City of Fresno
Water Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training
IN ACKNOWLEDGING THE TEN DAY POSTING REQUIREMENT REFERENCED IN FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3-239, THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT HAS POSTED THIS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE CLOSING OF THIS OPEN UNTIL FILLED RECRUITMENT.
Water Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training is the training class for candidates qualified to learn the duties of a Water Treatment Plant Operator. Incumbents undergo training in the operation of surface water treatment facilities under the direct supervision of certified operators, while gaining experience to qualify for a T3 Water Treatment Operator Certificate. Incumbents may be assigned to work any shift and may be required to work holidays and weekends.
One vacancy currently exists in the Department of Public Utilities, Water Operations Division. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period for up to a maximum of two years at the City’s discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
UNIT 1 Classification – International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers- IUOE (Local 39)
2% Salary Increase, effective December 30, 2024
HEALTH INSURANCE: The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings.
VACATION LEAVE: Accrue 8-15 hours per month.
SICK LEAVE: Eight (8) hours per month, available after 90 days.
SUPPLEMENTAL SICK: 40 hours per fiscal year. 80 hours lifetime maximum.
HOLIDAYS: Ten (10) City-observed annual holidays plus birthday and two (2) personal days.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY: Provided through California SDI program.
BILINGUAL PREMIUM PAY: $100 per month.
HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT: Eligible retirees can use remaining Sick Leave balance at 80% of hourly rate and other leave balances, if applicable, to reimburse medical insurance and qualified medical expenses, tax free.
RETIREMENT: City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state. Reciprocity with other public California systems. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.
DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program): an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits include ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.
Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at
The Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and do not assure placement on the eligible list:
Education: High school diploma or GED;
AND possession at time of application of a valid Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T1, from the State Water Resources Control Board.
Additional Requirements
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License at time of appointment.
The selected eligible candidates will be required to successfully pass a department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno.
Possession of a Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T2 is highly desirable.
Incumbents must maintain the ability to obtain and obtain a minimum of Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T3, from the State Water Resources Control Board within the two (2) years of appointment.
This class is in a flexibly-staffed series, which allows incumbents to flex to the Water Treatment Plant Operator after obtaining the Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T3.
While in the class, incumbents will not achieve permanent status within the classified service, as defined in Fresno Municipal Code Section 3-202(p)(5).
Failure to maintain the ability to obtain and obtain the Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade T3, within two (2) years of appointment will be cause for termination from this class.
Due to the nature of the work environment, the incumbent is required to participate in a medical monitoring program to ensure respiratory fitness for using required respiratory equipment.
How To Apply
APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE AN ON-LINE APPLICATION. PLEASE VISIT www.fresno.gov/jobs. TO APPLY. For information on how to complete an on-line application, please view “Instruction Guide” on the City’s website, Personnel Services Career Opportunities page, or call (559) 621-6950 for assistance. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.
ALL CORRESPONDENCE regarding this recruitment and exam process will be sent via e-mail. All applicants will acknowledge such understanding when they complete their on-line application. Verify we have your correct e-mail address before you submit your application. It is an applicant’s responsibility to check their email frequently to ensure they receive all pertinent communication from the Personnel Services Department on a timely basis. Applicants will receive an automatically generated confirmation e-mail upon a successful application submittal. The e-mail is the only proof of submittal.
It is an applicant’s responsibility to check their email account and to ensure it is set up to accept emails from the City of Fresno. Dependent upon your settings, notices from the City of Fresno may be directed to the “junk mail” or “spam” folders. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check these folders.
Applications must be submitted by midnight on the filing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason. FOR THIS RECRUITMENT, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT PERMANENT FRESNO CITY EMPLOYEES APPLY THROUGH PEOPLESOFT SELF SERVICE.
Selection Process
The examination process may consist of the following:
Written Examination: 100%: A job-related written examination will be administered which may test a candidate’s knowledge of basic tools, ability to perform mathematical calculations, follow written instructions and read meters and gauges correctly. Candidates must achieve a passing score on the written examination to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
The written exam is tentatively scheduled for the week of: to be determined.
Veteran Preference Regulations
Candidates applying for veteran’s preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period. Evidence must be presented to indicate the candidate was discharged honorably from military service. Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran’s preference credit is requested. Qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950 in advance of the examination.