DUTIES SUMMARY

Under close supervision, to receive training in wastewater treatment processes to assist in the operation of a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment and devices utilized at Water Reclamation facilities; perform a variety of duties to gain on-the-job training experience to become a wastewater treatment plant operator; and perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The class of Water Reclamation Trainee is the preparatory entry level in the Water Reclamation Operator Series and is assigned to the Water Reclamation Division. Supervision is typically received from the Water Reclamation Plant Supervisor.  Incumbents perform the more routine tasks and duties and must be familiar with environmental regulations and the variety of equipment utilized in the treatment of sewage and the drying of sludge.  In the course of duties, incumbents are expected to increasingly develop a breadth and depth of knowledge of environmental regulations and skill that leads to full proficiency in the operation of a wastewater reclamation plant.  As knowledge and skill is gained through on the job experience, certifications and satisfactory proficiency demonstrated, incumbents in this class may utilize their attained skills to apply for advanced positions at Water Reclamation facilities. The Operations Section of the Water Reclamation Division is responsible for operating two (2) wastewater treatment facilities (33 MGD and 41 MGD). Incumbents in the Water Reclamation Trainee class are expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment within established guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:       Graduation from high school, or equivalent;

                        And

Certificates:      Applicants must have completed six (6) educational points in math or science at an accredited college or university (a three-unit college semester course is equal to eight [8] educational points; ten [10] classroom hours are equal to one [1] educational point). Proof of completion of required educational points must be submitted at the time of application.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid California Class “C” driver’s license; Note: For out-of-state applicants, a valid driver’s license is required, and a valid Class “C” California driver’s license is required within ten (10) days after appointment (Vehicle Code 12505c).

A grade 1 Operator-in-Training certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board must be obtained within 6 months of appointment and a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate Grade I issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board must be obtained within 24 months of appointment in order for continued employment with the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department.

Incumbents may be required to be clean shaven or have trimmed facial hair in order to properly use personal respirators. Must pass a respirator medical exam and be able to wear respirator equipment. Must be able to work in enclosed spaces while wearing protective clothing under extreme temperatures and hazardous environments.

PHYSICAL TASKS, MENTAL DEMANDS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in a field environment that is frequently loud and prolonged, in a variety of environmental and extreme weather conditions (both indoors and out). The Work involves exposure to potential physical harm, infectious disease and hazardous chemicals including smoke, fumes or airborne particles, gas, untreated wastewater, communicable disease, high frequency noise, risk of electric shock, dirt, dust, grease, oil, chemicals, solvents and toxic agents. Incumbents regularly work near moving mechanical parts, are exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and heavy vibrations and work in precarious places. Incumbents frequently work on slippery or uneven surfaces. Incumbents need to be able to tolerate unpleasant odors, wet conditions and uncomfortable climate conditions. There is frequent need to stand, stoop, walk, crawl, climb and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. Incumbents may be required to work from heights on ladders, scaffoldings, motorized platforms, building roofs, or other elevated surfaces. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in a field setting in varying weather conditions, to operate various equipment, transport materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and to travel to various locations. Must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction with vision sufficient to see color and read small print as well as distance. Must be able to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions and multiple concurrent tasks; responds to emergency situations; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Salary: $22.8384 to $29.2351 hourly

Apply online at: www.sbmwd.org

Recruitment opens 5/27/2025 and closes 6/9/2025.

EEO/ADA (909)453-6091

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department

• (909)453-6090