City of Santa Cruz
Overview
The current vacancy is for Wastewater Plant Operator III in the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Wastewater Plant Operator III vacancies during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director. Under general supervision, the Wastewater Plant Operator III performs a variety of skilled tasks in the operation, inspection, and maintenance of the City\'s wastewater treatment plant and related facilities. Recruitment # 26-020 Application and Selection Process
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. On Thursday, 10/23/25 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit: Application - online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process. Response to supplemental questions - will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application. Week of 10/27 and 11/03/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/14/25. Week of 11/17/25: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise. (May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.) Responsibilities
Monitors, reads, and calculates the flow of sewage through the plant by meters, gauges, and usual inspection; operates pumps and valves to regulate flow and adjust chemical feeding according to established standards. Collects samples and makes routine and more complex chemical and physical tests monitoring for changing conditions and chemical feed requirements. Logs test results, meter and feed readings, flow rates, maintenance and other data; prepares daily and periodic reports on plant operations. Inspects pumps, motors, chemical feeders, level controls and other equipment to ensure proper operations; makes adjustments and emergency repairs on plant equipment as needed; works closely with maintenance and technical personnel to correct equipment problems. Performs/Leads a small crew in routine and more complex plant cleaning and maintenance such as cleaning lines; hosing filters and basins; painting structures, equipment and piping; and maintaining plant grounds and facilities. Loads, unloads and stores materials and supplies; including the storage and transfer of chlorine and other hazardous materials. May answer phone calls from customers regarding more complex service problems and questions; may serve as central communications, taking and relaying information to and from department personnel on emergency needs and services. Participates in/Leads in skills and safety training programs; learns and implements safety rules, regulations and emergency procedures. Leads a small crew on special projects. Performs all phases of sludge processing including: operate and maintain centrifuge and all accessories; load sludge into trailers; perform routine preventive maintenance on all facility equipment. Participates in confined space entrance and rescue. Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification. Working Conditions
Position requires sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, climbing, crouching, crawling, balancing, twisting body motions, grasping, reaching, pushing, pulling, working overhead, making repetitive hand movement, distinguishing by touch and working with finger dexterity in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires talking, hearing, plus near and far and color vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The ability to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds is also required. The incumbent works indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions including wet; the working environment has constant noise. Work takes place on slippery uneven surfaces, around machinery with moving parts or stationery equipment, around moving objects or vehicles, on ladders or scaffolding, and below ground. The incumbent occasionally works in confined spaces. The incumbent may use chemicals, grease and oils which will expose the employee to fumes, dust, and risk of skin exposure; the work includes working with hands in water. The incumbent must be able to perform duties assigned while wearing respiratory protection equipment. The incumbent may be exposed to biohazards and/or electrical energy. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to use power and noise producing tools and equipment and drive motorized vehicles. The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following: Education and Experience
High school graduation or tested equivalent; and Two (2) years of experience in a wastewater treatment plant plus the successful completion of one (1) college-level course directly related to wastewater treatment. Knowledge
Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles. Current principles, practices, and regulations related to the treatment process of the wastewater treatment plant, including standard quality tests. Operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, metering control systems and chemical feed equipment. Hand and power tools used in routine plant maintenance. Safety procedures pertaining to plant operations, including the techniques for handling and storing hazardous chemicals. Skills
Operating, maintaining, and adjusting treatment system equipment. Reading, interpreting and recording data accurately. Abilities
Perform mathematical calculations accurately. Successfully implement basic leadership principles and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others as a peer and lead worker. Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgments within established guidelines. Learn more complex principles, practices, techniques and regulations pertaining to plant operation. Learn and assimilate more complex supervision principles, practices, and responsibilities. Licenses and Certificates
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver\'s license. Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a Grade III Wastewater Plant Operator\'s Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board. Other Requirements
Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as assigned. Must be clean shaven at all times as required to wear respiratory protection equipment. Desirable Qualifications
N/A
