Water Agency Plant Operator-In-Training and Water Agency Plant Operator

County of Sonoma

Santa Rosa, CA

Water Agency Plant Operator-In-Training and Water Agency Plant Operator

Salary: $90,873.20 – $139,899.65 Annually

Closing Date: 10/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Be part of the solution―keep water sustainable in Sonoma County.

Bring your water and wastewater experience and become a Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) Plant Operator or Plant Operator-in-Training!

Water Agency Plant Operator-In-Training – https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sonoma/jobs/5089070/water-agency-plant-operator-in-training?page=5&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

With training and under supervision, Water Agency Plant Operators-in-Training gain the knowledge and experience needed to operate and maintain public water treatment and distribution systems and wastewater collection system and treatment plants. They learn how critical system equipment and machinery work and affect water and wastewater treatment processes. As our next Water Agency Operator-In-Training, you will also learn to:

• Operate water/wastewater flow regulating controls and equipment, such as pumps, valves, and chlorinators

• Balance water storage, usage, and allotments within our water system

• Inspect treatment plants, pump stations, and related equipment and facilities

• Read and record information from voltmeters, pressure gauges, flow meters, chlorine residual recorders, pump cooling pressures, and more

• Conduct routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples

• Maintain and calibrate operational instrumentation, such as pH meters and titrators

• Perform routine maintenance of equipment such as oiling and adjusting plant equipment and machinery

Water Agency Plant Operator – https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sonoma/jobs/5089071/water-agency-plant-operator?page=5&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Water Agency Plant Operators at Sonoma Water have the incredible opportunity to operate four separate classifications and types of wastewater and recycled water treatment facilities that are located across Sonoma County. These include tertiary, extended air, biological nutrient removal, and lagoon plants. Sonoma Water also operates a water treatment facility that treats over 16.5 billion gallons of water annually and distributes it to over 600,000 customers. This experience provides Plant Operators the opportunity to qualify for Grade 5 Water and Wastewater treatment certifications, and with time and certification, the ability to promote to Senior Water Agency Plant Operator. 

In accordance with federal and state regulations, Plant Operators monitor and control the operation of the wastewater treatment plants. As an operator, you will utilize supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, laboratory results, and plant process equipment to optimize the biological process and achieve a high-quality plant effluent that can be used as recycled water at certain facilities. This position will operate pumps, valves, chlorinators, telemetry controls, sludge presses, and other water and wastewater flow regulating controls and equipment. Additionally, this position:

• Maintains reservoir levels and coordinates water storage, usage, and user allotments

• Reads, records, and maintains detailed operational records, as well as monitors a SCADA system which controls water supply, water and wastewater treatment processes, and reclamation facilities

• Performs routine laboratory analysis of water and wastewater samples using accepted analytical techniques, and interprets the results

• Computes volumes and percentages using both standard and metric systems

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement – A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range

• Career Advancement – With time, good performance, and applicable required certifications, the opportunity for advancement to Water Agency Plant Operator, salary up to $139,899/annually

• Paid Time Off – Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year

• County Paid Health Premium Contributions – 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options

• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement – County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits

• Retirement – A pension fully integrated with Social Security

• Paid Parental Leave – May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment

• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Learn more and apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sonoma

*Salary is negotiable within the established range for the position and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information, including minimum qualifications, & to apply, visit www. yourpath2sonomacounty.org or call 707-565-2331. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.