Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee/I/II

Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: $3,758 - $4,796 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $21.68 - $27.67 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

Water/Wastewater Operator I: $4,350 - $5,552 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $25.10 - $32.03 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

Water/Wastewater Operator II: $5,036 - $6,427 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $29.05 - $37.08 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

This position is in the Trades and Crafts (Teamsters) bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases: Shasta County Labor Agreements

Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Public Works Department is responsible for construction and maintenance of County facilities, including buildings, roads, bridges, and airports; and for managing permanent road divisions to provide maintenance of private roads on behalf of the citizens in those districts. The department employs engineers and technicians who prepare construction plans as well as supervise construction of these facilities. The responsibilities of County Surveyor, Road Commissioner and Chief Engineer of the Water Agency are administered by the department. The department reviews land development maps and improvement plans as well as survey mapping for compliance with the Subdivision Map Act and County Development Standards. Administration of the County's solid waste management functions including waste collection and ownership of an active landfill are the responsibility of the department. The Shasta County Water Agency is managed by the department. In addition, the Public Works Department oversees the operation and maintenance of several county service areas. These service areas include both water and sewer districts along with road, lighting, and flood maintenance districts. The department is responsible for Flood Plain Administration.

The Water-Wastewater Division of Public Works operates eight small, independent water and wastewater systems.

Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Under close supervision, to learn to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required.

Water/Wastewater Operator I: Under direct supervision, to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required.

Water/Wastewater Operator II: Under general supervision, to perform activities related to the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems; and to perform related duties as required.

Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee is the entry-level class. An incumbent works under close supervision in a training and learning capacity in the operation of water and wastewater systems.

Water/Wastewater Operator I: Water/Wastewater Operator I is the first journey level class. The incumbent assists with the operation and maintenance of several water and wastewater systems and may also assist in the operation of other facilities as the need arises.

Water/Wastewater Operator II: Water/Wastewater Operator II is the full journey level class. The incumbent is responsible for the operation of one or more of the water and wastewater systems and may also assist in the operation of other facilities as the need arises.

The ideal candidate will be internally motivated with a self-sufficient demeanor and the ability to work independently. Strong prioritization skills are essential. This person will have an extensive knowledge of water and wastewater system operating and maintenance needs including troubleshooting and repair techniques. Experience coordinating the operation of multiple water and/or wastewater systems at the same time is desirable.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee: Learns to operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and disposal facilities; operate, maintain, and repair valves, pumps, electric motors, chlorination equipment, and other related equipment; troubleshoots hydraulic, electrical, and supervisory sensory control systems; collect samples from selected sites throughout the county and perform lab analysis as required; records readings and lab results, and maintains daily plant logs; install water services; repair and flush water and sewer mains; monitor and collect samples at landfills and septage ponds throughout the county; may operate equipment necessary to complete the above mentioned duties; responds to after-hour calls.

Water/Wastewater Operator I: Assists with operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and disposal facilities; operates, maintains, and repairs valves, pumps, electric motors, chlorination equipment, and other related equipment; troubleshoots hydraulic, electrical, and supervisory sensory control systems; collects samples from selected sites throughout the county and performs lab analysis as required; records readings and lab results, and maintains daily plant logs; installs water services; repairs and flushes water and sewer mains, monitors and collects samples at landfills and septage ponds throughout the county; inspects new water distribution and collection system installations; may operate equipment necessary to complete the above mentioned duties; responds to after-hour calls.

Water/Wastewater Operator II: Operates and maintains water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution and collection systems, and disposal facilities; operates, maintains, and repairs valves, pumps, electric motors, chlorination equipment, and other related equipment; troubleshoots hydraulic, electrical, and supervisory sensory control systems; collects samples from selected sites throughout the county and performs lab analysis as required; records readings and lab results, and maintains daily plant logs; installs water services; repairs and flushes water and sewer mains; monitors and collects samples at landfills and septage ponds throughout the county; performs laboratory analysis, records and interprets results to determine effectiveness of treatment processes; inspects new water distribution and collection system installations; gives direction and training to workers in all aspects of operations; acts for Utility Operations Superintendent in the latter's absence; assists in the timely requisition of supplies, materials, and equipment; may operate equipment necessary to complete the above mentioned duties; responds to after-hour calls.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Knowledge of: Basic construction, electrical, and mechanical principles; basic methods and practices of maintaining machinery and equipment in good working order.

Ability to: Learn to operate equipment necessary to perform duties listed above; observe plant operations and take appropriate action; understand and follow oral and written instructions; learn to operate the plant independently and learn to act in all types of situations and emergencies relating to the water supply and sewer systems; maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.

Knowledge of: Methods, materials and equipment used in operating and maintaining a water and wastewater treatment plant; hydraulic and electrical controls and supervisory sensory controls used in the operation of water and wastewater treatment; basic chemistry in the field of water purification and treatment; regulations of the State Health Department and the State Water Quality Control Board pertaining to water quality standards and the prevention of pollution and contamination.

Ability to: Observe plant operations and take appropriate action; maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports; operate independently and act in all types of situations and emergencies relating to the water supply and wastewater systems; read engineering drawings; operate equipment necessary to complete above-mentioned duties.

Knowledge of: Methods, materials and equipment used in operating and maintaining a water and wastewater treatment plant; hydraulic and electrical controls and supervisory sensory controls used in the operation of water and wastewater treatment; basic chemistry in the field of water/wastewater purification and treatment; laboratory analysis procedures and recordkeeping; regulations of the State Health Department and the State Water Quality Control Board pertaining to water quality standards and the prevention of pollution and contamination.

Ability to: Observe plant operations and take appropriate action perform laboratory analyses; maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports; operate independently and act in all types of situations and emergencies relating to the water supply and wastewater systems; read engineering drawings; operate equipment necessary to complete above-mentioned duties.

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The employee is also required to move across uneven, unpaved surfaces for field inspections, operate a motor vehicle on a daily basis, and enter confined spaces such as manholes occasionally.

Additional requirements of this position include the ability to carry a 60-pound air pack on your back, handle confined spaces, and handle heights above ground up to 40 feet.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The employee is also required to interact with the public. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Additional requirements of this position include the ability to work with water pressures 20 psi to 165 psi, work around open trenches up to 8 feet deep, and work in confined spaces manhole water and septage.

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 5:00 p.m., on March 04, 2026. A resume and/or cover letter will be accepted in addition to the application but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as “Refer to resume and/or cover letter,” or “See attached resume and/or cover letter.” The application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will not be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

Veterans' Credit: Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran must provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) with the employment application on or before the final filing date.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515