Plant Operator Trainee

Salary: $20.00 Hourly
Location : 18700 Ward Street, Fountain Valley, CA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 2026-00035
Department: Water Production
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented


Description


The mission of the Water Production Department Operations group at Orange County Water District is to operate the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF), which consists of three major treatment processes: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation using ultraviolet light with hydrogen peroxide.

Examples of Duties

• Collect water quality and equipment performance data (logging of essential data).
• Document daily plant activities in a logbook.
• Housekeeping (cleaning and washing down treatment plant equipment and structures).
• Record measurements from water treatment equipment such as pumps, blowers, valves, online water quality analyzers, etc.
• Collecting water quality samples including related activities such as label making, chain of custody form completion, and collecting sample bottles.
• Depending upon qualifications (Operator in Training Certificate, Operator License) additional possible duties include:
  • Making adjustments to plant equipment or processes manually or via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
  • Lockout Tagout LOTO (upon proper training on OCWD LOTO policy and with direct oversight by an OCWD licensed operator)
  • Chemical-related activities (upon proper training on OCWD chemical handling policies and with direct oversight by an OCWD licensed operator)
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level, as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Education/ Experience/Training:

• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Current enrollment in technical, vocational, educational, or other training programs in water science, water treatment, wastewater treatment, or similar field.
  • Applicants already having an Operator in Training (OIT) certificate, Water Treatment Operator Certification, or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate are welcome to apply
  • Ability to read, interpret, and follow written instructions such as technical operating manuals.
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions and communicate effectively with other employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Physical: Positions in this class typically require balancing, reaching, standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, climbing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions, in the performance of daily duties. Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises. Required to wear personal protective clothing/equipment appropriate for job assignments including SCBA. Must comply with District's Respiratory Protection Program and CAL OSHA Safety Regulations. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Supplemental Information
Schedule: 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
Proof of Enrollment: Internships are to provide meaningful training and work experience for students pursuing studies related to the District's mission and goals. Interns must submit proof of enrollment, class schedules, and grades (if applicable). Interns are not eligible for employee benefits. Interns are at will and can be terminated at the discretion of the Department Manager with or without cause and with or without prior notice.
You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit to complete an application. Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EEO.
This position does not receive District benefits except for paid sick leave, as provided by law. Please refer to the Sick Leave section of the for details.
01


Are you currently enrolled in a technical, vocational, or other training program(s) in water science, water treatment, or a similar field?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question above, which program are you currently enrolled in?
03


What is your expected graduation date? (month/year)
04


Can you work up to 25 hours per week?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you understand that this is NOT a seasonal (fall, spring, or summer) internship? We are looking for interns who can work year-round.

• Yes
• No

06


I hereby understand and declare that the statements on this supplemental questionnaire are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. As applicable, I hereby authorize the Agency and/or designees to contact the references listed to verify the information I have supplied. I hereby release from liability all persons and organizations furnishing such information. I understand that the Agency reserves the right to validate information received on the supplemental questionnaire and that I will be subject to disqualification and/or termination if any statement in this supplemental questionnaire is found to be untrue or determined to be misleading.

• Yes
• No

Required Question