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The current vacancy is for Wastewater Plant Operator III in the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Wastewater Plant Operator III vacancies during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director. Under general supervision, the Wastewater Plant Operator III performs a variety of skilled tasks in the operation, inspection, and maintenance of the City\'s wastewater treatment plant and related facilities. Recruitment # 26-020 Application and Selection Process
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. On Thursday, 10/23/25 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit: Application - online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process. Response to supplemental questions - will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application. Week of 10/27 and 11/03/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/14/25. Week of 11/17/25: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise. (May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.) Responsibilities
Monitors, reads, and calculates the flow of sewage through the plant by meters, gauges, and usual inspection; operates pumps and valves to regulate flow and adjust chemical feeding according to established standards. Collects samples and makes routine and more complex chemical and physical tests monitoring for changing conditions and chemical feed requirements. Logs test results, meter and feed readings, flow rates, maintenance and other data; prepares daily and periodic reports on plant operations. Inspects pumps, motors, chemical feeders, level controls and other equipment to ensure proper operations; makes adjustments and emergency repairs on plant equipment as needed; works closely with maintenance and technical personnel to correct equipment problems. Performs/Leads a small crew in routine and more complex plant cleaning and maintenance such as cleaning lines; hosing filters and basins; painting structures, equipment and piping; and maintaining plant grounds and facilities. Loads, unloads and stores materials and supplies; including the storage and transfer of chlorine and other hazardous materials. May answer phone calls from customers regarding more complex service problems and questions; may serve as central communications, taking and relaying information to and from department personnel on emergency needs and services. Participates in/Leads in skills and safety training programs; learns and implements safety rules, regulations and emergency procedures. Leads a small crew on special projects. Performs all phases of sludge processing including: operate and maintain centrifuge and all accessories; load sludge into trailers; perform routine preventive maintenance on all facility equipment. Participates in confined space entrance and rescue. Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification. Working Conditions
Position requires sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, climbing, crouching, crawling, balancing, twisting body motions, grasping, reaching, pushing, pulling, working overhead, making repetitive hand movement, distinguishing by touch and working with finger dexterity in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires talking, hearing, plus near and far and color vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The ability to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds is also required. The incumbent works indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions including wet; the working environment has constant noise. Work takes place on slippery uneven surfaces, around machinery with moving parts or stationery equipment, around moving objects or vehicles, on ladders or scaffolding, and below ground. The incumbent occasionally works in confined spaces. The incumbent may use chemicals, grease and oils which will expose the employee to fumes, dust, and risk of skin exposure; the work includes working with hands in water. The incumbent must be able to perform duties assigned while wearing respiratory protection equipment. The incumbent may be exposed to biohazards and/or electrical energy. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to use power and noise producing tools and equipment and drive motorized vehicles. The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following: Education and Experience
High school graduation or tested equivalent; and Two (2) years of experience in a wastewater treatment plant plus the successful completion of one (1) college-level course directly related to wastewater treatment. Knowledge
Basic mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles. Current principles, practices, and regulations related to the treatment process of the wastewater treatment plant, including standard quality tests. Operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, metering control systems and chemical feed equipment. Hand and power tools used in routine plant maintenance. Safety procedures pertaining to plant operations, including the techniques for handling and storing hazardous chemicals. Skills
Operating, maintaining, and adjusting treatment system equipment. Reading, interpreting and recording data accurately. Abilities
Perform mathematical calculations accurately. Successfully implement basic leadership principles and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others as a peer and lead worker. Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgments within established guidelines. Learn more complex principles, practices, techniques and regulations pertaining to plant operation. Learn and assimilate more complex supervision principles, practices, and responsibilities. Licenses and Certificates
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver\'s license. Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a Grade III Wastewater Plant Operator\'s Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board. Other Requirements
Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as assigned. Must be clean shaven at all times as required to wear respiratory protection equipment. Desirable Qualifications
N/A
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