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County of Sonoma

Water Agency Plant Operator-In-Training

County of Sonoma, Santa Rosa, California, us, 95402

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Position Information

Be part of the solution—keep water sustainable in Sonoma County. Gain hands-on experience in water and wastewater operations as a Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) Plant Operator-in-Training. Sonoma Water is recruiting to fill multiple positions at either the Plant Operator-In-Training or the Plant Operator level. This job posting is for the Operator-In-Training position, which does not require applicants to be certified operators. If you are a certified operator interested in being considered at the Plant Operator level of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate, Plant Operator recruitment. With Training And Under Supervision, Water Agency Plant Operators-in-Training gain the knowledge and experience needed to operate and maintain public water treatment and distribution systems and wastewater collection system and treatment plants. They learn how critical system equipment and machinery work and affect water and wastewater treatment processes. As our next Water Agency Operator-In-Training, you will also learn to: Operate water/wastewater flow regulating controls and equipment, such as pumps, valves, and chlorinators Balance water storage, usage, and allotments within our water system Inspect treatment plants, pump stations, and related equipment and facilities Read and record information from voltmeters, pressure gauges, flow meters, chlorine residual recorders, pump cooling pressures, and more Conduct routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples Maintain and calibrate operational instrumentation, such as pH meters and titrators Perform routine maintenance of equipment such as oiling and adjusting plant equipment and machinery Skills

As the candidate that would be best suited for this exciting position with Sonoma Water, you will have superb listening skills, the ability to learn new concepts quickly, strong attention to detail, and be a highly effective communicator. In addition to these competencies, the ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following: Water and/or wastewater treatment college-level coursework Familiarity and/or coursework in mathematics and chemistry Certifications from a state or local government agency or trade association in water resource management, water or wastewater operations or water collection Working Conditions

Incumbents must be willing to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Special Note

The Water Agency Plant Operator-in-Training is expected to gain sufficient training, knowledge, and ability to obtain the California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II and Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 certificates, within three years of hire, in order to qualify for promotion to Water Agency Plant Operator. Join Our Team

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, 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, good performance, and applicable required certifications, the opportunity for advancement to Water Agency Plant Operator, salary up to $139,899/annually Paid Time Off - 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 Student Loan Debt Relief – 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. 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. 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 above. 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. Special Provision: Upon obtaining the California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II and Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T2 certifications, the Water Agency Plant Operator-in-Training will be eligible for promotion to Water Agency Plant Operator. Should the Water Agency Plant Operator-in-Training fail to obtain both certifications within three years of hire, employment will be terminated. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities — Knowledge of: operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, pumps, motors, and related appurtenances; methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the operation of a water treatment facility; basic chemistry and algebra; safety equipment and practices, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals; basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles; basic operational maintenance practices of electrical motors, pumps, and circuitry; basic computer software programs including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Abilities: accurately read meters and charts; perform basic arithmetic calculations; learn to perform routine chemical tests; read, write, and follow directions in English; learn the operation and routine maintenance of computerized instrumentation and plant operational equipment; establish and maintain effective working relations with coworkers, employees of other departments and agencies, and the public. Selection Procedure: Applications are evaluated based on the application and supplemental questionnaire, followed by an examination process. A background investigation is required prior to employment. Some positions may require additional requirements such as a physical exam or drug screen. The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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