Wastewater Operator II/III

Salary

$84, $112,944.24 Annually

Location

City of Benicia, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

25/26 #2

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

12/17/2025

Closing Date

1/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Wastewater Operator II

$7, $8,556.38Monthly

$84, $102,676.56Annually

Wastewater Operator III

$7, $9,412.02Monthly

$92, $112,944.24Annually

Vacancies can be filled at any level depending on candidate qualifications and needs of the organization.

The City of Benicia is seeking qualified and motivated professionals to join its Wastewater Operations Division as a Wastewater Operator II or III. This position plays a vital role in protecting public health and the environment through the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection systems. Depending on experience and certification, the successful candidate will perform a wide range of operational, maintenance, and regulatory compliance duties in a collaborative team environment, with opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Wastewater Operations Division provides for the operation, maintenance, repair, and capital improvements of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and discharge system. The treatment plant operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board and has a permitted dry weather capacity of 4.5 million gallons per day and a sustained wet weather capacity of 11 million gallons per day. The Wastewater Operations Division is also responsible for operation, maintenance, repair, and capital improvements of the City's 23 lift stations in the collection system, and the treatment plant discharge system consisting of a 1,100 foot long outfall pipeline and a 150 foot long outfall diffuser.

The treatment plant operations staff currently works a rotating modified 9/80 schedule to cover the plant operations seven days a week during normal daytime hours only. During off hours, operators rotate being on-call for response to alarm conditions for the treatment plant and lift stations for which they receive extra compensation. In addition, if an operator is called out while on call, they receive additional compensation at a rate of 1.5 times their normal hourly pay for time worked. Per the current MOU, the minimum call out is 3 hours. City management strongly encourages and supports employees who wish to obtain additional education and training.

ABOUT THE CITY

Benicia lies nestled on the East Bay shoreline just 35 miles from the heart of San Francisco and 57 miles from Sacramento. Founded in 1847 and serving as California's State Capitol for thirteen months during 1853 and 1854, Benicia today retains its historic past while firmly embracing the best of modern life. The city, rich in tradition, is home to more than 40 historic sites.

Judged by the San Francisco Chronicle in 1991 as the Number One city for family living, Benicia is both a home to 28,000 residents and a popular tourist destination to countless others. The city offers affordable housing, convenient shopping, and an excellent school system. For the outdoor enthusiast, Benicia has twenty-eight municipal parks and one state park. Our near-perfect weather has an average temperature of 69 degrees.

The waterfront is an intricate part of Benicia's considerable charm and a popular gathering spot. Recent waterfront development boasts a new promenade, walkway, and park-like atmosphere at the foot of First Street (the heart of downtown Benicia). The adjacent Benicia Marina, with public docking facilities, has become a popular destination in addition to a convenient stopover at the gateway to the Sacramento River Delta and its miles of enchanting waterways.

Wastewater Operator II

Under general supervision operates, inspects, and maintains a variety of plant equipment and processes in connection with the continuous operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and collection systems; performs related work as required. In the absence of the Chief Plant Operator or the Plant Supervisor, during off-hours, abnormal operations, or emergency situations, this classification will assume the role and duties of Operator-In-Charge as defined by the State Water Resources Control Board Operator Certification Division (Title 23) and is expected to work independently without supervision to maintain all regulatory compliance and resolve performance issues relating to the WWTP and collection system.

Wastewater Operator III
Under general supervision operates, inspects and maintains a variety of plant equipment and processes in connection with the continuous operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and collection systems; performs related work as required. In the absence of the Chief Plant Operator or the Plant Supervisor, during off-hours, abnormal operations, or emergency situations, this classification will assume the role and duties of Operator-In-Charge as defined by the State Water Resources Control Board Operator Certification Division and is expected to work independently without supervision to maintain all regulatory compliance and resolve performance issues relating to the WWTP and collection system. This classification is expected to assume and perform lead responsibilities, which include overseeing other staff members and managing special projects, programs, and studies that support the WWTP.

Wastewater Operator II

This classification encompasses all of the duties, characteristics, and requirements of the Wastewater Operator I classification. In addition, this classification is considered a fully-qualified, journey-level position, with responsibility for the efficient operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated systems (collections, etc.) during an assigned shift. Duties are outlined by standard operating practices and procedures, and are performed without immediate supervision. During emergency or unusual operating conditions, this classification is expected to have the skills to act independently and is responsible to ensure regulatory compliance relating to all aspects of wastewater treatment plant and collection system operations. This responsibility includes analyzing system problems, interpreting regulatory information, making decisions, and reporting to various regulatory agencies that oversee the treatment system (examples – OSHA, BAAQMD, Regional and State Water Boards, Solano County Department of Resource Management, Cal EMA, etc.).

Wastewater Operator III

The Wastewater Operator III classification is by promotion only. This classification encompasses all of the duties, characteristics, and requirements of the Wastewater Operator II classification. Additionally, this classification will assume lead responsibilities which include coordinating and/or overseeing other staff and managing special projects, programs, and studies that support the WWTP. The employee is expected to perform project related research, develop plans to achieve stated goals, and implement and manage programs and projects with only minor supervisory interaction. It is expected the employee will communicate any problems and/or progress to their supervisor at appropriate levels to ensure the assignment is meeting objectives. It is expected the employee will maintain consistent and accurate records while managing these assignments. Employees in this classification must be able to work autonomously, make independent decisions, and accept a high level of professional responsibility. In order for an employee to be successful in this classification, they must be self-motivated and have the ability to monitor their productivity and meet project deadlines and schedules.

