Water Treatment Operator I
Upland
Friday, 08 May 2026
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Experience the rewards of your hard work—comprehensive benefits, including upcoming COL - As, that support your well-being, growth, and success!3% increase in base effective 6/21/26 3% increase in base effective 6/20/27
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Positions at the Water Treatment Operator I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity. Operates and maintains the City’s water treatment plants utilizing supervisory data acquisition and control (SCADA) system; interprets gauges, meters, charts, and graphs; operates pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment; controls flows through the plant by calculating, forecasting needs, and adjusting flow rates to ensure adequate water supply to meet normal and emergency consumer demands. Monitors operations and ensures compliance with related federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, policies, and standards. Operates, calibrates, programs, and repairs various instruments, analyzers, charts, gauges, chemical feeders, pumps, and general mechanical equipment; troubleshoots issues and problems with instruments. Monitors water quality by making operational adjustments to the treatment system and computing chemical dosages and adjusting chemical feed machines in compliance with water quality standards and regulatory requirements. Collects samples from various locations in the plant and related facilities; performs routine chemical and bacteriological tests; records test results. Calculates and adjusts chemical dosages based on test results, plant flows, and plant performance; maintains predetermined water quality parameters. Controls filter operations including observing and adjusting filter rate of flow controllers to maintain proper rate of filtration in relation to flow; places filters in and out of service as needed. Collects and records data following established procedures; organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, files, and records. Summarizes data and prepares production reports and related documents. Researches, analyzes, and makes alternative recommendations to improve the efficiency, operations, and safety of City water production and storage facilities. Safely handles, transports, and monitors chemicals such as chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfate, and other chemicals and compounds used in water production, filtration, and storage; maintains accurate records of chemicals used. Performs and applies water mathematical calculations to determine dosages, feed rates, flows, pressures, volumes, and areas. Monitors, inspects, and ensures safe plant conditions and working environment and the security of water treatment plant facilities; monitors transmission and distribution systems; communicates with and advises other division staff of potential problems and/or alarms. Monitors treatment facilities for maintenance and repair needs; troubleshoots issues; cleans, repairs, and maintains facilities and equipment including but not limited to pumps, valves, motors, mixers, and wires; notifies supervisor or submits work orders as needed. Maintains groundwater levels in the Pomona Valley spreading grounds by capturing and spreading stormwater, storing local and imported water underground, and managing the groundwater basin in coordination with other water agencies. Instructs and provides training to new and/or lower-level operators on work procedures; ensures safety procedures are followed; attends and participates in meetings, trainings, and exercises. Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Positions at the Water Treatment Operator I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity. Knowledge of:Principles, practices, methods, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants and related facilities. Operational characteristics of water treatment systems and facilities. Hydraulic and plumbing principles. Principles, operational characteristics, and use of SCADA to monitor and control water treatment plant and facilities. Basic principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and materials required for the standard chemical and bacteriological tests. Methods and equipment used in collecting and preserving samples. Operational characteristics of hand and power tools utilized in routine plant maintenance. Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to the work. Mathematics and basic statistical techniques. Principles and procedures of recordkeeping and report preparation. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. Ability to:Operate and monitor water treatment plant and related facilities using SCADA. Maintain safe and reliable water supply for customers. Read, interpret, and record data accurately. Calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform basic maintenance on plant systems and equipment. Compile, analyze system requirements, and evaluate operational data and information, recognize unusual, inefficient, and/or dangerous operating conditions, and take appropriate action. Collect samples and perform basic chemical and bacteriological tests. Read, understand, and interpret technical documents related to the area of assignment. Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and operational problems. Recognize and properly remedy unusual and dangerous work situations. Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner. Research and recommend new technology, regulations, and procedures. Remain knowledgeable of best practices and procedures and water industry standards. Operate SCADA controls and correct faults and alarms. Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain equipment, instruments, tools, and vehicles used in performing assigned duties. Prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials. Make accurate arithmetic and statistical calculations. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a water treatment plant; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to enter into confined spaces and use confined entry equipment, to climb and descend ladders to operate varied hand and power tools, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; color vision to detect shades of color and vision to see alarms and to read printed materials and a computer screen. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Must also possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer or keyboard; ability to use a mobile device or handheld communication device; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. WORK ENVIRONMENT Employees work primarily in a plant environment and are exposed to loud noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances, fumes, dust, air contaminants, and unpleasant odors. Employees may also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. IMPORTANT INFORMATION:Examination Process:A competitive review of applicants' experience and qualifications will be conducted. Based on that evaluation, a limited number of applicants whose qualifications best meet the current needs of the City of Upland will be invited to participate in the next step of the examination process. The examination may include a technical project and will include a qualifications appraisal interview. Qualified candidates will be provided with more details prior to the start of the examination process. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.