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Utilities Plant Operator I/II - Water
role at
City of Modesto The Utilities Plant operation I/II is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants.
Overview Upcoming salary increases and incentives are listed as follows: 3% effective 7/1/26; 2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelors degree; 5% Education Incentive - Masters degree.
Responsibilities
Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations.
Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes.
Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary.
Check SCADA parameters, monitor and operate systems, identify maintenance needs, and maintain/repair SCADA; enter data at remote sites.
Collect liquid samples and perform routine water and wastewater process laboratory tests; record and monitor results.
Maintain accurate records and documentation of all plant activities; compile data and prepare reports on plant operations, distribution Systems, and chemical use.
Respond to and investigate public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality problems.
Perform general plant maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Qualifications
Utilities Plant Operator I
Knowledge of principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment/production plants; operating principles of plant equipment; basic chemistry and biology; safe work practices; laboratory analysis techniques; safety regulations; SCADA systems.
Ability to analyze and compile technical information, respond to public inquiries, respond to emergencies, identify malfunctions, and perform standby duties when assigned to water.
Experience: One year of increasingly responsible experience in water, wastewater treatment, production, or distribution (or equivalent).
Training: Completion of twelfth grade (high school diploma or GED).
License/Certificates: California drivers license; ability to obtain necessary licenses/certificates; specific water treatment/distribution certifications may be required depending on assignment.
Additional requirements: May be required to pass CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test; minimum age requirements; may be required to attend First Aid/CPR training.
Utilities Plant Operator II
Knowledge of water disinfection and chemical dosage requirements; ability to complete more complex work with minimal supervision; troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in pumping and control systems.
Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in water or wastewater treatment, production or distribution.
Training: High school diploma or GED equivalency.
License/Certificates: California drivers license; specific water/wastewater certificates as assigned (Grade I/II/III Water Treatment and Grade I/II/III Water Distribution at appointment); Crane Operator Certificate within six months; Class B California drivers license with endorsements within 90 days.
Additional requirements: Must be minimum 18 years of age; may be required to attend training courses (First Aid/CPR).
Application Process Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to volume, resumes will not be screened for determining qualification for testing. Fill out the Education and Work Experience sections with complete information. Do not substitute parts of the form with the words "see resume". Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Most-qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the testing process.
Tentative Testing Schedule: In-Person Written Exam — November 14, 2025. The city reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. Equal opportunity employer; committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Benefits and Other Information Modesto City Employee Association (MCEA) information indicates that employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. CalPERS enrollment details are provided; HEALTH, DENTAL, and VISION benefits are described by the City with multi-tier contribution levels. Various insurances and retirement plans are described in detail in the supplemental information. Other listed benefits include educational incentives, bilingual incentives, uniform allowances, annual physicals, longevity pay, 401(k)/457 plans, and other programs. Refer to the Memoranda of Understanding for up-to-date details.
01 I understand that to receive full consideration, I must complete supplemental questions, provide detailed answers matching my application, and include employer, dates of employment, and supervisor contact information. I certify that all information is true to the best of my knowledge.
02 Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?
Yes
No
03 How many years of experience do you have in a water production or distribution plant?
No experience - less than 1 year
1 - less than 2 years
2 - less than 3 years
3 - less than 4 years
4 - less than 5 years
5 or more years
04 Do you possess a valid Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board?
I do not possess a Water Distribution Operator certificate
Yes, I have a Grade I
Yes, I have a Grade II
Yes, I have a Grade III
Yes, I have a Grade IV
Yes, I have a Grade V
05 Do you possess a valid Water Treatment certificate?
No, I do not possess
Yes, I have a Grade I
Yes, I have a Grade II
Yes, I have a Grade III
Yes, I have a Grade IV
Yes, I have a Grade V
06 Do you have a valid California Commercial Drivers License? (Check all that apply)
Class A
Class A with endorsements
Class B
Class B with endorsements
Learner's permit for A or B
No CDL but can get within 60 days
Cannot get a CDL
07 Do you have a Water Sampling Certificate?
Yes
No
08 Do you have a valid crane operator certificate (NCCCO)?
Yes
No
Required Question
Seniority level : Entry level
Employment type : Full-time
Job function : Management and Manufacturing
Industries : Government Administration
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Utilities Plant Operator I/II - Water
role at
City of Modesto The Utilities Plant operation I/II is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants.
