WATER POLLUTION CONTROL OPERATOR-IN-TRAINING

Full Job Description

The final filing date is Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

We build community trust by delivering exceptional services. Our Core Values of Public Services are Integrity, Leadership, and Respect.

The City of Sunnyvale is accepting applications for the Water Pollution Control Operator-In-Training.

The Water Pollution Operator-In-Training is the entry-level trainee classification found in the Water Pollution Control Plant Operator series, preparing incumbents for the next higher position of Water Pollution Control Operator I.

Incumbents in the Operator-In-training classification are required to actively pursue and obtain a Grade I Wastewater Plant Operator certificate within two years from the date of appointment to Water Pollution Control Operator-In-Training.

Under direct supervision, performs a variety of routine, semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the monitoring, operation, inspection and maintenance of the City's water pollution control plant, plant equipment, and related facilities; performs related work as assigned and directed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Pollution Control Operator in Training (OIT) is an entry-level classification in the Water Pollution Control Plant Operator series, preparing incumbents for the next position in series, Water Pollution Control Operator 1. Incumbents in the Operator in Training classification are required to actively pursue and obtain a Grade 1 Waste Water Plant Operator certificate within two years from date of appointment to Water Pollution Control Operator in Training.

The Water Pollution Control Operator 1/2 classification found in the Water Pollution Control Plant Operator series performs a broad range of duties in the monitoring, operation, construction, maintenance and repair of the waste water treatment system. Incumbents who advance to the Water Pollution Control Operator 1 level are required to actively pursue and obtain a Grade 2 Waste Water Plant Operator certificate within two years from the date of appointment to Water Pollution Control Operator 1. This is an alternately staffed classification series, allowing advancement to the next higher level upon attainment and maintenance of the appropriate certification.

Requirements

(Duties may include, but are not limited to the following):

WPC Operator in Training (OIT) Functions:

• Operators in Training (OIT) learn and understand the basics of wastewater treatment and apply those skills under direct supervision.
• OITs are enrolled in online, self-paced training on wastewater topics to prepare for certification testing.
• OITs learn to operate a wide variety of pumps, valves, and gates.

All other WPC Operator in Training, WPC Operator 1 and WPC Operator 2 functions:

• Operates a wide variety of pumps, valves, and gates.
• Operates wastewater treatment equipment such as blowers, mechanical bar screens, chemical dosing equipment, , collectors, drives, aerators, channel monsters®, or grinders.
• Monitors, reads, and calculates wastewater flow through various Water Pollution Control Plant treatment processes using meters, gauges, routine visual inspections, and the plant’s distributive control system.
• Collects grab and composite samples for process control and NPDES Permit compliance.
• Makes chemical dosing changes based on monitoring requirements and performance trends.
• Logs test results, meter readings, flow rates, preventative maintenance activities, and other data.
• Logs events related to operations and logs process control changes.
• Writes and follows up on work orders for corrective maintenance.
• Performs operational rounds to inspect pumps, motors, chemical storage and dosing equipment, distributive controls, and other equipment for proper operation.
• Performs basic to moderately complex preventative maintenance tasks on plant equipment such as greasing, changing oil, and replacing parts.
• Makes adjustments and emergency repairs on plant equipment as needed.
• Works closely with the maintenance team to troubleshoot and correct equipment problems.
• Performs tasks such as backwashing filters, cleaning/flushing lines; skimming FOG (fats, oils, grease) from Primary Tanks; hosing tanks and basins; disposing grit and grease; cleaning tanks; painting structures, equipment, and piping; and maintaining plant grounds and facilities as needed.
• Loads, unloads, and stores materials and other supplies as needed
• Assists in receiving large truck deliveries of bulk chemicals like Sodium Hypochlorite, Sodium Bisulfite, Polymer, and other chemicals.
• Performs Confined Space Entry – Non-Rescue in accordance with applicable safety regulations to conduct operational tasks.
• Conducts sampling and other monitoring by boat in the outfall channel, sloughs, and ponds as needed.
• The Water Pollution Control Operator 2 may direct field personnel during emergency operations in the absence of a supervisor. Lower level operator/s may assist the Senior Water Pollution Control Operator or assigned operator during an emergency with clearing an area and/or mitigating the issue.
• Participates in technical skills development and safety training programs; learns, implements, and teaches (once competent) safety rules, regulations, and emergency procedures.
• Attends briefing meetings regularly and applies that knowledge systematically and diligently.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties.

The position also requires near and far vision when operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required in both the field and the office.

The ability to lift, carry and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds is also required.

Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat, and cold.

The incumbent may be exposed to chemicals, hazardous materials, skin irritants, fumes, and solvents.

The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The base salary for this classification includes pay for potentially hazardous duties as listed in the essential job functions.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:
Water Pollution Control Operator In Training: Graduation from high school or tested equivalent.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Working knowledge of:

• Basic principles of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Current principles, practices and regulations related to wastewater treatment processes.
• The operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, metering control systems and chemical feed equipment.
• The use of hand and power tools used in routine plant maintenance.
• Safety procedures pertaining to plant operations, including the techniques for handling and storing hazardous chemicals.
• Chemistry and mathematics as used in the operations of the plant.

Skill in:

• Operating, maintaining, and adjusting water / wastewater treatment system/s and equipment.
• Reading, interpreting, and recording data accurately.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Perform mathematical calculations accurately.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgments within established guidelines.
• Learn more complex principles, practices, techniques. and regulations pertaining to plant operations.
• Work independently or as a responsive team member as needed.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to work shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as assigned.
• Must be clean shaven when required to wear respiratory protection equipment, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus SCBAs, or other equipment.

Physical Ability to:

• Perform manual labor involving the frequent bending, pulling, squatting, climbing, pushing, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Perform duties assigned while wearing respiratory protection equipment.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.

Must possess at time of appointment and continue to maintain the appropriate Waste Water Plant Operator's certification from the California State Water Resources Control Board:

• Water Pollution Control Operator in Training: Apply for and receive an OIT/Grade I certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to use Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems.
• Experience using and understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).

Additional Information

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources.

The final filing date is Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position.

Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

If you are interested in this position, only the first 100 qualified and complete applications will be considered.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.

Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of a written examination scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026 and an oral examination scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026 and Thursday, April 30, 2026 (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies.

Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the Environmental Services Department tentatively scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026.

Selection interviews will typically take place in-person, please plan accordingly.

Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a comprehensive background investigation, as well as medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire.

Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history.

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense.

Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation.

If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association SEA

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability.

Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.