Entry Level Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Position Are you ready to launch a career that keeps your community running. The City is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Utilities team as Utilities Plant Operator I/II - the entry point to a rewarding career in public utilities. The Utilities Plant operation I/II is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants.

This recruitment is for the Water Division. Salary Incentives: 2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's degree 5% Education Incentive - Master's degree DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Positions allocated to this series are typically flexibly staffed to the next level. Generally, employees may promote upward to the next level as they meet the qualifications/certifications required by the higher-level class and have demonstrated proficiency in performing work at that level, subject to approval by management

Utilities Plant Operator I -This is the entry level in the Utilities Plant Operator series. Positions in this class typically have little related work experience and lack the ability to perform the full range of duties independently. The Utilities Plant Operator I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level.

Incumbents work under direct supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to the general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Trainee level. Utilities Plant Operator II- This is the journey level class in the Utilities Plant Operator series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties.

Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level. APPLICATION PROCESS Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted.

Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the words "see resume".

The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.

Tentative Testing Schedule In-Person Written Exam August 14, 2026 The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire.

The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience. Essential and Marginal Function Statements Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions: Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.

Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations. Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations. Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes.

Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary. Check Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) parameters through onsite and remote interfaces in order to monitor and operate systems and to identify maintenance needs; maintain, adjust, and repair SCADA system; enter data into the system at remote sites using micro-computer or other devices. Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water and wastewater process laboratory tests; record and monitor results.

Maintain accurate records and documentation of all plant activities; record mathematical calculations related to operational activities; compile data and prepare reports on plant operations, distribution systems, and chemical use. Respond to and investigate public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality problems. Perform general plant maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures. Marginal Functions: Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Utilities Plant Operator I Knowledge of: Principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment/production plants, depending upon assignment. Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, and motors. Standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology.

Safe work practices in a variety of situation such as confined spaces. Laboratory analysis techniques and standards for water and/or wastewater. Safe handling techniques for materials and equipment used in water/wastewater treatment.

Operational and safety regulations pertaining to water and/or wastewater treatment/production plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage. Sampling methods and techniques. Basic plumbing and electrical principles.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computerized pump control systems. Ability to: Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports.

Respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries. Respond to emergency situations and make appropriate decisions. Identify malfunctions with pumping capacities, pneumatic controls and computerized controls.

When assigned to Water: Spray pesticides, herbicides and insecticides in a safe manner and handle chemicals accordingly, as required. Perform standby duty as assigned. Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience, education and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: One year of increasingly responsible experience performing duties in water or wastewater treatment, production or distribution. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. License and Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Additional Requirements: May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test. When assigned to Water: Must obtain a Grade I Water Treatment certificate from the State of California within eighteen (18) months of appointment. Must have a Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificate at time of appointment.

Must obtain a Water Sampling certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment. Possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO), is required within six (6) months of assignment. Must obtain and maintain a valid Class B Commercial California Driver's license with specific endorsements within ninety (90) days of appointment.

Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination. When assigned to Wastewater: Must have a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate from the State of California at time of appointment. Additional Requirements: Must be a minimum 18 years of age at time of application.

During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including first aid and CPR. Utilities Plant Operator II In addition to the qualifications of the Utilities Plant Operator I: Knowledge of: Water disinfection and chemical dosage requirements. Ability to: Perform standby duty as assigned.

Complete the more complex work with minimal supervision. Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions with pumping capacities, pneumatic controls and computerized controls, and determine effective course of action for correcting them. Experience: Two years of experience performing increasingly responsible duties in water or wastewater treatment, production or distribution.

Training: High School diploma or GED equivalency. License or Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license. Additional Requirements: May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test.

When assigned to Water: Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Operator certificate from the State of California at the time of appointment. Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificate at the time of appointment. Possession of a Water Sampling certificate at the time of appointment.

Possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO), within six (6) months of assignment. Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver's license with specific endorsements within ninety (90) days of appointment. Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.

When assigned to Wastewater: Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate from the State of California at the time of appointment. Additional Requirements: Must be a minimum 18 years of age at time of application. During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including First Aid and CPR.

Physical and Mental Requirements Mobility: frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision.

Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions.

Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to typical street or field noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery.

Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and irregular hours in emergency situations. Positions may be required to perform standby on-call duties as scheduled.