WASTEWATER OPERATOR II

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Directs operations and maintenance personnel in the absence of supervision and/or during emergency or abnormal operating conditions.
• Performs routine and preventative maintenance of plant equipment and associated systems.
• Interpret plant data and adjusts equipment and treatment processes to ensure maximum treatment efficiencies and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Ensure accurate and complete record keeping functions.
• Inspects plant equipment and report abnormalities, hazards, or failures and initiates repairs.
• Directs subordinate operators in performing operational duties, cleaning, and routine and preventative maintenance.
• Clearly communicate and present information relating to plant processes, safety issues, compliance, etc. to staff, management, regulatory agencies, and the public (oral and written).
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete varying workloads and assignments. Manage citizen inquiries and complaints.
• May guide groups of visitors through the plant.
• Performs and interpret routine laboratory analysis (general, physical, biological).
• Operate a motor vehicle skillfully and safely.
• Assists in training new WWTO operators and maintenance personnel.
• Perform other work as required.

DESIRABLE ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Basic knowledge of trade skills: pipefitting, construction, welding, minor mechanical rebuilds, etc.
• Read and interpret plans, specification, and piping diagrams.
• Wastewater treatment and principles, methods and practices.
• Perform mathematical calculations relating to treatment plant process control and optimization.
• Basic computer program skills (Word, Excel, relational database, CMMS, etc.).
• Safety rules, standard operating procedures, codes and regulations pertaining to the work.
• Methods and precautions in storing and handling hazardous materials, gases and chemicals used in wastewater treatment, and of wastewater sampling and routine process control tests.
• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and ability would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and ability would be:

Experience:
Minimum of two years' experience in the operations of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (one year working as an Operator in Training plus one year as a Grade I Operator) is required. The two year experience requirement may be reduced if the State approves educational credits and issues a valid Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate prior to the two-year requirement.

Education:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Transcripts and/or certifications of technical courses and/or proficiency training in related fields are desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Class C Driver's License issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Must be willing to work shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a forklift proficiency certification.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment appropriate for job assignments and comply with the "Industrial Safety Orders", Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions with limited exposure to potentially hazardous substances. Willing to work outside of normal business hours.
• Must be able to perform manual labor associated with assigned tasks which may include lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Employee shall adhere to the BPSEA MOU Standby Section 14.6: The City shall provide communication (e.g. cell phone) devices for standby employees so that the employee is not required to remain at his/her place of residence. The employee will be required to remain in the greater Benicia area which is defined as that area that is within thirty five (35) minutes driving time from their regular place of employment.

WASTEWATER OPERATOR III

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Performs all duties required of the Wastewater Operator II classification.
• Directs operations and maintenance personnel in the absence of supervision and/or during emergency or abnormal operating conditions.
• Performs more complex analysis of process systems.
• Maximizes plant efficiencies and processes whenever possible.
• Manages special studies and/or short or long-term projects or programs.
• Manages high level record-keeping functions such as inventory control (electrical, pump, etc.), database information, maintenance management system information, special studies and project information.
• Prepares special reports as required.

DESIREABLE ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced wastewater treatment and principle, methods and practices.
• Proficient computer program skills (Word, Excel, relational data base, etc.).
• Knowledge of various internet/web research tools.
• Basic supervisory principles and techniques used to oversee personnel.
• Writing, organizational, and record keeping techniques.
• Basic project management and organizational skills.
• Safety rules, codes, and regulations pertaining to the WWTP work environment.
• Effectively communicate (oral & written).
• Able to self-motivate and motivate others.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to acquire the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three years' experience in the operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (at least one year at a Grade 2 level working at the City of Benicia WWTP) taking on increasing responsibilities relating to plant operations and/or associated plant programs. The three year experience requirement may be reduced if the State approves educational credits and issues a valid Grade III certification prior to the three-year requirement.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Transcripts and/or certifications of technical courses and/or proficiency training in related fields are desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Class C Driver's License issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Must be willing to work shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a forklift proficiency certification.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment appropriate for job assignments and comply with the "Industrial Safety Orders", Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions with limited exposure to potentially hazardous substances. Willing to work outside of normal business hours.
• Must be able to perform manual labor associated with assigned tasks which may include lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Employee shall adhere to the BPSEA MOU Standby Section 14.6: The City shall provide communication (e.g. cell phone) devices for standby employees so that the employee is not required to remain at his/her place of residence. The employee will be required to remain in the greater Benicia area which is defined as that area that is within thirty five (35) minutes driving time from their regular place of employment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Individuals interested in being considered for the Wastewater Operator II/III position must submit an application and responses to the required supplemental questions by the final filing date.

Individuals wishing to file a paper application in lieu of the on-line application process should contact the City of Benicia Human Resources Department at 250 East "L" Street, Benicia, CA Business hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, and from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Applicants are expected to accurately document their related experience and any training, education, and/or skills relevant to this position. Applicants should respond to all supplemental questions, even if the information is also contained in the application.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Application materials will be carefully evaluated; applicants who document possession of experience and education which most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which may include an assessment center and interview process.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.

If, due to a disability, you need accommodations at any point during the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department

The positions of Wastewater Operator II/III are part of the Benicia Public Service Employee Association (BPSEA) Bargaining Unit.