Coachella Valley Water District
  • WRP Operator-in-Training or I

  • COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
  • Palm Desert, California United States View Map

Job Description

Job Summary

TITLE:Wastewater Reclamation Plant Operator-in-Training or I
SRN 16: $5,003 - $6,833 Monthly, Non-Exempt
SRN 24: $6,000 - $8,170 Monthly, Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Teamsters 1932
Department: Operations
Division: Sanitation
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to : Operations Supervisor, Wastewater, Crew Chief, Wastewater
Supervises the following positions : N/A

Promotional opportunity procedures will include the following: Review of minimum qualifications Review of personnel files, including but not limited to: attendance history, disciplinary history, and performance evaluations Assessments Oral Interview(s)

DEFINITION :

OIT: Under immediate supervision, assists with the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant. This is the entry level position for wastewater reclamation plant operators. Trainees will be required to learn and demonstrate competency in basic working knowledge of the District's Wastewater Reclamation Plant operation.

Operator I: Under immediate or general supervision to direction, performs semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a District wastewater reclamation plant facility, equipment, and processes; regulates influent and effluent flows within the system; performs repair work on facilities; performs basic laboratory testing and sample collection; and performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Monitors the operation of wastewater reclamation plant pumps, valves, and other equipment.
  • Collects wastewater samples for laboratory tests
  • Monitors instruments, records readings calculates data, and maintains accurate logs, records, and charts.
  • Performs light maintenance and general cleaning of the plant facilities and equipment. Removes grit, sludge and screenings from system and disposes of them.
  • Assists in changing chlorine tanks, checks for leaks and practices proper safety procedures.
  • Reads gauges, dials, and other instruments that record plant operations; locates malfunctions in electrical control circuits, terminals, and switches.
  • Observes variations in operating conditions; interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements; makes necessary adjustments.
  • Computes plant flows; utilizes a calculator and accurate samplings of influent, effluent and mixed liquor.
  • Inspects, cleans and maintains lift stations; inspects pumps, valves, motors, filters, meters, and related plant equipment.

Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cvwd/classspecs for the full job description.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education : Equivalent to a High School Diploma.

Experience : OIT:Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Operator I: One (1) year of experience in the operation, repair, and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, motors, or other equipment similar to what is found in a water or wastewater agency.

Licenses and Certifications : Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

OIT: Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, to be obtained within 24 months of appointment and to be maintained throughout employment.
Operator I: Possession of a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of:
  • Basic arithmetic.
  • Principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting.
  • District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
  • The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
  • Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  • Operational characteristics, and the safe and proper use of, machinery, tools, equipment, and materials necessary to perform assigned duties.


Ability to:
  • To learn the principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.
  • Operating principles of valves, pumps, and motors.
  • Principles and methods of sample collection and analysis.
  • Operate wastewater treatment plant equipment.
  • Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices.
  • Take wastewater and sludge samples.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Work cooperatively with others.
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
  • Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.


The Coachella Valley Water District provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package ensuring employees have many options to meet their healthcare, wellness and/or retirement savings goals. Providing employees with flexibility and support for all the different stages of life. Employees may pay some portion of their benefit premium costs based on the provisions of their labor-negotiated Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) and the level of coverage they select. Additional information regarding CVWD employee benefits is available at https://www.cvwd.org/176/Benefits .

Closing Date/Time: 9/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Coachella Valley Water District

Coachella Valley Water District

7603982651

CVWD was formed in 1918 to protect and conserve local water sources. Since then, the District has grown into a multifaceted agency that delivers irrigation and domestic (drinking) water, collects and recycles wastewater, provides regional storm water protection, replenishes the groundwater basin and promotes water conservation.

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