Job Details

Salary : $98,939.88 - $120,261.96 Annually
Location : Richmond, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Job Number: F537-2025
Department: Water Quality and Resource Recovery Department
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 12/22/2025
Closing Date: 1/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
WCW is an award-winning wastewater treatment and resource recovery agency that collects and treats wastewater for reuse. We are committed to protecting public health, our community and the environment. West County Wastewater's administrative office and Water Quality & Resource Recovery Plant are located in beautiful Richmond, California where we serve west Contra Costa County.

The district has approximately 34,000 residences and 2,450 commercial and industrial businesses, with a total population of nearly 100,000. Founded in 1921, today we are transforming our organization and shaping the future of the regional wastewater industry with a team that is dedicated to innovation, progress, collaboration, service and ecofriendly practices. Additionally, we are deeply committed to our community and inspired by the diversity of our employees and the integrity and commitment they bring to our community and to each other every day

West County Wastewater (WCW) celebrates our innovative leadership style, where we have reimagined our work culture. WCW is committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment where new ideas and approaches are encouraged and every person is valued.
The Position
WCW's Water Quality and Resource Recovery department is currently seeking to fill the positions of Plant Operator-in-Training or Plant Operator.
WCW is seeking a Plant Operator-in-Training who is a results-driven individual with good instincts and problem-solving skills, who thrives on personal accountability, and is seeking professional growth and advancement. Employees who have successfully performed the responsibilities of the Operator-in-Training and meet the minimum qualifications are eligible for a flexible promotion to Plant Operator.
WCW wastewater operations are staffed 24 hours per day in shifts running from 6 AM to 6 PM and 6 PM to 6 AM. Operators are required to periodically rotate through all shifts.
The Plant Operators-in Training learns to perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the inspection, operation, and maintenance of WCW's wastewater treatment plant, and related lift stations including primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment processes. The incumbent will participate in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility to control the flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; monitor gauges, meters, and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions; interpret meter and gauge readings; and test results to determine processing requirements.
WCW is also looking for a dynamic, experienced wastewater treatment Plant Operator who is flexible, resourceful, and a team player with good instincts and problem-solving skills who thrives on personal accountability.
Plant Operators are expected to perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the inspection, operation, and maintenance of WCW's wastewater treatment plant, and related lift stations including primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment processes. It is critical that the chosen candidate be committed to contributing to further developing and participating in a production-based environment where workflow is measurable, task-based and includes not only typical operational duties but housekeeping, maintenance, painting, and other duties as necessary or assigned.

The plant operator will participate in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility to control the flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; monitor gauges, meters, and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions; interpret meter and gauge readings; and test results to determine processing requirements.

The successful candidate may be appointed at any level depending on qualifications and experience.Plant Operator-in-Training $81,025 - $98,486 Annually
Plant Operator $98,940 - $120,262 Annually
The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a safety oriented, self-directed individual who recognizes protection and conservation of treated and untreated wastewater as a critical part of the ecosystem.
We are looking for someone who is:

• Knowledgeable. You will need to be knowledgeable of established safety policies and procedures and applicable codes and regulations.
• Customer focused. Your role will require you to understand your customer's operational needs and to be responsive and proactive when addressing those needs.
• Flexible. You will need to adapt and adjust your work schedule to meet changing conditions or emergencies.
• Organized and Results Driven. You will need to be organized and shows a high level of care and thoroughness in handling assignments.
• Dependable. Your assigned unit will rely on you for support.
• Able to Personify Integrity. You will be an important part in maintaining WCW's culture of transparency and accountability, open to continuous improvement.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Every day brings a variety of work and opportunities to make a difference with the potential to impact the delivery of important public services.
• You will work in a dynamic department with opportunities to excel and grow.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Accuracy is paramount in this work environment.
• Working in an environment with strong odors, noise, and potentially unpleasant conditions
• The plant runs 24/7/365 with plant operations working different shifts, including nights and holidays.

