Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Job Opportunity in Wastewater Division

The City of Colton has a great opportunity in our Wastewater Division! The application deadline is July 21, 2026. We encourage you to apply ASAP!

Under the direction of the Wastewater Utilities Supervisor, directs, coordinates and supervises the activities and operations of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators; coordinates daily activities of operation teams, schedules and assigns daily job assignments; and provides supervisory and technical support to the wastewater operation crews. May act as Wastewater Utilities Supervisor in their absence.

Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is the advanced journey level classification within the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Incumbents in this classification perform work of a manual nature, which requires complex and more difficult repairs and operations. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III and has by the performance of more technical and complex duties and responsibilities which may include operating heavy equipment, maintaining and repairing wastewater equipment. Incumbents in this classification may be assigned to assist crews, assign duties and responsibilities. Incumbents assume lead supervision responsibility over wastewater operation crews classification and may be required to work holidays, evenings, and weekends and be on call for 24-hour shifts as needed. Exercises direct technical and functional supervision over lower-level crews and staff.

Examples of essential functions include:

• Accept supervisory and lead worker responsibility for activities, operations and services of the Wastewater Utilities Division including daily operations and minor facility equipment maintenance and repair tasks including the operation of heavy equipment.
• Plan, coordinate and review the work of others assigned to daily projects and responsibilities; provide technical direction to operation staff.
• Provide orientation and training to subordinate personnel; identify and report staff deficiencies; recommend discipline procedures as required.
• Analyze and evaluate in-house laboratory results, data and procedures and take corrective action as appropriate; develop new laboratory procedures and may perform laboratory duties as necessary.
• Operate personal computer, keep daily records and produce narrative and statistical reports.
• Make recommendations regarding equipment purchasing, upgrade construction and provide cost estimates as assigned.
• Serve as a resource for the Operation Division, coordinate divisional activities with other divisions and provide information and resources to the Wastewater Utilities Supervisor as needed.
• Write standard operating procedures for plant processes under the direction and supervision of Supervisor and Wastewater Manager.
• Operate trucks and heavy equipment including small tractors, loaders, backhoe; may operate landscape equipment in the maintenance of surrounding facility grounds.
• Ensure all safety rules and regulations are followed.
• Responsible for all weekly and monthly inspections.
• Assist in the training of lower level personnel in the areas of work; ensure adherence to safe work methods, procedures and practices; identify training opportunities and needs; make recommendations to higher level staff.
• Responsible in the preparation, creation and execution of daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly, preventive maintenance scheduling of treatment facility equipment and reporting of PMS to supervisor.
• Perform weekly safety meetings with lower staff.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Training and experience: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. AND Three (3) years as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II and experience performing duties directly applicable to assigned area of responsibility. Special requirements include possession of a valid State of California Class "C" driver's license and a valid Grade III State of California Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification. Additional requirements may include maintaining additional licenses or certificates and Continuing Education Units.

Knowledge of principles and practices associated with wastewater treatment plant operations, chemical processes, safety regulations, operation of wastewater treatment plant equipment, laboratory procedures, biosolids handling, odor control techniques, sampling and testing requirements, biological and chemical testing practices, OSHA and Cal-OSHA safety regulations, modern office equipment, and computer software.

Ability to perform functions of the daily operations of wastewater treatment facilities, operate heavy equipment, perform laboratory tests and procedures, read and work from technical documents, understand regulations and policies, identify and analyze problems, collect and analyze water samples, draw logical conclusions, communicate effectively, maintain accurate records, perform laboratory functions, make arithmetical calculations, establish working relationships, work standby, and operate a motor vehicle on City streets.

Skill to read meters, gauges and control panels, use computer equipment, operate heavy equipment, and effectively operate a motor vehicle on City streets.

Physical tasks and environmental conditions include sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, making repetitive hand movement, lifting, carrying and pushing tools, equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more, working in all weather conditions, using hazardous materials, climbing ladders, using power and noise producing tools and equipment, driving motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, working in heavy vehicle traffic conditions, and often working with constant interruptions.