City of Benicia
Wastewater Operator II / III
Job Summary : The City of Benicia seeks qualified employees for roles that protect public health and the environment through the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection systems. Selected candidates will perform a wide‑range of operational duties, experience progression from Operator I to Operator III, and may lead projects and supervise junior staff.
About the Department The Wastewater Operations Division manages the plant’s operation, maintenance, repair, and capital improvements. The plant operates under an NPDES permit with a dry‑weather capacity of 4.5 M GPD and a wet‑weather capacity of 11 M GPD. The Division also maintains 23 lift stations, a 1,100‑ft outfall pipeline, and a 150‑ft diffuser.
Work Schedule & Compensation Operators work a rotating modified 9/80 schedule during normal daytime hours and are on call for off‑hours alarms, receiving 1.5× pay for 3‑hour minimum call‑outs. Monthly rates: Operator II $7,039.36–$8,556.38; Operator III $7,743.29–$9,412.02.
Essential Functions of the Position (Operator II)
Operate, inspect, and maintain plant equipment and processes.
Perform routine and preventative maintenance.
Interpret plant data, adjust treatment processes for maximum efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Maintain accurate record‑keeping.
Inspect plant equipment, report abnormalities, and initiate repairs.
Direct subordinate operators during emergency or abnormal conditions.
Communicate plant processes, safety issues, and compliance to staff, management, regulators, and the public.
Prioritize workloads and manage citizen inquiries and complaints.
Can operate a motor vehicle safely.
Assist in training new operators and maintenance personnel.
Desired Abilities, Knowledge, and Qualifications (Operator II)
Basic trade skills: pipefitting, welding, minor mechanical rebuilds.
Read and interpret plans, specifications, and piping diagrams.
Understand wastewater treatment principles and practices.
Perform mathematical calculations for process control and optimization.
Basic computer skills: Word, Excel, CMMS, relational database.
Knowledge of safety rules, codes, and regulations.
Understand hazardous material storage and handling.
Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
Experience and Education (Operator II) Minimum two years’ experience in wastewater operations (one year operator training + one year Grade I). State-certified Grade II Warehouse Operator certificate may satisfy the experience requirement. Equivalent education: high school diploma or GED. Technical coursework or training is desirable.
Special Requirements (Operator II)
Valid Grade II Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Valid California Class C driver’s license.
Shift, weekend, and holiday work acceptable.
Forklift proficiency certification required.
Occupational protective equipment and safety order compliance.
Outdoor work in all weather conditions, lift up to 50 lb.
Maintain residency within 35 minute drive of the Greater Benicia area.
Essential Functions of the Position (Operator III)
Perform all duties of Operator II.
Direct operations and maintenance personnel during emergencies.
Conduct complex process system analysis.
Maximize plant efficiencies whenever possible.
Manage special studies, long‑term projects, or programs.
Maintain high‑level records: inventory, databases, and project information.
Prepare special reports as required.
Experience and Education (Operator III) Minimum three years’ experience in wastewater operations (one year at Grade 2 level). State-certified Grade III Operator certificate may satisfy the experience requirement. Equivalent education: high school diploma or GED. Technical coursework or training is desirable.
Special Requirements (Operator III)
Valid Grade III Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Valid California Class C driver’s license.
Shift, weekend, and holiday work acceptable.
Forklift proficiency certification required.
Occupational protective equipment and safety order compliance.
Outdoor work in all weather conditions, lift up to 50 lb.
Maintain residency within 35 minute drive of the Greater Benicia area.
Application Process Submit your application and supplemental responses through the official online system. Paper applications are accepted upon request. Candidates should include all required experience and education details and respond to supplemental questions.
Selection Process Applications will be evaluated; selected candidates will be invited to an assessment center and interview. Minimum qualification does not guarantee invitation.
Additional Information Position is part of the Benicia Public Service Employee Association bargaining unit.
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About the Department The Wastewater Operations Division manages the plant’s operation, maintenance, repair, and capital improvements. The plant operates under an NPDES permit with a dry‑weather capacity of 4.5 M GPD and a wet‑weather capacity of 11 M GPD. The Division also maintains 23 lift stations, a 1,100‑ft outfall pipeline, and a 150‑ft diffuser.
Work Schedule & Compensation Operators work a rotating modified 9/80 schedule during normal daytime hours and are on call for off‑hours alarms, receiving 1.5× pay for 3‑hour minimum call‑outs. Monthly rates: Operator II $7,039.36–$8,556.38; Operator III $7,743.29–$9,412.02.
Essential Functions of the Position (Operator II)
Operate, inspect, and maintain plant equipment and processes.
Perform routine and preventative maintenance.
Interpret plant data, adjust treatment processes for maximum efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Maintain accurate record‑keeping.
Inspect plant equipment, report abnormalities, and initiate repairs.
Direct subordinate operators during emergency or abnormal conditions.
Communicate plant processes, safety issues, and compliance to staff, management, regulators, and the public.
Prioritize workloads and manage citizen inquiries and complaints.
Can operate a motor vehicle safely.
Assist in training new operators and maintenance personnel.
Desired Abilities, Knowledge, and Qualifications (Operator II)
Basic trade skills: pipefitting, welding, minor mechanical rebuilds.
Read and interpret plans, specifications, and piping diagrams.
Understand wastewater treatment principles and practices.
Perform mathematical calculations for process control and optimization.
Basic computer skills: Word, Excel, CMMS, relational database.
Knowledge of safety rules, codes, and regulations.
Understand hazardous material storage and handling.
Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.
Experience and Education (Operator II) Minimum two years’ experience in wastewater operations (one year operator training + one year Grade I). State-certified Grade II Warehouse Operator certificate may satisfy the experience requirement. Equivalent education: high school diploma or GED. Technical coursework or training is desirable.
Special Requirements (Operator II)
Valid Grade II Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Valid California Class C driver’s license.
Shift, weekend, and holiday work acceptable.
Forklift proficiency certification required.
Occupational protective equipment and safety order compliance.
Outdoor work in all weather conditions, lift up to 50 lb.
Maintain residency within 35 minute drive of the Greater Benicia area.
Essential Functions of the Position (Operator III)
Perform all duties of Operator II.
Direct operations and maintenance personnel during emergencies.
Conduct complex process system analysis.
Maximize plant efficiencies whenever possible.
Manage special studies, long‑term projects, or programs.
Maintain high‑level records: inventory, databases, and project information.
Prepare special reports as required.
Experience and Education (Operator III) Minimum three years’ experience in wastewater operations (one year at Grade 2 level). State-certified Grade III Operator certificate may satisfy the experience requirement. Equivalent education: high school diploma or GED. Technical coursework or training is desirable.
Special Requirements (Operator III)
Valid Grade III Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Valid California Class C driver’s license.
Shift, weekend, and holiday work acceptable.
Forklift proficiency certification required.
Occupational protective equipment and safety order compliance.
Outdoor work in all weather conditions, lift up to 50 lb.
Maintain residency within 35 minute drive of the Greater Benicia area.
Application Process Submit your application and supplemental responses through the official online system. Paper applications are accepted upon request. Candidates should include all required experience and education details and respond to supplemental questions.
Selection Process Applications will be evaluated; selected candidates will be invited to an assessment center and interview. Minimum qualification does not guarantee invitation.
Additional Information Position is part of the Benicia Public Service Employee Association bargaining unit.
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