Wastewater Plant Operator I

The Wastewater Plant Operator I (WWPOI) performs a variety of routine cleaning, maintenance, operational, and related duties involved in the continuous operation of a large metropolitan wastewater treatment plant. Most work is performed under the supervision of a Wastewater Plant Operator II; however, there are stations that the Wastewater Plant Operator I may operate without immediate supervision. The entry level WWPOI is expected to have knowledge of wastewater treatment equivalent to or exceeding that required to obtain a California Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate. The WWPOI will receive on-the-job training and experience in operating East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EBMUD's) wastewater treatment plant through the Trades Training Program. After gaining experience and achieving proficiency, a WWPOI is required to advance to a Wastewater Plant Operator II within 24 to 36 months.

Typical duties performed under the lead or direction of a journey-level operator or supervisor include:

*Removing screenings and grit; cleaning primary, secondary and other wastewater treatment equipment and facilities.

*Lubricating pumps, conveyors, chains, motors, and other machinery and equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant.

*Ensuring facilities are clean and orderly.

*Loading and unloading materials, supplies and equipment; assisting in the storage and transfer of chlorine and other treatment chemicals.

*Performing routine maintenance of machinery, structures, equipment, and piping.

*Collecting wastewater, scum, grit, sludge samples, and other materials; performing routine control tests.

*Reading meters, gauges, charts and instruments; changing recording charts and assuring their continuous operation.

*Keeping operational records of test results, unusual operating conditions, maintenance work performed, and plant operations.

*Using common hand and power tools.

*Assisting in training other operators.

The salary range is $9,277 per month, increasing to $9,741, $10,228 and $10,739 after 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively.

EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

1.Completion of twelfth grade or its equivalent.

2.One year of experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant. One year of experience is equivalent to greater than 1800 hours.

3.Possession of a valid Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate grade I or higher issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). For information about reciprocity for out-of-state certificates, please visit the California SWRCB website at www.swrcb.ca.gov.

4.Possession of a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record

Must possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the class, including sufficient strength to lift sacks of chemicals weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be willing to work with and around chemicals used in wastewater treatment process and wear respiratory protection equipment. Must be willing to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the "equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/

1.Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com by 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted.

2.Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.

3.All qualified applications and supplemental responses will be competitively evaluated, with those candidates demonstrating the strongest qualifications for the position to be invited to a panel interview.

4.Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months.

5.The probation period for this position is 12 months. For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months.

6.All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment.

As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of assignments you have personally performed. Should you respond with comments such as "see application" or "see resume" instead of addressing the questions directly, your application may not be considered.