Live In Ranch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Irvine Ranch Water District is currently hiring an Operator III in the Recycling Operations Department Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early.

Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.   The District: Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage.

Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors.

The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com

IRWD Values Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success.

They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day.

We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world. IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position: Under direct supervision, perform work activities related to the operation of sewage treatment and recycling processes and equipment. Monitor treatment process operation and performance. Make minor adjustments to treatment processes and equipment.

Perform established treatment and quality control activities in order to consistently and cost-effectively meet state and federal effluent discharge and air quality requirements. The incumbent may be required to work standby on a rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed, standby assignments are at the discretion of the Operations Manager. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under minimal supervision, oversees and participates in the work activities of staff responsible for performing operational duties related to the operation of sewage and recycling processes and equipment.

In the absence of the Operations Supervisor, responsible for leading the lower-level operations staff, and assisting with preparing work schedules, reports, and administrative responsibility for the word order system. Operates and monitors the operation of sewage and recycling processes to produce a quality tertiary effluent and consistently meets recycled water distribution requirements that comply with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental permit requirements, including biosolids regulations. Performs all assigned operational duties required to operate the plant efficiently and for responding to emergencies and changing conditions within the plant, including: daily plant process and equipment inspections; reviewing of process performance; processes efficiency testing; processes control calculations and spreadsheets; solids handling and disposal; maintaining a daily log of operations; ordering and receiving bulk chemical deliveries; dissolved oxygen profile testing; 30-minute settling Sludge Volume Index (SVI) testing, chlorine residual testing; Turbidity testing; H2S testing; ambient air monitoring, Micro-organism examination; and a variety of other test including calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment.

Including regulatory compliance data review. Troubleshoots and/or makes operational recommendations to maintain and improve treatment efficiency. Records flow and hour meter readings from gauges, graphs, and related instrumentation and makes appropriate calculations as required.

Assists with the planning, implementation, and monitoring of operational duties. This includes reviewing the operations work schedule, operational duties, special projects, and coordinating with contractors. Effectively communicates and interacts frequently with all departments and external parties; reports all facts essential to the efficient operation of the reclamation plant and operating problems or emergencies immediately to the Operations Supervisor or the Operations Manager.

Assists with reviewing and updating Standard Operational Procedures (SOP), Energy Control Procedures (ECP), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), confined space inventory, and specialized operational safety procedures. Assists in preparing reports summarizing treatment plant operational activities, including Process performance and efficiency, Equipment operation, Work performed, and materials used. Assists in preparing a weekly and monthly report detailing unit process efficiencies, flows, and cost of operation.

Assists with or leads in projects such as: tank dewatering, cleaning operations and preparation of mechanical equipment to facilitate repairs and replacement by the Mechanical Maintenance Department. Clean and consistently maintain assigned treatment plant facilities and equipment. Leads and participates in performing housekeeping and maintaining the entire treatment facility.

Monitors collection system lift stations; inspects collection system lift stations regularly; services equipment and machinery in lift stations and reports the need for repairs. Inspects the operation of sewage treatment plant including recycling pumps, motors, structures, tanks, and equipment and assist with scheduling and coordinating mechanical work activities with the Maintenance Department for timely and appropriate repair and/or replacement of treatment process mechanical and related equipment. Utilizes a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to create work orders.

Submits purchase requests for equipment, materials, and chemicals. Assists in inventory control, which includes reviewing shipments, monitoring spare parts, monitoring inventory, and storing inventory. Respond to emergency situations during off-hours as required.

Participate in the Emergency Standby Program at the sole discretion of the District. May be required to serve on the District Hazardous Materials Response Team and respond to emergency situations and/or chemical spills. Participates in process teams and committees as required.

Conducts or assists with preparing plant tours. Participates in the development, counseling, and training of treatment plant operators. May be required to work varying shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call duty (Standby Program) and respond to callbacks and may be required to work alone on weekends and Holidays as needed for coverage.

Incumbent may be required to work any of the District's work schedules, including weekends and Holidays. Assigned work shifts may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the District. Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned. Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: High School graduation or equivalent required with additional college-level coursework in wastewater and/or water treatment. Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the operation of a Grade V wastewater recycling facility, incorporating biological pond treatment, preliminary and primary treatment, Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) activated sludge treatment, tertiary treatment, membrane treatment, and solids handling facilities. Knowledge of: Basic fundamental knowledge of safety policies and procedures, safety work practices, applicable to any assignment, OSHA regulations, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Confined Space procedures, and basic hazardous materials handling procedures.

Basic functions of performing basic maintenance on equipment used in a wastewater treatment facility. Basic methods and techniques for operating pumps, valves and electric motors and engines. Basic understanding and use of SCADA control systems, instrumentation, computer applications pertaining to our work industry.

Basic knowledge, principles, techniques, and practices in testing both chemical and biological analyses. Basic knowledge of permits (NPDES/AQMD), including local and state federal laws. Ability to: Effectively communicate both orally and written.

Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees, management, contractors and vendors. Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with outside contractors and regulatory agency officials. Advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Perform basic mathematical functions, including college level algebra and geometry. Perform algebraic and geometry calculations and water/sewage calculations and formulas. Must be familiar with and be able to utilize Microsoft Office Suite.

Use professional personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions Read and interpret standard operation procedures (SOPs) operational/maintenance manuals and required facility permits. LICENSE / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED Valid Class 'C' California Driver's License. California State Water Resources Control Board Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate is required.

Forty-hour Emergency Response, Hazardous Materials Technician Certificate or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months from date of hire is required. Related Collections System Maintenance, Water Treatment, and/or Water Distribution Certifications are desirable ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL DEMANDS When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and to working in confined spaces.

Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean-shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of a tight-fitting respirator. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment.

Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment. All of this in various weather conditions (hot, cold, rainy) and environments, often exposed to wet muddy conditions. When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application.

To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert.

Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include: Oral Interview Examination: This will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors that are essential for successful job performance. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.