Operations Apprentice

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for two (2) Operations Apprentices for the Water Operations & Recycling Water Department .

This recruitment is set to close once we receive 50 qualified applications or by Friday, September 5, 2025 whichever comes first.

The District
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position:

Under close supervision, the Operations Apprentice is a trainee who will learn the fundamental skills necessary to operate and maintain their assigned treatment facility, monitor water quality, operate equipment, collect samples, record data and ensure compliance with regulations, under the guidance of experienced Operators and other personnel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision and training from assigned certified operators, supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHINGCHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this classification perform on-the-job training to learn routine operational and technical support for domestic water and water recycling treatment facilities, pumping stations, distribution systems, and other related facilities.

This position is distinguished from the Operator I, which performs entry-level work independently, though under close supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists in identifying the different pump types, sizes, uses and how to recognize abnormal pump operating conditions.

Assists with calculating pump efficiency.

Assists with maintaining tools and other related supplies.

Assists with maintaining a daily log/journals and other control data to document plant operations.

Assists and participates in the District’s employee safety programs, water quality regulations, and emergency response.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

When assigned to Recycling Operations:

Assists with monitoring the operation of sewage treatment and recycling processes.

Assists with maintaining a daily log of domestic water and water recycling treatment facilities, pumping stations, distribution systems, and other related facilities.

Assists with sludge testing, chlorine residual, turbidity, micro-organisms, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) etc.

Assists with inspecting recycling pumps, structures, tanks and equipment.

Assists with submitting work orders for repair/replacement of treatment process equipment.

Assists with collecting and testing water and sewage samples using test equipment.

Assists and learns the different processes of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.

When assigned to Water Operations:

Assists with converting water units, disinfectant dosage, water depth, draw down, flow rates etc.

Assists with reading, replacing, and repairing the different water meters and understanding their purposes.

Assists in shutdowns and startup of facilities.

Assists in the practice of the calculation of flow rates and chemical dosages.

Assists with ensuring that the water meets water quality standards, and that they adhere to all Federal, State, and Local government standards.

Assists with the various ways that water is reused and treated.

Assists with collecting and analyzing water samples.

Assists with maintaining and operating pressure regulation valves.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

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: High school graduation or equivalent is required. Applicants must be eighteen (18) years of age. Must be enrolled in the Water Apprenticeship Program at Santiago Canyon College (SCC) and maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher.

Experience: Any experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities in a water treatment/distribution system or similar environment qualifies.

Knowledge of:

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Perform basic mathematical functions, including college level algebra and geometry.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, project, and task coordination, including calculators, computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Exercise limited discretion and judgment in performing all job functions.
• Adhere to sampling, quality assurance/ control, and safety protocols.
• Make accurate mathematical computations; add, subtract, divide, calculate percentages, fractions and decimals.
• 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 others.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials and a computer. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and working in confined spaces. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean-shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of a tight-fitting respirator. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds and up to 80 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Spark Hire Assessment : As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conductedthrough Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.
Oral Interview Examination : will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

Prorated Holiday Pay
No other Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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