County of Sonoma
Position Information
Be part of the solution—keep water sustainable in Sonoma County. Bring your water and wastewater experience and become a Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) Plant Operator! Sonoma Water is recruiting to fill multiple positions at either the Plant Operator‑In‑Training or the Plant Operator level. This posting is for the Plant Operator position, which requires certified operators. Our Plant Operators have the opportunity to manage four distinct wastewater and recycled water treatment facilities—including tertiary, extended air, biological nutrient removal, and lagoon plants—spread across Sonoma County. They also support a large water treatment facility that processes over 16.5 billion gallons of water annually and serves more than 600,000 customers.
About Sonoma Water Sonoma Water is a special district formed in 1949, responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to Sonoma and Marin counties. With approximately 250 employees, it operates four divisions: Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Our mission focuses on environmental sustainability, renewable power, and leading water‑use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.
Responsibilities
Maintain reservoir levels and coordinate water storage, usage, and user allotments.
Read, record, and maintain detailed operational records, and monitor SCADA systems that control water supply, wastewater treatment processes, and reclamation facilities.
Perform routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples using accepted analytical techniques and interpret the results.
Compute volumes and percentages using both standard and metric systems.
Operate pumps, valves, chlorinators, telemetry controls, sludge presses, and other water and wastewater flow‑regulating controls and equipment.
Key Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with diverse coworkers, write reports, and present to stakeholders.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical plant issues.
Understanding of biological processes and their functions.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel, and some experience with SCADA.
Remain calm, perform well under pressure, and handle emergency situations.
Required California State Water Resources Control Board Certifications:
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
Benefits
Salary Advancement
– A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months of full‑time work) for good performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, up to the top of the salary range.
Career Advancement
– With time and good performance, the opportunity to advance 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
– Eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment.
Student Loan Debt Relief
– Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness 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 Employee Benefits Directory.
Work Hours & Conditions 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. Position requires working assigned shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. The role involves walking on uneven surfaces, reaching, kneeling, climbing, and lifting or moving heavy equipment and cylinders. Exposure to wet, heat, cold, heavy dust and pollens, and biohazards is present, as are loud noises, vibrations, and chemical hazards. Protective equipment and proper safety procedures are mandatory.
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About Sonoma Water Sonoma Water is a special district formed in 1949, responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to Sonoma and Marin counties. With approximately 250 employees, it operates four divisions: Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Our mission focuses on environmental sustainability, renewable power, and leading water‑use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.
Responsibilities
Maintain reservoir levels and coordinate water storage, usage, and user allotments.
Read, record, and maintain detailed operational records, and monitor SCADA systems that control water supply, wastewater treatment processes, and reclamation facilities.
Perform routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples using accepted analytical techniques and interpret the results.
Compute volumes and percentages using both standard and metric systems.
Operate pumps, valves, chlorinators, telemetry controls, sludge presses, and other water and wastewater flow‑regulating controls and equipment.
Key Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with diverse coworkers, write reports, and present to stakeholders.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical plant issues.
Understanding of biological processes and their functions.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel, and some experience with SCADA.
Remain calm, perform well under pressure, and handle emergency situations.
Required California State Water Resources Control Board Certifications:
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
Benefits
Salary Advancement
– A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months of full‑time work) for good performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, up to the top of the salary range.
Career Advancement
– With time and good performance, the opportunity to advance 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
– Eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment.
Student Loan Debt Relief
– Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness 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 Employee Benefits Directory.
Work Hours & Conditions 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. Position requires working assigned shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. The role involves walking on uneven surfaces, reaching, kneeling, climbing, and lifting or moving heavy equipment and cylinders. Exposure to wet, heat, cold, heavy dust and pollens, and biohazards is present, as are loud noises, vibrations, and chemical hazards. Protective equipment and proper safety procedures are mandatory.
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