Overview Upcoming salary increases and incentives are listed as follows: 3% effective 7/1/26; 2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelors degree; 5% Education Incentive - Masters degree.
Responsibilities
Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations.
Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes.
Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary.
Check SCADA parameters, monitor and operate systems, identify maintenance needs, and maintain/repair SCADA; enter data at remote sites.
Collect liquid samples and perform routine water and wastewater process laboratory tests; record and monitor results.
Maintain accurate records and documentation of all plant activities; compile data and prepare reports on plant operations, distribution Systems, and chemical use.
Respond to and investigate public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality problems.
Perform general plant maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Qualifications
Utilities Plant Operator I
Knowledge of principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment/production plants; operating principles of plant equipment; basic chemistry and biology; safe work practices; laboratory analysis techniques; safety regulations; SCADA systems.
Ability to analyze and compile technical information, respond to public inquiries, respond to emergencies, identify malfunctions, and perform standby duties when assigned to water.
Experience: One year of increasingly responsible experience in water, wastewater treatment, production, or distribution (or equivalent).
Training: Completion of twelfth grade (high school diploma or GED).
License/Certificates: California drivers license; ability to obtain necessary licenses/certificates; specific water treatment/distribution certifications may be required depending on assignment.
Additional requirements: May be required to pass CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test; minimum age requirements; may be required to attend First Aid/CPR training.
Utilities Plant Operator II
Knowledge of water disinfection and chemical dosage requirements; ability to complete more complex work with minimal supervision; troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in pumping and control systems.
Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in water or wastewater treatment, production or distribution.
Training: High school diploma or GED equivalency.
License/Certificates: California drivers license; specific water/wastewater certificates as assigned (Grade I/II/III Water Treatment and Grade I/II/III Water Distribution at appointment); Crane Operator Certificate within six months; Class B California drivers license with endorsements within 90 days.
Additional requirements: Must be minimum 18 years of age; may be required to attend training courses (First Aid/CPR).
Application Process Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to volume, resumes will not be screened for determining qualification for testing. Fill out the Education and Work Experience sections with complete information. Do not substitute parts of the form with the words "see resume". Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Most-qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the testing process.
Tentative Testing Schedule: In-Person Written Exam — November 14, 2025. The city reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. Equal opportunity employer; committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Benefits and Other Information Modesto City Employee Association (MCEA) information indicates that employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. CalPERS enrollment details are provided; HEALTH, DENTAL, and VISION benefits are described by the City with multi-tier contribution levels. Various insurances and retirement plans are described in detail in the supplemental information. Other listed benefits include educational incentives, bilingual incentives, uniform allowances, annual physicals, longevity pay, 401(k)/457 plans, and other programs. Refer to the Memoranda of Understanding for up-to-date details.
01 I understand that to receive full consideration, I must complete supplemental questions, provide detailed answers matching my application, and include employer, dates of employment, and supervisor contact information. I certify that all information is true to the best of my knowledge.
02 Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?
Yes
No
03 How many years of experience do you have in a water production or distribution plant?
No experience - less than 1 year
1 - less than 2 years
2 - less than 3 years
3 - less than 4 years
4 - less than 5 years
5 or more years
04 Do you possess a valid Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board?
I do not possess a Water Distribution Operator certificate
Yes, I have a Grade I
Yes, I have a Grade II
Yes, I have a Grade III
Yes, I have a Grade IV
Yes, I have a Grade V
05 Do you possess a valid Water Treatment certificate?
No, I do not possess
Yes, I have a Grade I
Yes, I have a Grade II
Yes, I have a Grade III
Yes, I have a Grade IV
Yes, I have a Grade V
06 Do you have a valid California Commercial Drivers License? (Check all that apply)
Class A
Class A with endorsements
Class B
Class B with endorsements
Learner's permit for A or B
No CDL but can get within 60 days
Cannot get a CDL
07 Do you have a Water Sampling Certificate?
Yes
No
08 Do you have a valid crane operator certificate (NCCCO)?
Yes
No
Required Question
Seniority level : Entry level
Employment type : Full-time
Job function : Management and Manufacturing
Industries : Government Administration
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