Competencies Desired:

• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding and adhering to established safety standards, building codes and regulations
• Adaptability- Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability

Essential Duties

Essential Duties: Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Plant Operator:

• Perform and monitor daily operational processes of plant and maintain appropriate records and logs
• Operate wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent
• Monitor and perform routine adjustment and maintenance work on valves and gates, engines, electric motors, gauges, meters, control panels and related equipment and facilities to control and adjust flow and treatment processes
• Operate treatment plant vehicles, portable equipment and stationary machinery as required
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests
• May assist in the training of less experienced operators
• Perform related duties as assigned

Plant Operator-in-Training

• Perform and monitor daily operational processes of plant and maintain appropriate records and logs.
• Operate wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent.
• Monitor and perform routine adjustment and maintenance work on valves and gates, engines, electric motors, gauges, meters, control panels and related equipment and facilities to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
• Operate treatment plant vehicles, portable equipment and stationary machinery as required.
• Collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• May assist in the training of less experienced operators.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Operator-in-Training

Experience: None required.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of high school.

License or Certificate: Possession of a California Certificate of Operator-In-Training within a reasonable period. Possession of a Grade I California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board within three years of appointment to the position.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License. The incumbent must continue to meet all of the provisions of the Driving Policy as a condition of continued employment.

Plant Operator
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: A minimum of one year of experience in the operation, repair and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, motors, and related apparatus in a wastewater treatment plant comparable to the Operator-In-Training level.
Education: Equivalent to the completion of high school supplemented by courses necessary for certification.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE: Possession of a Grade I California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License. The incumbent must continue to meet all of the provisions of the Driving Policy as a condition of continued employment.
Supplemental Information

Applying for this Position:
Applicants interested in the position must apply at by January 5, 2026 as well as attach a resume.
Selection Process:

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants must complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Interview: Candidates that demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral interview conducted in person.

Tentative Test Dates:Oral Interview: January 20, 2026
Internal Interview: January 29, 2026
Hiring Interview: February 12, 2026

WCW is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting applications. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources at .

Disaster Service Worker
All West County Wastewater employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the WCW requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of West County Wastewater to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
The District offers a variety of benefits for its employees represented by the Field Operations Unit. These benefits include: retirement pension, health, dental, vision, life insurance and a deferred compensation program.

The District participates in the CalPERS retirement system. Classic participants will be enrolled in the 3% @ 60 plan. New participants will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan. Employees must pay a share based on the plan in which they are enrolled.

The District pays up to 100% of the monthly premium for the Kaiser Bay Area plan for the employee's selected coverage level toward health premiums, up to 90% of the monthly premiums for full family dental insurance and 100% of premiums for full family vision insurance. The District provides retiree medical coverage based on a vesting schedule. Employees contribute 1% of pay each pay period into a trust fund for retirement medical.

The starting accrual for vacation is 10 days each year for the first 2 years with a cap of 400 hours. Employees accrue sick leave each year with a cap of 1,000 hours. Up to 80 hours of sick leave each year may be used for the care of a family member. The District participates in the California SDI program for short-term disability.

The District observes 10 holidays (New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving day and the day after, Christmas day.
01

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the position listed and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see the attached application or see resume."

• I Understand

02

West County Wastewater is recruiting to fill at the level of Plant Operator-in-Training or Plant Operator Please indicate which position (s) you are interested in. Check all that apply.

• Plant Operator-in-Training
• Plant Operator
• I am interested in all positions

03

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma, G.E.D equivalency or California High School Proficiency Certificate
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

04

Do you possess a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator- in-Training certificate (or higher) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.

• Yes
• No

06

Are you willing to work twelve (12) hour shifts, nights, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

07

WCW works twelve (12) hour shift rotations. Describe your experience with working this type of shift schedule? If no experience write NA
08

Describe your work experience and education that you feel prepares you for the duties and responsibilities of the Plant Operator or Plant Operator- in -Training position. Include dates and the specific classes or training you have had and which position you are describing.
09

Select the years of experience you possess as a Plant Operator.

• 4 years or more of experience
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years, of experience
• 1 year, but less than 2 years, of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have any experience as a Plant Operator

10

I possess the following California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.

• California Certificate of Operator-In-Training
• Grade I California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
• Grade II California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
• Grade III California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
• Grade IV California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
• Grade V California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
• I do not posses a California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.

11

Do you possess experience in solids dewatering?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you possess experience in solids drying?

• Yes
• No

13

If you have experience in solids drying or solids dewatering please describe your experience. If you do not have this experience type n/a
14

Prior to submitting your application, have you uploaded your resume to this application, as is a requirement to be considered?

• Yes
• No

Required Question