Water Operator Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR JULY 2026 SEE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION REGARDING POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVERS LICENSE RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED FINAL FILING DATE: JULY 13, 2026, AT 5:00 PM SALARY INFORMATION Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: $3,833 - $4,892 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $22.11 - $28.22 APPROXIMATE HOURLY* Water/Wastewater Operator I: $4,437 - $5,663 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $25.60 - $32.67 APPROXIMATE HOURLY* Water/Wastewater Operator II: $5,137 - $6,556 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $29.63 - $37.82 APPROXIMATE HOURLY* This position is in the Trades and Crafts (Teamsters) bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases: Shasta County Labor Agreements ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Public Works Department is responsible for construction and maintenance of County facilities, including buildings, roads, bridges, and airports; and for managing permanent road divisions to provide maintenance of private roads on behalf of the citizens in those districts. The department employs engineers and technicians who prepare construction plans as well as supervise construction of these facilities. The responsibilities of County Surveyor, Road Commissioner and Chief Engineer of the Water Agency are administered by the department.

The department reviews land development maps and improvement plans as well as survey mapping for compliance with the Subdivision Map Act and County Development Standards. Administration of the County's solid waste management functions including waste collection and ownership of an active landfill are the responsibility of the department. The Shasta County Water Agency is managed by the department.

In addition, the Public Works Department oversees the operation and maintenance of several county service areas. These service areas include both water and sewer districts along with road, lighting, and flood maintenance districts. The department is responsible for Flood Plain Administration.

The Water-Wastewater Division of Public Works operates eight small, independent water and wastewater systems. ABOUT THE POSITION Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Under close supervision, to learn to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required. Water/Wastewater Operator I: Under direct supervision, to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required.

Water/Wastewater Operator II: Under general supervision, to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee is the entry-level class. An incumbent works under close supervision in a training and learning capacity in the operation of water and wastewater systems.

Water/Wastewater Operator I: Water/Wastewater Operator I is the first journey level class. The incumbent assists with the operation and maintenance of several water and wastewater systems and may also assist in the operation of other facilities as the need arises. Water/Wastewater Operator II: Water/Wastewater Operator II is the full journey level class.

The incumbent is responsible for the operation of one or more of the water and wastewater systems and may also assist in the operation of other facilities as the need arises. IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will be internally motivated with a self-sufficient demeanor and the ability to work independently. Strong prioritization skills are essential.

This person will have an extensive knowledge of water and wastewater system operating and maintenance needs including troubleshooting and repair techniques. Experience coordinating the operation of multiple water and/or wastewater systems at the same time is desirable. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Learns to operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and disposal facilities; operate, maintain, and repair valves, pumps, electric motors, chlorination equipment, and other related equipment; troubleshoots hydraulic, electrical, and supervisory sensory control systems; collect samples from selected sites throughout the county and perform lab analysis as required; records readings and lab results, and maintains daily plant logs; install water services; repair and flush water and sewer mains; monitor and collect samples at landfills and septage ponds throughout the county; may operate equipment necessary to complete the above mentioned duties; responds to after-hour calls.

Water/Wastewater Operator I: Assists with operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and disposal facilities; operates, maintains, and repairs valves, pumps, electric motors, chlorination equipment, and other related equipment; troubleshoots hydraulic, electrical, and supervisory sensory control systems; collects samples from selected sites throughout the county and performs lab analysis as required; records readings and lab results, and maintains daily plant logs; installs water services; repairs and flushes water and sewer mains, monitors and collects samples at landfills and septage ponds throughout the county; inspects new water distribution and collection system installations; may operate equipment necessary to complete the above mentioned duties; responds to after-hour calls. Water/Wastewater Operator II: Operates and maintains water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and disposal facilities; operates, maintains, and repairs valves, pumps, electric motors, chlorination equipment, and other related equipment; troubleshoots hydraulic, electrical, and supervisory sensory control systems; collects samples from selected sites throughout the county and performs lab analysis as required; records readings and lab results, and maintains daily plant logs; installs water services; repairs and flushes water and sewer mains; monitors and collects samples at landfills and septage ponds throughout the county; performs laboratory analysis, records and interprets results to determine effectiveness of treatment processes; inspects new water distribution and collection system installations; gives direction and training to workers in all aspects of operations; acts for Utility Operations Superintendent in the latter's absence; assists in the timely requisition of supplies, materials, and equipment; may operate equipment necessary to complete the above mentioned duties; responds to after-hour calls. QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following: Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Knowledge of: Basic construction, electrical, and mechanical principles; basic methods and practices of maintaining machinery and equipment in good working order.

