Operator I/II/III (Recycling Operations)

The Position:

Under direct supervision, perform work activities related to the operation of sewage treatment and recycling processes and equipment. Monitor treatment process operation and performance. Make minor adjustments to treatment processes and equipment. Perform established treatment and quality control activities in order to consistently and cost-effectively meet state and federal effluent discharge and air quality requirements. 

The incumbent may be required to work standby on a rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed, standby assignments are at the discretion of the Operations Manager.

Positions may be filled at any level in this series depending on the needs of the District and the qualifications presented by the applicant.  For the full job description, responsibilities and minimum requirements of the position, please click the link below.

Operator I $33.40- $47.03 Hourly

Operator II $38.36- $54.60 Hourly

Operator III $41.90- $59.56 Hourly

There are currently two (2) vacancies within Recycling Operations. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operates and monitors the operation of sewage and recycling processes in order to produce a quality tertiary effluent and consistently meet recycled water distribution requirements that comply with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental permit requirements. 

Performs all assigned operational duties required to operate the plant efficiently. Responds to emergencies and changing conditions within the plant, including: daily plant process and equipment inspections; solids handling and disposal; maintenance of 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; micro-organism examination; and a variety of other test including calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment.

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

Effectively communicates all plant operating conditions and all facts essential to the efficient operation of the recycling plant as directed. Reports all operating problems or emergencies immediately to a higher grade Operator, a supervisor or a manager as available.

Effectively communicates and interact frequently with other departments.

Identifies sources of existing or potential operational and equipment problems with treatment processes and mechanical equipment and report process and equipment malfunctions as directed.

Assists with projects such as tank dewatering, cleaning operations and preparation of equipment to facilitate repairs and replacement as needed. 

Performs routine housekeeping and maintenance of assigned treatment plant facilities and equipment.

Inspects the operation of sewage treatment plant components, including recycling pumps, motors, structures, tanks and equipment and submits work orders for repair and/or replacement of treatment process equipment.  

Utilizes Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to create work orders. Submits purchase requests for equipment, materials and chemicals. Reviews shipments to ensure they are complete and correct.

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 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:

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

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

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

Experience:

Operator I: One (1) year of experience (paid or volunteer) in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, incorporating biological pond treatment, preliminary and primary treatment, Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) activated sludge treatment, tertiary treatment and solids handling facilities is preferred. 

Operator II: Two (2) years of experience in the operation of a sewage treatment plant, incorporating biological pond treatment, preliminary and primary treatment, Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) activated sludge treatment, tertiary treatment, and solids handling facilities is required. 

Operator III: 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.

Knowledge of:

• Basic fundamental knowledge of safety policies and procedures, safety work practices, applicable to any assignment, OSHA regulations, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Confined Space procedures, and basic hazardous materials handling procedures.
• Basic functions of performing basic maintenance on equipment used in a wastewater treatment facility.
• Basic methods and techniques for operating pumps, valves and electric motors and engines.
• Basic understanding and use of SCADA control systems, instrumentation, computer applications pertaining to our work industry.
• Basic knowledge, principles, techniques, and practices in testing both chemical and biological analyses. 
• Basic knowledge of permits (NPDES/AQMD), including local and state federal laws.

Ability to:

• Effectively communicate both orally and written. 
• Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees, management, contractors and vendors. 
• Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with outside contractors and regulatory agency officials. 
• Advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Perform basic mathematical functions, including college level algebra and geometry. 
• Perform algebraic and geometry calculations and water/sewage calculations and formulas.
• Must be familiar with and be able to utilize Microsoft Office Suite.
• Use professional personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions
• Read and interpret standard operation procedures (SOPs) operational/maintenance manuals and required facility permits.

LICENSE / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License.

40-hour Emergency Response, Hazardous Materials Technician Certificate or ability obtain within 12 mos. of employment is required.  

In addition: 

Operator I:

• A valid Wastewater Operator-in-Training (OIT) Certification within 60 days of employment.
• A valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I within 18 months of employment is required.

Operator II:

• A valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II.

Operator III:

• A valid California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and to working in confined spaces. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean-shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of a tight-fitting respirator. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment. All of this in various weather conditions (hot, cold, rainy) and environments, often exposed to wet muddy conditions.

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating “See Resume” is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the “Apply” link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for June 9, 2025): This will evaluate the candidates’ experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors that are essential for successful job performance.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.