Water System Operator Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $118,527.54 - $144,073.89 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26/05-5125-O
Department: Sonoma County Water Agency (WTR)
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 85
Position Information
Be part of the solution-keep water sustainable in Sonoma County.
Bring your water and wastewater experience to the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) and become a Plant Operator!
Water Agency Plant Operators at Sonoma Water have the incredible opportunity to operate four separate classifications and types of wastewater and recycled water treatment facilities that are located across Sonoma County. These include tertiary, extended air, biological nutrient removal, and lagoon plants. Sonoma Water also operates a water treatment facility that treats over 16.5 billion gallons of water annually and distributes it to over 600,000 customers. This experience provides Plant Operators the opportunity to qualify for Grade 5 Water and Wastewater treatment certifications, and with time and certification, the ability to promote to Senior Water Agency Plant Operator.
In accordance with federal and state regulations, Plant Operators monitor and control the operation of the wastewater treatment plants. As an operator, you will utilize supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, laboratory results, and plant process equipment to optimize the biological process and achieve a high-quality plant effluent that can be used as recycled water at certain facilities. This position will operate pumps, valves, chlorinators, telemetry controls, sludge presses, and other water and wastewater flow regulating controls and equipment. Additionally, this position:

• Maintains reservoir levels and coordinates water storage, usage, and user allotments
• Reads, records, and maintains detailed operational records, as well as monitors a SCADA system which controls water supply, water and wastewater treatment processes, and reclamation facilities
• Performs routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples using accepted analytical techniques, and interprets the results
• Computes volumes and percentages using both standard and metric systems

The ideal candidate for this position will enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment, have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and will possess many of the following:

• The written and verbal communication skills needed to effectively collaborate with a diverse group of co-workers, write reports, and present to stakeholders
• The ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical plant issues
• An understanding of biological processes and their functions
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel, and some experience with SCADA
• The ability to remain calm, perform well under pressure, and potentially deal with emergency situations
• Required California State Water Resources Control Board Certifications, including:
  • Wastewater Plant Operator Grade II or higher
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 or higher
• Desired California State Water Resources Control Board Certifications:
  • Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 or higher

Note: Sonoma Water Operators work a "4-10" schedule and are required to rotate through all three shift schedules, including swing shifts, weekends, and standby shifts as assigned. Operators in need of computer system desk hours may be assigned these shifts in order to meet certification requirements.
Additionally, California Water Code sections 13625-13633 require that all Water/Wastewater Certificate requirements listed in the Minimum Qualifications be issued by the State of California (in compliance with State Water Resources Control Board regulations).
About Sonoma Water
Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions, including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.
Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma.
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Senior Water Agency Plant Operator (annual salary up to $153,027)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers Local 39 Memorandum of Understanding and our
This recruitment is currently being conducted to fill a full-time Water Agency Plant Operator position at Sonoma Water. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed. Normally, the attainment of recognized journey level status as a water and wastewater operator performing the full range of operations of a water and/or wastewater distribution and treatment system would provide such an opportunity.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
The position advertised on this announcement does require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Certificates: Possession of the California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Plant Operator's Grade II and Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 certificates. Possession of a California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 or above highly desired.
Incumbents in the Water Agency Plant Operator classification are expected to attain the California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Plant Operator Grade III and Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T3 certifications within five (5) years of hire.
Special Provision
When an incumbent of this job class obtains the California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Plant Operator Grade III certificate and Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T3 certificates, they will be eligible and assessed for promotion to the next higher job class of Water Agency Senior Plant Operator.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: water collection, water and wastewater treatment, water distribution, wastewater disposal, and recycled water reuse processes, systems, and facilities; the use and principles of computerized electronic equipment in the collection, storage, and interpretation of water and wastewater operational data; basic chemistry and general laboratory practices and procedures; general operational and laboratory safety practices and procedures.
Skill in: operating and maintaining control and other equipment and machinery related to water and wastewater treatment.
Ability to: accurately read meters and charts; maintain safe and proper reservoir levels; coordinate potable water storage, usage, and allotments; maintain written records of shift operations; perform basic arithmetic calculations and compute volumes and percentages using both standard and metric systems; perform routine chemical tests using accepted laboratory practices and procedures; read, write, and follow oral and written directions in English; learn the operation and routine maintenance of computerized instrumentation and plant operational equipment; establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, employees of other departments and agencies, and the public.
Working Conditions
Position requires working assigned shifts which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. The position also requires walking on non-level, uneven, and slippery surfaces; reaching; kneeling; climbing; crawling; grasping, holding, and twisting various objects in the performance of daily activities. The need to lift and carry air packs, pumps, hoses, lab equipment, and paper boxes weighing up to 50 pounds and the need to move cylinders of gas weighing more than 200 pounds in accordance with safe work practices is also required. The incumbents are exposed to a variety of conditions including wet, heat, cold, heavy dust and pollens, and biohazards. Additionally, the working environment and equipment used exposes the incumbents to loud noises, vibrations, mechanical and equipment hazards, pesticides, raw and treated sewage, fumes, solvents, diesel, chlorine, and other chemicals and risks. The nature of the work may also require the incumbents to wear self-contained breathing equipment, climb ladders and scaffolds, drive motorized vehicles, and handle noise producing tools and equipment.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (pass/not pass) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's combination of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position to ensure satisfaction of the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications for the position will be placed on an extra-help employment list and referred to the department. The department may contact candidates from the employment list who possess the most appropriate job-related qualifications for further consideration.
Additional Information
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to candidates.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, de