Pollution Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $139,984.00 - $163,654.40 Annually
Location : Hayward Water Pollution Control Facility - 3700 Enterprise Avenue, Hayward, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: M935-2023-01
Department: Utilities & Environmental Services
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59PM on Sunday, August 30, 2026
Applicants with a Grade III Certificate issued by the California State Division of Water Quality Control are encouraged to apply immediately!!
The City of Hayward is excited to announce its recruitment for the position of the Water Pollution Control Facility Lead Operator.
THE POSITION:
This is the advanced journey level position in the WPCF Operator series and requires a Grade III Certificate issued by the State Division of Water Quality Control. Performs lead responsibilities on assigned shift. The incumbent performs as lead operator in the operation and maintenance of the water pollution control facility (WPCF) and assumes responsibility for monitoring, adjusting, minor mechanical repair and maintaining equipment, grounds and facilities on assigned shift direction, performs as lead operator in the operation and maintenance of the water pollution control facility (WPCF) and assumes responsibility for monitoring, adjusting, minor mechanical repair and maintaining equipment, grounds and facilities on assigned shift. This classification is allocated to the WPCF Division of the Utilities and Environmental Services Department.
This is the advanced journey level position in the WPCF Operator series and requires a Grade III Certificate issued by the State Division of Water Quality Control. Performs lead responsibilities on assigned shift.
Essential Duties
What you will do:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Ensures compliance with environmental and public health standards, including monitoring and making adjustments as needed to optimize efficiency, making chemical dosage changes, changing pumping rates, and monitor equipment regularly.
Routinely performs plant rounds and inspections, reports significant changes in process or equipment conditions.
Plans, assigns, prioritizes, and reviews work of assigned personnel, and assists supervisors and managers in preparing performance evaluations for personnel assigned to his/her shift by providing input.
Operates and assists in preventative maintenance of process equipment in the facility used for thetreatment of wastewater, digestion of sludge and disposal of waste products.
Monitors, interprets and records meter readings and gauges at various stages of the treatment process and adjusts controls as needed.
Reviews and interprets operational data to insure efficient process operation.
Reviews and analyzes WPCF Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data to ensure that correct values are inputted and that trends meet expected normal parameters. As appropriate and necessary, notifies supervisor of unusual situations and makes inspections or corrects system problems.
Collects and preserves samples, and performs routine, standardized tests (e.g., chlorine residual titrations, settleable or total solids, acid and alkalinity, sulfide analysis, pH determinations, and various colorimetric tests) using Standard Methods, or approve SOPs and quality control basic standards.
Monitors and adjusts valves, pumps, motors, generators, and other equipment involved in the treatment and disposal of wastewater to ensure proper operation and maximum efficiency.
Operates and maintains equipment involved in energy generation to ensure proper operation and maximum efficiency.
Inspects and troubleshoots equipment problems and processes, and takes or recommends corrective action.
Ensures that required log entrees are made in a professional and complete manner related to plant performance and status during assigned shift and ensures the turnover of information between shifts.
Performs preventative and routine maintenance work during assigned shift.
Cleans, inspects and lubricates plant machinery and equipment as needed.
Ensures that equipment, tools, materials and worksite are maintained in a proper and safe condition.
Observes proper safety precautions, rules, regulations and practices; actively participates in safety programs.
Assumes responsibility for safety and training of assigned shift.
Trains new WPCF Operators and other personnel assigned to operations on his/her shift.
Participates in group problem solving activities to identify process improvements and initiatives.
Work directly on housekeeping tasks as assigned.
Work on individual and group special projects as assigned.
Performs related work as necessary.
Link to full job description:
CORE COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, equipment, material, and tools used in the operation, cleaning and preventative maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities.
• Safety principals associated with wastewater treatment such as but not limited to: lock out/ tag out,confined space entries, fall protection, energized electrical equipment, material safety data sheets,and personal protection equipment.
• Wastewater treatment processes and tests used to verify the effectiveness of such processes.
• SCADA operating systems and other computer applications related to operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facility.
• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Basic laboratory operations and standard chemical and physical tests of water, wastewater, and sludge.
• Tools, equipment and methods used in the overhaul, repair, adjustment and modification of facility equipment.
• Practical applications of pumping, piping and electrical systems as applied in a water pollution control facility.
• Basic arithmetic.
• Practical understanding of labeled water streams within plant (potable water, recycled water, etc.) and knowledge of regulatory requirements for each.
• Applicable safety rules and regulations.

Ability to:

• Operate process equipment within target parameters in a water pollution control facility.
• Recognize need to adjust processes as necessary to insure permit compliance, take appropriate actions and keep management informed of critical process issues.
• Remain current on all aspects of wet weather standard operating procedures.
• Facilitate safety tailgate meetings.
• Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner using proper personal protection equipment.
• Perform standard laboratory tests of water, wastewater and sludge, following laboratory's QA/QC guidelines.
• Evaluate and interpret plant process performance analysis and data, and based on this analysis, make appropriate changes to plant operations to insure compliance with all permit requirements.
• Perform minor mechanical repairs, maintenance work and preventative maintenance of equipment.
• Handle a variety of highly critical duties required to operate the plant in conformance with all permit requirements without close supervision.
• Use and maintain the tools and equipment of the work skillfully and safely.
• Train and instruct assigned staff in the areas of safety, plants operations and procedures.
• Maintain and evaluate manual and automated logs, records, reports and charts.
• Maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Provide lead direction and motivation to operators, operators-in-training and semi-skilled workers as required.
• Make basic arithmetic computations.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and tasks in an effective and timely manner, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and delegate work to assigned personnel.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computers and specialized software applications.
• Perform heavy physical labor.

Minimum Qualifications
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications:
You have:
Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: One (1) year of operational experience working in a water pollution control facility while in possession of a Grade II Certificate or higher.
Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License. Possession and maintenance of a Grade III Certificate issued by the California State Division of Water Quality Control.
Supplemental Information
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One (1) Year
Supplemental Information:
BENEFITS AND REWARDS:
Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Alternative Work Schedule and/or Telecommuting
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.
Application Review-
A. Minimum qualifications
B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire
The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.
Job Related Testing (examination) -
Supplemental Questionnaire Review
The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.
Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process. Include specific or approximate dates here.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.
The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
A Certified Age Friendly Employer
Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute
Benefits Overview
This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution)
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members)
• Dental Insurance (plans available through Delta Dental or United Concordia)
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
• Other Employee-Paid benefits include pet insurance and discount plans, pre-paid legal, etc.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please click
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This position requires possession and maintenance of a Grade III Certificate issued by the California State Division of Water