Fallbrook Public Utility District

Plant Operator - CPEN

Onsite - Fallbrook, CA
Full-Time
Application Deadline: 2/13/26

PLEASE NOTE: This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, for earliest consideration, applications should be submitted as soon as possible.  

APPOINTMENT TYPE

This is a full-time, benefited term appointment with Fallbrook Public Utility District for an initial period of five (5) years. The selected candidate will be an employee of the District, not a federal employee, and will receive full benefits, including participation in the District’s retirement system.

Continuation beyond the initial term may be considered based on funding availability, operational needs, satisfactory performance, and approval by the partnering federal agency; however, extension is not guaranteed. The District intends to provide a minimum of six (6) months’ notice prior to the end of the term regarding the status of the position.

During the term appointment, the employee may apply for and be considered for other District positions in accordance with applicable District policies and procedures.

DUTY LOCATION:

Wastewater Treatment Plant, Camp Pendleton and Fallbrook, California.

Plant Operator-In-Training

11 = $32.38 – $40.44

12 = $33.20 – $41.46

 

Plant Operator I

17 = $37.55 – $46.91

18 = $38.49 – $48.08

 

Plant Operator II

21 = $41.46 – $51.77

22 = $42.49 – $53.07

DEFINITION

This series specification describes three plant operation classes which under the direction of the Chief Plant Operator perform a variety of skilled systems operation and repair work; and perform related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

 Plant Operator-In-Training

The Plant Operator-In-Training learns and performs entry level plant operations under close supervisor of the Chief Plant Operator or his designate. Plant Operators-in-Training may be promoted to Plant Operator I upon successful completion of the District’s training program and achievement of the State of California, Department of Health’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certification. 

Plant Operator I

The Plant Operator I learns and performs working level plant operations under supervision of the Chief Plant Operator or his designate.

Plant Operator II

The Plant Operator II performs journey level plant operations and requires little supervision. This level is obtained through certification, training and experience.

Example of Duties:

  • Performs operational activities and maintenance of a complex primary/secondary and tertiary treatment system, processes demands and meets all National Pollution Discharge Elimination Standard (NPDES) ocean disposal requirements;
  • Performs the operation of all auxiliary facilities such as potable water system, chemical handling, solids handling, pipeline conveyance, pumping stations, telemetry and industrial waste inspection;
  • Disables alarms on the telemetry system and understands daily print-outs;
  • Provides hands-on training on systems, equipment and safety items;
  • Prepares and/or reviews procedures, programs, logs, charts and reports;
  • Makes operational adjustments to District plants;
  • Works safely to ensure plant compatibility during operations, maintenance or testing;
  • Performs laboratory process controls and NPDES tests;
  • Performs routine inspections of equipment, tanks, structures, air handling equipment and duct works, checking for damage, oil leaks, excessive noise or abnormal conditions and keeps supervisor informed of system status;
  • Assists other employees in the removal, repair, replacement, testing and servicing of plant and pump station mechanical equipment, vehicles, meters, valves, piping, engines and related parts;
  • Cleans and paints equipment, valves, tanks, piping structures as required;
  • Assists in mowing, edging, weeding, removing, trimming, cutting, fertilizing of lawn, shrubs, trees, bushes and ground cover as directed and performs sprinkler repairs;
  • Performs general building and plant custodial duties including minor repairs, as directed;
  • Available for assignment to stand-by duty;
  • Performs pick up and delivery tasks;
  • Hauls trash to landfill;
  • Unloads trash and performs vehicle maintenance;
  • Originates repair requests to ensure equipment preventative maintenance procedures and system improvement modification tasks;
  • Operates dump trucks, tractors, boom trucks, and other such equipment required to operate within plant compound;
  • Assists in industrial waste inspection program;
  • Interface with public on deliveries;
  • Performs tasks on the in-house computers to process operational data;
  • Receives on the job training to perform qualified, specific tasks on de-energized high-voltage circuits, and energized or de-energized low-voltage circuits; and
  • Performs related work as required.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:  

Knowledge of:

  • Operating concepts and complex, multi-faceted wastewater systems;
  • All wastewater and recycled water discharge permit conditions issued by regulatory      agencies having jurisdiction, including but not limited to, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, and state and local health departments;
  • Operating principles of pumping equipment, associated motors and high voltage power systems;
  • Operations record keeping procedures;
  • The operation, capabilities, limitations, interrelationships and operating procedures of the District potable and non-potable water distribution systems;
  • Variety of valves;
  • Advanced mathematics applicable to the water/wastewater works trade;
  • The operation of chlorinators and the safe handling of chlorine cylinders;
  • Tools, equipment and methods used in the repair and maintenance of pumps, valves and pipeline equipment;
  • English usage, oral and written;
  • Safety precautions pertaining to the work, particularly relating to the operation of basic electrical pumps and motors;
  • Basic principles of hydrology and hydraulics;
  • Basic custodial tools and methods;
  • Common groundskeeping tools and methods;
  • Wastewater discharge limits.

