Per Diem Water Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $118,248.00 - $151,465.60 Annually
Location : 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 02010-E
Division: Treated Water
Unit: North Water Treatment Operations
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Overview:
The Water Plant Operator will perform the duties of a state-designated shift operator in the monitoring and operation of a water treatment plant, to provide relief operations shift coverage and, as necessary, to perform the duties of an Assistant Water Plant Operator. The Water Plant Operator will use the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations. They will analyze data to ensure compliance with all State and Federal drinking water standards and perform administrative procedures. The Water Plant Operator will train and sign-off training checklists for lower-level operations staff. They will perform scheduled and emergency plant shut-downs and start-ups. Additionally, they will complete safety trainings and follow safety protocols.
Our Commitment:We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
About Valley Water:Valley Water's mission is to provide Santa Clara County with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. The FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget of $1.284 billion supports approximately 876 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.
Who We Are:
To learn how Valley Water provides safe, clean water and environmental stewardship for the Santa Clara community, please click here
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• As the state-designated shift operator, oversee all plant activities on an assigned shift; maintain situational awareness of, or assist in, maintenance, engineering, and construction work, special projects, contractors, non-plant Valley Water employees, and all plant visitors; represent the treatment plant with personnel located offsite such as retailers, regulators, other Valley Water plants and support units, and other water agencies; direct the activities of the operator on shift; and formulate production and quality related decisions.
• Use the plant's computer based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations; investigate and respond to alarms; scan multiple computer monitors simultaneously; navigate a multitude of program screens to observe, track, and retrieve on-line instrument readings for water, chemicals, and equipment.
• Perform various administrative tasks such as data entry into spreadsheets and database programs, initiate and follow up on work orders for preventative and corrective maintenance; create and revise standard operating procedures; order chemicals; maintain, compile, and review plant operations data; complete entries into the plant's log book.
• Serve in the role of Relief Operator on as needed/rotational basis.
• Perform scheduled and emergency plant shutdowns and startups.
• Train lower-level operations staff; sign off on training checklists.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
Ideal Experience:
Three (3) or more years of experience performing work as a licensed operator at a water treatment plant that is rated as a T-4 or higher facility.
Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Working experience/expertise in operating and troubleshooting standard and advanced water treatment plant equipment.
• Proficient in water treatment math and chemistry.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), SCADA, Maximo.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Understanding of key regulations, reporting procedures and requirements of drinking water.
• Knowledge of safe work practices around water treatment plant chemicals and equipment.
• Knowledge of practices and responsibilities of leading the work of assigned staff.
• Understanding and familiarity with new or pending regulations such as algal toxicity.

Ideal Training and Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college.
Required License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Possession of a valid Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
To review the Classification Specification, please click
North Water Treatment Operations Unit (Position Code 233)Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.
This position requires the individual to be onsite and is typically not a teleworking position.
Selection Process
(1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview.
(2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.
NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.
Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.
Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.
Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.
Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, offers a comprehensive benefit package including, vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, EAP, life and disability insurance. In addition, Valley Water participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). To view a summary of benefits, click
01
I acknowledge that I have entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position.

• Yes
• No

02
Please answer the supplemental questions thoroughly, clearly, and concisely as the responses provided (along with the application) will be carefully reviewed to determine which candidates will move forward in the recruitment process. Responses that refer to attachments (e.g., "see resume") will not be considered. Each question must be answered in full to ensure a fair and complete evaluation. I have read this information and am aware of the importance of responses to the supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have 3 or more years of experience performing work as a licensed operator at a water treatment plant that is rated at T4 or higher facility?

• Yes
• No

04
Have you completed the twelfth grade or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

05
Have you completed six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college.

• Yes
• No

06
Which Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the CA State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) do you possess?

• T1
• T2
• T3
• T4
• T5

07
Operators work 12-hour shifts, rotating approximately every 4 - 6 months between 'days', 'nights' and 'relief' shifts. Do you have any concerns with this schedule?

• Yes
• No

08
Describe your experience operating a conventional water treatment plant on an assigned shift. Please include your role and the number of years you were in charge of the plant. What were some of your daily operational challenges and how did you resolve them?
09
Describe your experience interfacing and coordinating work with maintenance and technical personnel to identify, trouble shoot and solve problems.
10
The job of a water treatment plant operator is constantly evolving. Please tell us what you do to keep up with new regulations and technologies.
11
Employment with Valley Water requires employees to take an Oath as a Disaster Service Worker within California and to live within 150 miles of Valley Water Headquarters in San Jose, California by the start date. Valley Water does not cover relocation costs. If you live further than 150 miles from Valley Water Headquarters, please discuss your willingness to relocate if offered the position. If this does not apply to you, write "N/A".
12
Please list the full name of the regular/permanent Valley Water employee who referred you to this position (only one name will be accepted, so if multiple are listed, the first name provided will be documented as the referring employee). If this does not apply to you, write "N/A".
Required Question