Water Reclamation Operator

The Position

Under general supervision, the Water Reclamation Operator operates, inspects, and maintains a variety of equipment, treatment processes, and facilities in connection with the continuous operation of multiple water reclamation treatment plants and related facilities.

This is a journey level classification in which individuals have responsibility for the efficient operation of multiple water reclamation treatment facilities, processes, equipment, and related appurtenances during an assigned shift. At the journey level, independent judgment and initiative are required. Individuals may be required to work alone. Individuals in this classification utilize computerized control systems to monitor and operate water reclamation facilities. Individuals make operational and process decisions, take corrective action, monitor and respond to alarms. Positions in this class require a high level of technical expertise regarding all assigned plant equipment, processes, and operations, enabling them to troubleshoot and resolve issues that may arise within a process or with the reclamation equipment. Individuals participate in the training of other operators and assist in reviewing and drafting training materials.

Typical duties may include :

• Operating and maintaining treatment and reclamation equipment, machinery, and facilities through the use of manual, electronic, and computer control systems to regulate the flow of recycled water through various reclamation treatment processes to ensure the efficient functioning of multiple reclamation plants.
• Reviewing and evaluating a variety of operational data from computer reports, daily logs, meters, gauges and water quality / process control test results, and vendor reports; developing and implementing operational changes and making process control decisions, within established parameters, based on test results to ensure compliance with established standards and regulations; ensuring effective and efficient operation to minimize chemical usage and maximize reclaimed water delivery.
• Performing routine procedural checks, samplings, standardized process control and laboratory tests, analysis, trend monitoring, and ensuring proper performance of treatment processes and facility equipment; inspecting water reclamation pump stations; responding to alarms and power failures as needed.
• Monitoring water quality and adjusting chemical feed rates and residual levels with remote controls or manually optimizing chemical usage and reclaimed water delivery.
• Troubleshooting operational problems and carrying out process changes, according to protocols and standard operating procedures; writing work orders for corrective maintenance and equipment failures.
• Leading the start-up, maintenance, operation, inspection, and shutdown of all processes and equipment; performing lock out-tag out as necessary.
• Performing record-keeping functions such as logging plant operations test results, maintenance work performed, and unusual operating conditions encountered; compiling operational information from computerized systems; and assisting with the preparation of reports as required.
• Compiling data using computer and other devices; maintaining handwritten and computer-based operations data, records, reports, and logs of operations and actions taken.
• Inspecting equipment and reporting any failures or operating difficulties; reviewing operating procedures for adherence to maintenance, operation, and safety procedures; preparing work requests to address identified issues; starts, stops, and preparing equipment as necessary to facilitate repairs.
• Cleaning, lubricating, and performing routine maintenance of equipment and facilities; operating hand tools, power tools, electronic equipment, and other instruments in order to make routine repairs and adjustments to water reclamation equipment and facilities; assisting in the care of facilities and grounds at assigned work locations.
• Participating in the training, work direction, and instruction of employees in water reclamation operations, equipment, facilities, work processes, and safety procedures.
• Assisting in reviewing and drafting training materials, standard operating procedures, and other operations and maintenance documentation; providing input and recommendations for updates to process control targets.
• Loading and unloading materials, supplies and equipment and ensuring that they are properly stored; assisting with monitoring chemical inventories and other supplies.
• Readings meters, gauges, charts, and instruments and ensuring their continuous operation.
• Performing online analyzer validation bench tests, reporting results, and requesting calibrations as needed.
• Driving a motor vehicle; towing portable equipment and trailers, incidentally in the course of work.
• Incidentally operating forklifts, portable pumps, front end loaders and other similar equipment.
• Entering data into automated or computer-based work management systems.
• Performing other related duties and responsibilities as required.

The salary range is $10,532 per month increasing to $11,059, $11,612 and $12,193 after 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively.

EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and / or local laws.

Requirements

1. A high school diploma, or its equivalent; and,

2. Three years of experience in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant or water reclamation plant.

3. Must possess a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must possess a California Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate or other certification consistent with the reclamation facilities within which they operate at time of application.

Must possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the class. Must be clean shaven when required to wear respiratory protection equipment. Must be willing to work with and around hazardous materials and chemicals used in the water reclamation treatment process. Must be willing to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed, including assignments at any East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) wastewater or reclamation facility. Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the "equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and / or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at http : / / www.ebmud.com / jobs / job-resources / job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions / .

The Selection Process

1. Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com by 4 : 30 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2025. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted.

2. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.

3. All qualified applications and supplemental responses will be competitively evaluated, with those candidates receiving a passing score to be invited to a panel interview.

4. Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months.

5. The probation period for this position is 12 months. For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months.

6. All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment.

Supplemental Information

As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of assignments you have personally performed. Should you respond with comments such as "see application" or "see resume" instead of addressing the questions directly, your application may not be considered.