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Water Plant Operator Trainee / I

City of Lompoc
Lompoc, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/27/2026

THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR CURRENT AND POTENTIAL FUTURE VACANCIES. Interested applicants must submit online City application by the filing deadline -- NO PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.  If you forget your password, have application login problems, or get an error message during the application process, please call the NeoGov helpline at 1-877-524-5627 for assistance.

The City reserves the right to stop accepting applications prior to the posted deadline, if sufficient numbers of qualified applications are received. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The recruitment is officially closed once it has been removed from the City's website.

The Water Plant Operator I, under supervision on an assigned shift operate a water purification and distribution plant that involves a complete treatment process; and performs other specifically related work as required. 

ALLOCATION FACTORS: Level of knowledge of water treatment, level of skill in operations and level of decision making.

Water Plant Operator-in-Training: $4,456 - $5,596 per month
Water Plant Operator I: $5,425 - $6,832 per month

May be hired at either level, depending on current certification and experience qualifications. Incumbents receive training, certification, and experience and are expected to progress to the budgeted class of Water Plant Operator I, upon acquisition of the appropriate job knowledge, work experience, certification, and satisfactory job performance.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: Based upon screening of the City application, résumé, and responses to supplemental questions. Applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include, but is not limited to: written examination, performance examination and/or panel intervidew, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job related experience listed below.  Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.

SELECTION PROCESS:  As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.

Failure in any one part of the examination or selection processes will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties and/or may be required to perform specific additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
  • Operates a water treatment plant
  • Maintain the daily water requirements of the distribution system
  • Maintain constant vigil over all equipment of the plant to see that it is functioning properly
  • Regulate chemical feeders to maintain proper treatment of water
  • Take samples of raw water and treated water
  • Perform basic laboratory tests and analysis
  • Keep accurate records of plant operations
  • Regulate plant operation to meet changes in raw water quality
  • Assist in the repair and replacement of equipment
  • Operate plant in accordance with all safety and health regulations
  • Operate forklifts and other City vehicles
  • Perform related work as required
If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (805) 875-8208.

EXPERIENCE:  Include any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.  They typical qualifying entrance background is:

Water Operator in Training: One (1) year of experience in construction and maintenance, including operation of pumps and motors.

Water Plant Operator I: One (1) year of experience in water treatment operation or maintenance AND possession of a valid California State Public Health Grade II Water Plant Operator certification is required.

LICENSE REQUIRED:  Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License.

CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:   Issued by California State Public Health Department

Water Plant Operator I:  Grade II Water Treatment Certification

KNOWLEDGE OF:   Basic chemistry; basic math; and recordkeeping. 

In addition to above, Water Plant Operator I:  Proper methods, materials, tools and equipment used in water treatment operations; general analysis, lab terminology; quality assurance and sampling techniques; and appropriate safety precautions and procedures.

ABILITY TO: Water Plant Operator I: Perform the laboratory tests and analysis required in the operation of a water treatment plant; operate and maintain lab equipment and chemicals; interpret and read plans and flow schedules, telemetering equipment, flow charts and indicating meters; apply first aid for chemical burns; use and care for tools; read, write and perform mathematical calculations at the level required for successful job performance; operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work; maintain accurate records.


PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS -- The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Physical:  Medium - Exert force of 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. Constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. Constantly stand or walk; handle, grip and grasp. Occasionally sit, bend stoop, crouch, push/pull and twist at the waist. Frequently reach above at and below shoulder level. Frequently extend neck upward, downward and from side to side. Occasionally kneel, finger/type. Rarely crawl. Frequently climb ladders and stairs and rarely scaffolding. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Hearing ability to effectively hear and comprehend oral instructions and communication.

Mental/Psychological:  Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; read/comprehend complex material; utilize complex math skills; utilize complex writing skills; understand, remember and carry out complex job instructions; respond quickly to changing priorities; communicate effectively orally; work under pressure; work within deadlines; train other workers.   

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:  Incumbents may be required to work rotating shifts and under adverse conditions such as exposure to toxic chemicals and gases, heights, and confined space. Work both indoors and outdoors. Constantly work around machinery. Occasional exposure to excessive noise and chemicals, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, and to slippery or uneven walking surfaces. Occasionally uses a computer, drives motorized equipment/vehicles. Rare exposure to solvents, grease or oil, flames/smoke. Work both alone and with others.    

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Employees in this classification may be required to utilize respirators in the course of their job duties or under emergency circumstances, and thus must be in compliance with General Industry Safety Order 5144. Employees shall not wear beards, mustaches, sideburns, facial hair or other conditions in such a manner that may prevent or interfere with establishing and maintaining a proper seal of the respirator face mask. This requirement is implemented in order to insure the safety and health of the employee.

Salary : $53,477 - $67,148

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