Ability to: Learn to operate equipment necessary to perform duties listed above; observe plant operations and take appropriate action; understand and follow oral and written instructions; learn to operate the plant independently and learn to act in all types of situations and emergencies relating to the water supply and sewer systems; maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports. Water/Wastewater Operator I: Knowledge of: Methods, materials and equipment used in operating and maintaining a water and wastewater treatment plant; hydraulic and electrical controls and supervisory sensory controls used in the operation of water and wastewater treatment; basic chemistry in the field of water purification and treatment; regulations of the State Health Department and the State Water Quality Control Board pertaining to water quality standards and the prevention of pollution and contamination. Ability to: Observe plant operations and take appropriate action; maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports; operate independently and act in all types of situations and emergencies relating to the water supply and wastewater systems; read engineering drawings; operate equipment necessary to complete above-mentioned duties.

Water/Wastewater Operator II: Knowledge of: Methods, materials and equipment used in operating and maintaining a water and wastewater treatment plant; hydraulic and electrical controls and supervisory sensory controls used in the operation of water and wastewater treatment; basic chemistry in the field of water/wastewater purification and treatment; laboratory analysis procedures and recordkeeping; regulations of the State Health Department and the State Water Quality Control Board pertaining to water quality standards and the prevention of pollution and contamination. Ability to: Observe plant operations and take appropriate action perform laboratory analyses; maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports; operate independently and act in all types of situations and emergencies relating to the water supply and wastewater systems; read engineering drawings; operate equipment necessary to complete above-mentioned duties. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: EITHER One (1) year of work experience in water or wastewater treatment plant operations or maintenance, building utility construction, or equipment or utility maintenance; OR Three (3) months of experience as a wastewater treatment plant Operator-in-Training (OIT) certified by the California Water Resources Control Board. Water/Wastewater Operator I: One (1) year of experience in the maintenance and operation of water and wastewater systems. Water/Wastewater Operator II: Two (2) years of full-time experience in the maintenance and operation of wastewater systems AND one (1) year of experience in the maintenance and operation of water treatment systems.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee/I/II: Possession of a valid California driver's license. Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Must obtain a valid Grade I certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board within one (1) year of entering the classification. Failure to obtain and maintain certification as outlined will result in the incumbent becoming disqualified for further employment as a Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee.

Water/Wastewater Operator I: Possession of a valid Grade I certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board. Water/Wastewater Operator II: Possession of a valid Grade II certificate as a California Water Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Department of Health Services. Possession of a valid Grade II certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application. Do you possess one (1) year of work experience in water or wastewater treatment plant operations or maintenance, building utility construction, or equipment or utility maintenance. Yes / No If "Yes," please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties.

If "No," type N/A. Do you possess Three (3) months of experience as a wastewater treatment plant Operator-in-Training (OIT) certified by the California Water Resources Control Board. Yes / No If "Yes," please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties.

If "No," type N/A. Do you possess experience in the maintenance and operation of water or wastewater treatment systems. Yes / No If "Yes," please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties.

If "No," type N/A. Do you possess a valid Grade I certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board. Yes / No If "Yes," please provide your certificate number and expiration date, and attach a copy of your certificate to your application.

If "No," type N/A. Do you possess a valid Grade II certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board. Yes / No If "Yes," please provide your certificate number and expiration date, and attach a copy of your certificate to your application.

If "No," type N/A. Do you possess a valid Grade II certificate as a California Water Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Department of Health Services. Yes / No If "Yes," please provide your certificate number and expiration date, and attach a copy of your certificate to your application.

If "No," type N/A. Do you acknowledge that you must obtain a valid Grade I certificate as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board within one (1) year of entering the trainee classification. Yes/ No I acknowledge this position requires a valid California driver's license.

Yes / No PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, dista...