Salary: $27.93 - $41.36 HourlyLocation : Modesto, CAJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 04168Department: UtilitiesDivision: WastewaterOpening Date: 12/20/2024Closing Date: 1/3/2025 5:00 PM PacificBargaining Unit: MCEATHE POSITIONAre you ready to make a difference in your community while growing your career? The City of Modesto is looking for dedicated and skilled individuals to join our team in the operation and maintenance of our wastewater production and treatment plants.Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives: 3% effective 7/1/2025 3% effective 7/1/2026 2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree 5% Education Incentive - Master's DegreeThe Utilities Plant Operator is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants. We are currently recruiting for our Wastewater division in the Utilities Department.Please note: interested applicants must at least meet all of minimum requirements posted for the Plant Operations Trainee in order to be considered. 6 continued education units (CEU) are required in addition to the minimum education requirement. Please see Experience and Training Guidelines section for more information.APPLICATION PROCESSApplicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the Education and Work Experience sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words SEE RESUME. The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.Tentative ScheduleTestGenius Online TestJanuary 6, 2025 - January 13, 2025The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTSEssential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:Essential Functions:Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation. Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations. Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations. Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes. Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary. Check Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) parameters through onsite and remote interfaces in order to monitor and operate systems and to identify maintenance needs; maintain, adjust, and repair SCADA system; enter data into the system at remote sites using micro-computer or other devices. Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water and wastewater process laboratory tests; record and monitor results. Maintain accurate records and documentation of all plant activities; record mathematical calculations related to operational activities; compile data and prepare reports on plant operations, distribution systems, and chemical use. Respond to and investigate public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality problems. Perform general plant maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures. Marginal Functions:Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSUtilities Plant Operator TraineeKnowledge of: Basic methods of the tools and equipment used in construction, maintenance and repair work. Basic arithmetic principles. Safe work practices.Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to: Perform skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work in the area of work assigned. Handle contaminated materials and equipment. Identify equipment, tools and materials needed for each project. Perform heavy manual labor. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Work in confined areas. Use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and other equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner. Read and interpret basic maps and blueprints. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications. Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience, education and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Experience in a water or wastewater treatment/production plant is desirable. Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.Additional Requirements:May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test.When assigned to Water: Work in trenches and follow trenching and shoring safety standards.When assigned to Wastewater:Education:In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, six educational units (CEU's) are required at time of appointment. CEU's can be earned through accredited college/university courses (example: a three-unit college semester math or science course is equal to eight educational units) and/or through a professional association or other nonprofit private or public agency (example: each hour of instruction given by a professional association or other nonprofit private or public agency is equal to one tenth of an educational point (.1); ten hours of instruction is equivalent to one educational point). The classes/course need to be preapproved by the Office of Operator Certification in order to receive credit.Must obtain Operator-in-Training (OIT) certificate issued by the State of California within 30 working days. An extension may be granted by the department Director in the event of a delay at the State level.Utilities Plant Operator IIn addition to the qualifications for the Utilities Plant Operator Trainee:Knowledge of:Principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment/production plants, depending upon assignment.Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps, and motors.Standard principles of the natural sciences including chemistry and biology. Safe work practices in a variety of situation such as confined spaces. Laboratory analysis techniques and standards for water and/or wastewater. Safe handling techniques for materials and equipment used in water/wastewater treatment. Operational and safety regulations pertaining to water and/or wastewater treatment/production plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage. Sampling methods and techniques. Basic plumbing and electrical principles. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computerized pump control systems. Ability to:Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports. Respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries. Respond to emergency situations and make appropriate decisions. Identify malfunctions with pumping capacities, pneumatic controls, and computerized controls. Experience and Training Guidelines:Any combination of experience, education and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: One year of increasingly responsible experience performing duties in water or wastewater treatment, production, or distribution. Training:High School diploma or GED equivalency.License or Certificate:Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.Additional Requirements:May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test.When assigned to Water: Spray pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides in a safe manner and handle chemicals accordingly, as required. Perform standby duty, as assigned.When assigned to Water: Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment certificate from the State of California within eighteen (18) months of appointment. Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificate at time of appointment. Possession of a Water Sampling certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment. Possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO), within six (6) months of assignment. Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver's license with specific endorsements within ninety (90) days of appointment. Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.When assigned to Wastewater: Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate from the State of California at time of appointment. Additional Requirements: Must be a minimum 18 years of age at time of application. During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including First Aid and CPR.Utilities Plant Operator IIIn addition to the qualifications of the Utilities Plant Operator I: Knowledge of: Water disinfection and chemical dosage requirements. Ability to: Perform standby duty as assigned. Complete the more complex work with minimal supervision. Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions with pumping capacities, pneumatic controls and computerized controls, and determine effective course of action for correcting them. Experience: Two years of experience performing increasingly responsible duties in water or wastewater treatment, production or distribution. Training: High School diploma or GED equivalency. License or Certificate:Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.Additional Requirements:May be required to successfully pass the CalOSHA Respirator Medical Screening evaluation and fit test.When assigned to Water: Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Operator certificate from the State of California at the time of appointment. Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator certificate at the time of appointment. Possession of a Water Sampling certificate at the time of appointment. Possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO), within six (6) months of assignment. Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver's license with specific endorsements within ninety (90) days of appointment. Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.When assigned to Wastewater: Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate from the State of California at the time of appointment. Additional Requirements: Must be a minimum 18 years of age at time of application. During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including First Aid and CPR. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Mobility: frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision. Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions. Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to typical street or field noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and irregular hours in emergency situations. Positions may be required to perform standby on-call duties as scheduled.Modesto City Employee Association (MCEA)Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit.VACATION: Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to twice their annual accrual.SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,100 hours.MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:$ 1,950.00 Employee + Family$ 1,380.00 Employee + 1 Dependent$ 690.00 Employee Only$ 450.00 Opt OutThe employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $20,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.DISABILITY INSURANCE: coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1% of salary, (increasing to 2% after 15 years of service) to a voluntary 457 Plan.RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS) $2,400 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period, after initial contribution is made, the City shall contribute $100 per monthEMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Bachelor's degree pays in the amount of 2.5% of salary and Master's degree pays in the amount of 5% of salary. BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE: Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.UNIFORM AND UNIFORM ALLOWANCE PROGRAM: is provided for some positions.ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM is provided for some positions.LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.01 I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions and provide concise but detailed answers. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. When answering narrative descriptions of my experience, I understand that I must include the name of the employer, dates of employment, and the name and phone number of my supervisor. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.
- I have read and understand the above instructions
02 This classification is eligible for Veteran's Preference. Do you wish to claim Veteran's Preference? To qualify you must submit the and DD214 by 5:00 pm on the final filing date. These documents can be submitted to the Human Resources Department by e-mail to ...@modestogov.com, by fax to (209) ###-####, or by mail to P.O. Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353 (must be received by final filing date.)
03 Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency?
04 Do you possess a minimum of six (6) continuing education units (CEUs)?
05 The Utilities Plant Operator Trainee position requires proof of at least 6 continued education units (CEU's). Are you able to provide proof of completion for applicable CEU's you have taken?
06 If you indicated that you possess a minimum of six CEUs, please list where and when those units were earned. If not, indicate N/A. 07 As an applicant with the City of Modesto, we are required to run a full query on all prospective employees that hold a Commercial Driver's License or permit prior to a job offer being made. This full query is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This online database helps keep roads safer for all drivers by identifying drivers prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions, such as operating a commercial motor vehicle, due to a drug or alcohol program violation. Please select form the following:
- I do not hold a Commercial License.
- I hold a Commercial License and am registered with the Clearinghouse.
- I hold a Commercial License and will complete my registration with the Clearinghouse upon hire (during orientation).
08 What level of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification do you possess?
- I do not possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate.
- Grade I
- Grade II
- Grade III
- Grade IV
- Grade V
Required Question