 Ability to:

  • Perform skilled-level water/wastewater systems operation work in the operation of wastewater and recycled water conveyance and distribution system;
  • Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and take rapid appropriate action;
  • Monitor and control treatment plant and lift station operations without immediate supervision (Plant Operator I, & II);
  • Maintain accurate records;
  • Perform mathematical calculations related to the position;
  • Troubleshoot wastewater and recycled water distribution system problems which require in depth understanding of the systems;
  • Interpret Recycled Water Agreements between the District and recycled water customers;
  • Use tools and make repairs to pumps, valves and motors;
  • Make accurate inspections of operating equipment, and assess the operational condition of the wastewater and recycled water equipment;
  • Operate grounds keeping equipment;
  • Perform custodial duties;
  • Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices;
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Available to work different shifts, including Standby, weekends, holidays and overtime.
  • Safely operate loaders, dump trucks and industrial landscaping equipment.
  • Safely perform chlorine container changes and chlorine regulator connections and disconnects.

 Licenses and Certifications:

  • Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver’s license;
  • Possession of current certification as HAZWOPER (Hazardous Materials Responder Training [24 hours]) or the ability to obtain required certificate within 12 months of employment. (Responder/Technician);
  • Possession of Operator-In-Training certification from the State of California Water Resources Control Board (Operator-In-Training);
  • Possession of minimum certification as a Wastewater Operator, Grade I (Plant Operator I) by the State of California Water Resources Control Board Or the ability to obtain Wastewater Treatment Certification within 12 months of employment;
  • Possession of minimum certification as a Wastewater Operator, Grade II (Plant Operator II) by the State of California Water Resources Control Board;
  • Certification(s) as Water Treatment Operator, Water Distribution Operator, Collection Systems Maintenance, Backflow Prevention Device Tester, Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist, and/or Mechanical Technologist is desirable.

Education, Training and Experience:

A high school diploma or GED; 

Any combination of training, education, and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position.

A typical qualifying entrance background is four years of experience at a skilled level in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant, preferably in a leadership role;

or

Experience at or equivalent to the level of Plant Operator II in the Fallbrook Public Utility District from which the incumbent has acquired the knowledge and abilities listed above.

 Physical Demands

  • Walking: Moves about on foot often through uneven terrain.
  • Carrying: Transports objects by holding them in hands or arms.
  • Handling: Seizes, holds or works with hands; specifically operating valves, adjusting control knobs, hand and power tools, computer, and calculator.
  • Lifting: Raises and lowers pumps, motors, hoses, and miscellaneous awkward objects.
  • Reaching: Extends hands and arms in any direction.
  • Pulling: Manipulates hoses up to four inches in diameter and up to forty feet in length.
  • Stooping: Bends body downward and forward by bending at the knees or waist.
  • Climbing: Ascends and descends ladders up to 50 feet in height.
  • Vision: Reads work tickets, meters, meter dials, reservoir levels, data sheets, video messages, scales and gauges and operates District vehicles.
  • Sitting: Drives (often over rough terrain) and sits in District vehicles for up to four hours per day.
  • Talking: Communicates by radio and in person.
  • Hearing: Hears well enough to receive communication by radio and in person.

Physical Strength

  • Lifting: Employee must be able to regularly carry, push, pull, reach and lift equipment and parts up to 50 lbs. and occasional heavier weights up to 100 lbs. with the use of equipment or proper assistance from others.

Environmental Conditions

  • Noise: Works in conditions with constant or intermittent noise.
  • Temperature/Weather: Works outside with variations of temperature and weather.
  • Hazardous or Toxic:   Works in Areas determined to be potentially Hazardous due to chemicals (Chlorine gas, Acids) or conditions (Confined space entry).
  • This position may include periodic to frequent disagreeable working conditions including dirt, fumes, vibration, heat, cold, dampness, sewage, wastewater solids and hazardous chemicals.

 PROTECTIVE DEVICES REQUIRED

Hard hat, gloves, safety shoes, District uniform, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (certified fit test by registered industrial hygienist (beards, sideburns or mustaches which come between the facepiece-to-face seal are not permitted) and pass SCBA/respirator physical by licensed physician), respirator, hearing protection, safety glasses, chemical suits and seat belt.

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire online by January 30, at 3:00 p.m. at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fpud. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

Please consider applying early if you are new to the GovernmentJobs.Com application system to ensure timely and successful navigation. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Human Resources at (760) 728-1125. For technical assistance with the application system, please contact GovernmentJobs.com’s applicant support at (855) 524-5627.

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