United Water Conservation District offers a robust compensation and benefits package. Aside from the annual base salary of $121,648.29 - $147,841.24 an employee within this position will be eligible for the following:

A general salary increase of 2% effective July 1, 2025 and 3% effective July 1, 2026
2.5%@55 (Classic) and 2%@62 (PEPRA)
United Water Conservation District pays the employee’s share of the CalPERS retirement contribution for Classic employees as outlined in current labor agreement with SEIU Local 721.
Group health through CalPERS (100% employee and 60% dependents paid)
Dental/Vision for employees and dependents (100% paid)
Group life insurance up to $150,000 (1.5x annual earnings)
Flex benefit and Wellness plans
457b deferred compensation programs - Eligible for 1.50% employer match of base pay. Will increase to 1.75% effective July 1, 2025.
Vacation, Sick Leave and 11 paid Holidays

DEFINITION

Under direction, supervises the operation and maintenance of surface and groundwater treatment and distribution facilities in accordance with state health regulations, ensuring the safety of potable and irrigation water sold to District customers; maintenance of plant equipment and facilities; construction projects; operation of trucks, tractors, and other equipment; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Chief Water Treatment Operator is the supervisory level in the series and may act for the Operations Supervisor – Water Treatment in the supervisor’s absence. The Chief Operator is a single-position class distinguished from the Water Treatment Operator in that it has supervisory responsibility for water treatment and water distribution activities at El Rio, PV, and PTP, and for water treatment activities at Lake Piru.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Plans, organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of water treatment plant operators; schedules and coordinates the installation, repair, and maintenance of water treatment and distribution facilities and equipment; trains staff on new procedures, changes to operating conditions, and troubleshooting of equipment and controls.
Participates in the selection of new staff; manages employee performance by establishing goals and objectives, monitoring employees’ progress, providing regular feedback – both formal and informal, and conducting performance evaluations. Administers the progressive discipline process and takes appropriate disciplinary actions after necessary consultation with District management. Monitors and reviews the work of contractors and vendors to ensure it meets District requirements and specifications.
Communicates with District customers to resolve issues related to water quality or pressure; coordinates repairs and maintenance of District facilities to ensure minimal disruption of customers’ operations.
Prepares a variety of reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis for internal use and for regulatory agencies and District customers.
Assists in preparation and administration of annual budget by estimating staffing and capital equipment needs and monitoring expenditures; orders or approves purchases of materials, supplies, and equipment; compiles supporting documentation for requisitions and purchases.
Advises engineering staff and consultants on design and construction of new or modified facilities, to ensure that the design reflects the division’s operational needs.
Completes a wide range of safety-related training, including confined space, HAZWOPER (hazardous waste operations and emergency response), and incident command system.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbent in this classification must be able to participate in rotating shift operator duty, which entails being on-call for one calendar week at a time. While acting as shift operator, the employee must be available to respond to plant or system emergencies 24 hours per day, with a 30-minute maximum response time.

Separate from shift operator duty, incumbent in this classification may be called upon to respond to other District emergencies, including chemical releases or events caused by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of supervision, including performance management, training, and progressive discipline;
Principles and practices of maintaining mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems;
Operating characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, tools, and equipment used in water treatment and distribution;
Breakpoint chlorination and chloramination;
Federal and state regulations and codes pertaining to safe drinking water;
Procedures for sampling, handling, and analyzing water samples;
Safety practices related to hazardous chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation, and general field operations;
Mathematics, chemistry, and computers sufficient for effective performance of water treatment and distribution tasks;
Standard written English sufficient to read and understand written instructions and procedures, prepare reports and correspondence, document incidents, and keep a variety of records.

Ability to:

Plan, organize, assign, and prioritize work of self and others;
Communicate priorities, rules, practices, procedures, technical information, and feedback on work performance to subordinates;
Understand and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the pumping, treatment, and distribution of water;
Prepare narrative and statistical reports;
Learn to use the SCADA system to monitor conditions and operate plant;
Collect data, analyze problems with facilities and equipment, and select an appropriate course of action;
Learn and apply principles and practices of budget preparation and administration;
Work independently and make sound decisions;
Use hand and power tools;
Operate vehicles and equipment;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, regulators, contractors, and vendors;
Follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work.

EDUCATION

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Completion of college-level course work in water science is desirable.

EXPERIENCE

At least four years of experience in the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of water treatment and distribution facilities and equipment.
Working knowledge of chlorine gas injection system, aqua ammonia controls and Iron/Manganese filtration is highly desirable.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

Possession of a valid T4 certificate as a Water Treatment Operator and a valid D4 certificate as a Water Distribution Operator issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required upon hire.
T5 certificate is desirable and must be obtained within 2 years of the date of hire.
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire.
Possession of a California Class A Driver’s License is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching.
Lifting: occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.
Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone.
Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels, but hearing protection must be worn in certain areas. Frequent exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects.

The employee must be able to wear and use a self-contained breathing apparatus and a Level A Hazardous Materials suit.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $121,648.29 - $147,841.34 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Schedule:

Rotating shift

Work Location: In person

United Water Conservation District

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Chief Water Treatment Operator