Plant Operator I / II

Salary : $48.59 - $68.65 Hourly

Location : Palmdale, CA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : PO10012025

Department : Operations

Opening Date : 10 / 01 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

Description

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Position available as Plant Operator I or II based on qualifications and experience.

Plant Operator I $48.59-$59.20

Plant Operator II $56.35-$68.65

JOB SUMMARY

To perform a variety of duties related to the continuous operation and maintenance of the Leslie O. Carter water treatment plant and the distribution system.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Plant Operator 1

This is the intermediate level in the Plant Operator series. Positions in this level work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. Plant Operator 1 level is distinguished from level 2 by performing less than the full range of duties assigned to level 2. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned, competencies are demonstrated and are flexibly staffed.

Plant Operator 2

This is the journey level in the Plant Operator series. Employees at this level are expected to have good working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the WTP and Distribution system. Plant Operator 2 is distinguished from level 1 by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise. Positions in this level are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Plant Operator 1 level. Employees at this level provide guidance to the Plant Operator 1 and OIT level positions.

Under the direction of the Operation Manager plans, organizes and directs work on the control and operations of the WTP and Distribution system within the Operations Department. Performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Functions as Chief Plant Operator and fills in for the Operations Manager when assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Plant Operator 1 : Receives Immediate supervision from the Operations Manager; may receive technical and functional supervision from a Plant Operator III.

Plant Operator 2 : Receives general supervision from the Operations Manager; may exercise technical and functional supervision over Plant Operator I.

Examples of Duties

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Operate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer equipment to control and monitor flow of water treatment and processing of chemicals through the treatment plant and the water distribution system; operate control systems manually, as needed; monitor gauges and meters and record meter readings; maintain shift log.
• Observe variations in operating conditions; interpret computer, meter and gauge readings; check, standardize and calibrate instruments, analyzers and chemical feed pumps; start and stop electric driven pumps and motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analysis; determine chemical and physical characteristics of raw, settled, filtered, and finished water.
• Oversee sludge pond operation including monitoring of removal and transfer of sludge.
• Receive delivery of chemicals, materials, parts, and supplies, store in accordance with accepted safety standards and requirements.
• Inspect mechanical equipment for proper working order and prepare / submit work orders for mechanical and / or electrical maintenance attention; perform routine maintenance work as necessary.
• Participate in preparation of reports to various external regulatory agencies and District divisions and departments.
• Maintain records and documentation.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Plant Operator 1

Knowledge of :

Ability to :

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be :

Experience

Three years of responsible experience in a water utility operating and performing maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment.

Training :

Equivalent to high school diploma / GED. Some information science college work preferred.

License and Certificate

Plant Operator 2

In addition to the qualifications for Plant Operator 1 :

Knowledge of :

Ability to :

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be :

Experience

Three years of responsible journey experience performing duties similar to a Plant Operator 1 with the Palmdale Water District.

Training

Equivalent to high school diploma / GED. Some information science college work preferred.

License and Certificate

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

Intermittently, walk stand, kneel, climb, twist and bend in the field; sit while studying or preparing reports and driving in vehicle or operating equipment; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; continuously write or use a keyboard to communicate; and lift or carry weight up to 50 pounds. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold with extreme sun exposure. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Approved : April 8, 2024

Palmdale Water District provides its full-time employees with a comprehensive package of benefits to round out employees' total compensation program.

Group Health, Dental, and Vision Care Coverage

The District currently covers the cost of premiums for the lowest tier of health, dental, and vision care coverage for employee and the employee's eligible dependents for the plan all employees would qualify for. Six health care plans Anthem Classic PPO, Anthem Advantage PPO, Anthem California Care HMO, Anthem Consumer Driven, Kaiser Consumer Driven and Kaiser HMO; two dental plans Delta Dental and Delta Care HMO; and one vision care plan Vision Services Plan, are offered. Open enrollment, where you may switch between health care coverage plans, are held annually.

Group health, dental, and vision coverage is effective the first of the month following one month of continuous full-time employment.

Life Insurance

The District offers $10,000 life insurance for employees. Additional supplemental insurance may be purchased and paid through automatic payroll deductions.

Vacation

You will accrue two weeks (6.67 hours per month) of District-paid vacation time each year during your first five years with the District. After probation is completed, you may take vacation time with your supervisor's approval. At year six with Palmdale Water District, you will accrue three weeks (10.00 hours per month); each year from year 6 through 16 you will receive an additional 4.00 hours per year; and after twenty years you will accrue five weeks (16.67 hours per month).

Administrative Leave

Administrative Leave is available to Managers at 80 hours annually; and Supervisors at the rate of 40 hours annually.

Sick Leave

You are allowed 96 hours of sick leave per year. You may accumulate up to a maximum of 250 unused sick days. When you retire, your unused sick days are calculated into your CalPERS service credit time. If your employment is terminated, the time is lost.

Public Employees Retirement System

As a full-time public employee, you are automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees pay the employee portion of CalPERS.

Holidays

Employees receive twelve paid designated holidays plus two paid floating holidays per year. Floating holidays must be taken by December 31 of each year or they are lost.

Miscellaneous

The District provides employees miscellaneous leaves including bereavement, military, and jury duty.

Credit Union

All District employees are eligible to join the Logix Banking Credit Union.

Deferred Compensation

Through automatic payroll deductions, you may participate in a 457 deferred compensation program that allows you to reduce your current taxable income by deferring some of your pay to an authorized investment until your retirement.

Educational Assistance

Employees who have completed the probationary period and achieved regular status may be reimbursed up to $3000 / $5250 per year for the cost of tuition, fees, mileage, parking and books for qualified and approved voluntary education programs undertaken outside regular working hours.

Uniforms

When an employee's job assignment requires a uniform be worn, the District will provide and maintain the uniforms.

Employee Communication

The employee newsletter, The Employee Buzz., is published monthly and is designed to provide recognition to employees for on-the-job accomplishments and to inform employees about issues relating to the District.

01

Describe your experience working in the water industry.

02

If you have experience working in the water industry, how long were you employed and what was your position?

03

Do you possess any Distributions or Treatment certifications issued by the state? If so please list them.

Required Question