Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Wastewater System Operator II/IIIThe City of Galt, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience. Known for its friendly community, excellent schools, and beautiful parks, Galt is an ideal place to live, work, and play. Conveniently situated along Highway 99, Galt provides easy access to both Sacramento and the Bay Area, making it a desirable location for families and professionals alike. The city hosts popular events such as the Galt Market, a vibrant open-air market that draws visitors from across the region. With a strong sense of community, affordable housing, and plenty of recreational opportunities, Galt is a growing city that still holds on to its welcoming, hometown feel. Join us in Galt — the Great American Little Town.The City of Galt is now accepting applications for Wastewater System Operator II/III.Base Pay Increases: Effective July 1, 2026: Wastewater System Operator II - $31.01 - $38.05 Wastewater System Operator III - $37.09 - $45.52 Effective July 1, 2027: Wastewater System Operator II - $32.73 - $40.17 Wastewater System Operator III - $39.15 - $48.05 Additional Pay (Upon Assignment and Eligibility): Longevity Pay - beginning at 15 years of service, 5%; 20 years of service, 7.5%. Bilingual Pay - $100 per month. Medical-in-lieu - Employees who waive the City's medical coverage shall receive $200 per month for employee only, $350 per month for employee plus one, and $500 per month for family. Incentives - up to 2.5% - 10%. On Call Pay - Two hours for every normal workday and four hours for every holiday weekend. Standby Pay - Two hours for each standby shift of 8 hours or less. Benefits: Home Buying Program - $25,000 interest-free loan to assist with the purchase of a home in Galt city limits. Tuition Reimbursement - Up to $4,000 per fiscal year. Holiday Pay - 14 holidays; thirteen (13) paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday. Vacation Leave - 80 hours per year; after 4 years- 120 hours; after 10 years- 160 hours; after 15 years- 200 hours, and after 22 years- 220 hours. Vacation Credit - Those with 4+ years of prior public agency experience may request to accrue at a rate of 120 hours. Vacation Cash Out - Cash out up to forty (40) hours of vacation per year. Sick Leave - 96 hours per year. Heath Insurance - City pays a generous portion of the CalPERS medical premium (9 options), City pays 100% for dental and vision premiums. Life Insurance - City paid $50,000 policy and $1,500 policy for dependents. Long Term Disability - City-paid policy benefit is up to 60% of base salary. EAP - Confidential employee assistance plan.IUOE/Represented Position FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly Definition: Wastewater System Operator II: Under direct and general supervision, learns, operates, and performs maintenance on equipment, facilities, and related appurtenances found in a secondary, activated sludge wastewater treatment plant and related collection and disposal facilities; takes periodic samples and performs standardized tests to ensure proper operation within established guidelines; assists with preventive maintenance and makes minor repairs to plant facilities and equipment; and performs related work as required. Wastewater System Operator III: Under direction, leads, trains, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult operation and maintenance on equipment, facilities, and related appurtenances as found in a secondary, activated sludge wastewater treatment plant and related collection and disposal facilities; takes periodic samples and performs standardized tests to ensure proper operation within established guidelines; sets priorities and directs the work of assigned staff on a project or day-to-day basis; provides technical and specialized assistance to the Wastewater Plant Supervisor; and performs related work as required. Supervision Received and Exercised Wastewater Operator II: Receives general supervision from the Wastewater Plant Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Wastewater Operator III: Receives direction from the Wastewater Plant Supervisor. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff.Class Characteristics Wastewater System Operator II: This is the journey-level class in the Wastewater System Operator series. Incumbents are expected to perform a variety of wastewater operator duties without constant instruction and/or supervision. Incumbents are expected to identify maintenance deficiencies and make necessary corrections. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Wastewater System Operator III: This is the advanced journey-lead level in the Wastewater System Operator class series. Incumbents perform the most complex wastewater operator duties and/or tasks without constant instruction and/or supervision. Incumbents are expected to act independently and keep supervisors apprised of their work needs as well as the time and materials needed to complete the tasks in most efficient and timely manner. In addition, incumbents are expected to lead work crews and to provide on-the-job orientation and training to new, full-time, temporary, seasonal, and part-time employees assigned with the incumbents to assist in the completion of assigned functions, tasks, and duties. Incumbents may help staff plan for future assignments and supply needs and are expected to identify maintenance deficiencies and make necessary corrections.Knowledge of: Wastewater System Operator II: Basic principles, practices, tools, and materials as they relate to the operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment. Basic operational and maintenance practices of electrical motors, pumps, and circuitry. Basic chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials. Tools and equipment required for the work. Basic principles and practices of recordkeeping methods. Basic mathematics. Basic computer software related to work. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. Safe driving rules and practices. The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances. Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles. The operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of activated sludge wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment. Standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Wastewater System Operator III: Basic principles of supervision and training. Principles, practices, equipment, materials, and tools used in the operation, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment. The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances. Standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials. Practices and techniques related to wastewater and/or hazardous materials sampling, sample handling, and standard analysis methods. Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles. Operational and maintenance practices of electrical motors, pumps, and circuitry. Applicable regulatory relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals. Applicable laws, codes, and regulations. Computer applications related to the work. Shop arithmetic. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications. Basic mathematics. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. Safe driving rules and practices.Ability to: Wastewater System Operator II: Operate, maintain, and repair a variety of wastewater collection and treatment facilities and equipment. Recognize and correct or report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions. Perform routine equipment maintenance. Make accurate arithmetic calculations. Safely operate a variety of hand and power tools as well as various vehicles used in the work. Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties. Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Work independently or in a team situation. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Read a variety of gauges, charts, and meters; record data accurately and make appropriate process adjustments. Conduct basic chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials. Use and maintain the tools and equipment of the work skillfully and safely. Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner. Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Wastewater System Operator III: Plan, schedule, assign, and oversee activities of wastewater operator personnel. Train others in proper and safe work procedures. Inspect the work of others and maintain established quality control standards. Identify and implement an effective course of action to complete assigned