drinking water supply.

At IEUA, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture that promotes growth, accountability, and collaboration. Our eight organizational attributes are the foundations of our success and guide us in our daily operations.

Click the links to learn more about our Agency's Mission, Vision, and Values, including our Strategic Plan.

SELECTION PROCESS :

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted on a continuous basis. The deadline for first review is Thursday, October 16 , 2025, at 11 : 59 PM . Applicants are encouraged to apply early as this recruitment may close at anytime after the fire review period.

There are multiple vacancies in the Operations Unit.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple vacancies and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list. Salary Range : Operator-In-Training OP 171 ($33.5188 - $40.8404 Hourly)

Operator I OP 174 ($38.7986 - $47.2726 Hourly)

Operator II OP 176 ($42.7717 - $52.1140 Hourly )

Operator III OP 178 ($47.1553 - $57.4534 Hourly )

Operator IV / V OP 180 ($51.9895 - $63.3443 Hourly)

FLSA : Non-Exempt Probationary Period : 12 months

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following : written test, oral interview, performance / practical examination. A second round of interviews may also be conducted. Communications regarding this recruitment will be sent by email, and candidates will need to monitor their inbox / spam / junk email folder regularly to ensure they do not miss any relevant communication.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at ( 909 ) 993-1640 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency does not sponsor employment visas at the time of hire or during the course of employment. All applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".