Operator III (Recycling Operations)

Job Title

Operator III (Recycling Operations)

Job Description

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for an Operator III (Recycling Operations) in the Michelson Water Recycling Plant (MWRP) Operations Department.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on August 27, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website:

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

Under general supervision, performs complex work activities related to the operation of sewage treatment and recycling processes and equipment. Monitors treatment process operation and performance. Makes adjustments to treatment processes and equipment. Performs established treatment and quality control activities in order to consistently meet effluent discharge requirements, standards and regulations in a cost-effective manner.

Incumbents may be required to work standby on a rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed. Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Operations Manager.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May exercise guidance and leads lower-level staff.

Operators with a Grade III or higher Wastewater Operator Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board are the advanced journey levels in the classification series. Incumbents perform the full range of skilled plant operations and maintenance tasks with a significant degree of independence and at any time may oversee the work of lower-grade Operators. Assignments are varied and require sound judgment and initiative. Incumbents are required to accept standby duty, make process adjustments from a laptop computer or provided electronic device, and/or respond to process problems and equipment malfunctions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under minimal supervision, oversees and participates in the work activities of staff responsible for performing operational duties related to the operation of sewage and recycling processes and equipment.

In the absence of the Operations Supervisor, responsible for leading the lower-level operations staff, and assisting with preparing work schedules, reports, and administrative responsibility for the work order system.

Operates and monitors the operation of sewage and recycling processes to produce a quality tertiary effluent and consistently meets recycled water distribution requirements that comply with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental permit requirements, including biosolids regulations. Performs all assigned operational duties required to operate the plant efficiently and for responding to emergencies and changing conditions within the plant, including: daily plant process and equipment inspections; reviewing of process performance; processes efficiency testing; processes control calculations and spreadsheets; solids handling and disposal; maintaining a daily log of operations; ordering and receiving bulk chemical deliveries; dissolved oxygen profile testing; 30-minute settling Sludge Volume Index (SVI) testing, chlorine residual testing; Turbidity testing; H2S testing; ambient air monitoring, Micro-organism examination; and a variety of other test including calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment. Including regulatory compliance data review.

Troubleshoots and/or makes operational recommendations to maintain and improve treatment efficiency. Records flow and hour meter readings from gauges, graphs, and related instrumentation and makes appropriate calculations as required.

Assists with the planning, implementation, and monitoring of operational duties. This includes reviewing the operations work schedule, operational duties, special projects, and coordinating with contractors.

Effectively communicates and interacts frequently with all departments and external parties; reports all facts essential to the efficient operation of the reclamation plant and operating problems or emergencies immediately to the Operations Supervisor or the Operations Manager

Assists with reviewing and updating Standard Operational Procedures (SOP), Energy Control Procedures (ECP), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), confined space inventory, and specialized operational safety procedures.

Assists in preparing reports summarizing treatment plant operational activities, including Process performance and efficiency, Equipment operation, Work performed, and materials used. Assists in preparing a weekly and monthly report detailing unit process efficiencies, flows, and cost of operation.

Assists with or leads in projects such as: tank dewatering, cleaning operations and preparation of mechanical equipment to facilitate repairs and replacement by the Mechanical Maintenance Department. Clean and consistently maintain assigned treatment plant facilities and equipment.

Leads and participates in performing housekeeping and maintaining the entire treatment facility.

Monitors collection system lift stations; inspects collection system lift stations regularly; services equipment and machinery in lift stations and reports the need for repairs.

Inspects the operation of sewage treatment plant including recycling pumps, motors, structures, tanks, and equipment and assist with scheduling and coordinating mechanical work activities with the Maintenance Department for timely and appropriate repair and/or replacement of treatment process mechanical and related equipment.

Utilizes a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to create work orders. Submits purchase requests for equipment, materials, and chemicals. Assists in inventory control, which includes reviewing shipments, monitoring spare parts, monitoring inventory, and storing inventory.

Respond to emergency situations during off-hours as required. Participate in the Emergency Standby Program at the sole discretion of the District. May be required to serve on the District Hazardous Materials Response Team and respond to emergency situations and/or chemical spills. Participates in process teams and committees as required. Conducts or assists with preparing plant tours. Participates in the development, counseling, and training of treatment plant operators.

May be required to work varying shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call duty (Standby Program) and respond to callbacks and may be required to work alone on weekends and Holidays as needed for coverage. Incumbent may be required to work any of the District's work schedules, including weekends and Holidays. Assigned work shifts may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the District.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: High School graduation or equivalent required with additional college-level coursework in wastewater and/or water treatment.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the operation of a Grade V wastewater recycling facility, incorporating biological pond treatment, preliminary and primary treatment, Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) activated sludge treatment, tertiary treatment, membrane treatment, and solids handling facilities.

Certifications:

• Valid Class C California Driver's license is required.
• Valid Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required.
• 40 hour Emergency Response, Hazardous Materials Technician Certificate or ability to receive within 12 months from date of hire may be required.
• Related Collections System Maintenance, Water Treatment, and/or Water Distribution certifications are highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Safety policies and procedures, safe work practices, applicable to any assignment, OSHA regulations, LOTO and Confined Space procedures, hazardous materials handling procedures, and performing root cause analysis on incidents.
• Performing maintenance on equipment used in a wastewater treatment facility.
• Methods and techniques for operating pumps, valves and electric motors and engines.
• SCADA control systems and process control, instrumentation, computer applications pertaining to our work industry.
• Principles, methods, techniques,