What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III position at CITY OF BAKERSFIELD, CA?
Description
Under supervision, monitors wastewater treatment plant processes; performs routine laboratory tests, and a variety of semiskilled and skilled tasks, including making repairs and adjustments to equipment in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant; may plan, assign, inspect and lead the work of others; and performs related duties as assigned.
Representative Duties
The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the position's essential duties. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential Duties: May work as a Shift Supervisor per California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB) and may lead the work of others during the absence of a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or Plant Supervisor; Monitors and maintains plant treatment processes within designated parameters; reads plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, computer screens, meters, SCADA systems and other instrumentation; Complies with standards and regulations of the California State Water Resources Control Board; Performs other lead responsibilities as required; Operates, checks and maintains equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, blowers, and electric and mechanical drive units to ensure proper operation.
For a full job description, please click here .
Minimum Qualifications
Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application & supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements:
Examination (Weighted: 100%)
August 27, 2026 (Tentative)
An appraisal will be made of the applicant's experience, education, training, certification, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum passing score of 70% is required.
NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.
Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:
RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the City's Retirement Info page for additional information.
Closing Date/Time: 8/17/2026 1:00 PM Pacific
Under supervision, monitors wastewater treatment plant processes; performs routine laboratory tests, and a variety of semiskilled and skilled tasks, including making repairs and adjustments to equipment in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant; may plan, assign, inspect and lead the work of others; and performs related duties as assigned.
Representative Duties
The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the position's essential duties. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential Duties: May work as a Shift Supervisor per California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB) and may lead the work of others during the absence of a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or Plant Supervisor; Monitors and maintains plant treatment processes within designated parameters; reads plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, computer screens, meters, SCADA systems and other instrumentation; Complies with standards and regulations of the California State Water Resources Control Board; Performs other lead responsibilities as required; Operates, checks and maintains equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, blowers, and electric and mechanical drive units to ensure proper operation.
For a full job description, please click here .
Minimum Qualifications
Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application & supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements:
- Graduation from high school or GED; AND
- Required experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants necessary to obtain a Grade III Operator’s Certificate.
- Possession of a valid Grade III Operator’s Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License required.
Examination (Weighted: 100%)
August 27, 2026 (Tentative)
An appraisal will be made of the applicant's experience, education, training, certification, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum passing score of 70% is required.
NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.
Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:
- Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit
- Fire Safety Unit
- Police Safety Unit
- Police Trainee Unit
- Supervisory & Management Unit
RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the City's Retirement Info page for additional information.
Closing Date/Time: 8/17/2026 1:00 PM Pacific