Senior Wastewater Operator

Salary : $96,519.28 - $133,611.71 Annually
Location : Wastewater Treatment Plant: 6001 South Perkins Road, Oxnard, CA, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2140-PW-2607-VM
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
The City of Oxnard's Wastewater Division is seeking skilled and motivated Senior Wastewater Operators. In this key leadership role, you will work collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, Collections, and Laboratory staff to help ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the City's wastewater treatment facilities.

Reporting to the Chief Plant Operator, the Senior Wastewater Operator performs advanced operational duties, provides lead direction to two or more team members engaged in plant operations, maintenance, and repair activities, and coordinates specialized projects requiring advanced journey-level technical expertise
WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Evaluate wastewater treatment plant operations during assigned shifts; review process performance, flows, loadings, and equipment status, and implement operational adjustments to maintain compliance and optimize treatment efficiency.
• Make real-time process and flow changes based on plant conditions, laboratory data, and system trends; identify potential or actual operational problems and recommend and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Provide work direction, instruction, and on-the-job training to operators and support staff; reinforce safe work practices and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and according to established procedures.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues; initiate operational responses and coordinate with maintenance staff when mechanical or electrical repairs are needed.
• Collect wastewater, process, and compliance samples; perform plant control tests and field analyses; accurately record and verify test and monitoring results.
• Maintain and review operational logs, shift reports, and regulatory records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
• Conduct audits of operational logs and crew rounds
• Coordinate plant shutdowns and preventive maintenance activities with maintenance and collections teams.
• Enter, maintain, retrieve, and analyze operational and maintenance data using computerized systems including CMMS and Hach WIMS; generate reports, forms, and process documentation as required.
• Support inventory monitoring and coordinate with supervision to ensure adequate materials, chemical, and supply levels for uninterrupted plant operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Payroll/Classification Title:
Plant Operations Shift Coordinator

SUPERVISION EXERCISED / SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Incumbents may serve as lead workers, assigning work and monitoring work completion or supervise paraprofessional and support staff including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline and termination procedures. Receives general supervision on routine items which are performed according to established standards and procedures and receives specific work instruction regarding non-routine matters and deadlines.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is distinguished from the Plant Operator, Principal in that it provides oversight of shift plant operations, processes and assigned staff.

WORK SCHEDULE:
The Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant is staffed 24/7, 365 days per year, including weekends. The Operations group works a 5/40 schedule. Individuals may be assigned to any of the following shifts: Day- 7:30 am to 3:30 pm; Swing- 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm; or Grave- 11:30 pm to 7:30 am. Days off may not necessarily fall on a traditional weekend, Saturday/Sunday. Depending on the area of assignment staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. This position may be required to be available for additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work may involve exposure to environments requiring the use of respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees must be able to properly wear and utilize required PPE, meet respiratory fit-testing requirements, and pass periodic medical evaluations in accordance with applicable safety regulations. Employees will be required to be fit-ready during emergency situations.
Essential Functions
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.

• Monitors, oversees and reviews plant operations and related processes for assigned shift; assigns and monitors work and provides guidance to staff, or supervises staff including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline and termination procedures.
• Monitors systems, processes and equipment; reviews and evaluates equipment readings and related data/information; makes appropriate plant/process/equipment adjustments to ensure proper plant operations.
• Troubleshoots process or equipment issues; identifies and implements process changes and problem resolutions.
• Reviews, oversees and maintains records and related documentation; maintains materials and supplies inventories; orders inventory replenishment to maintain adequate supply.
• Oversees, assists with and maintains plant facility housekeeping and ensures safe and orderly operating conditions.

Minimum Qualifications
The following are the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• Four (4) years of treatment plant operation experience, which includes prior lead experience.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
• Valid California Class A Commercial Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing

General Information
APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application.
• Complete and submit responses to the supplemental questions, if required.
• Upload resume, cover letter, proof of degree (transcript), or other requested documents.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

The list of qualified candidates established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full-time, part-time, and temporary assignments. There is currently two (2) full-time vacancies within the Public Works Department, Wastewater Division.
Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough reference check and background investigation. Some positions that work with or have access to the Police Department may require a polygraph exam. Select positions may require candidates to undergo a pre-employment medical and/or psychological evaluation.

UNION MEMBERSHIP:
Positions in this classification are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).
NOTE:
For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools, therefore, candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.

Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.
Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.
This position requires a 12-month probationary period. Internal applicant probationary periods will be governed by the applicable MOU.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.
If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.
This position is governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay.
Retirement Contributions:
New members (as defined by PEPRA), 2% @ 62; "Classic" members 2% @ 55. The employee will be required to pay a portion of their annual earnings toward their retirement. The City of Oxnard does not participate in social security.

Vacation Time:
Full time employees accrue vacation time at a rate of 4.39 - 8.08 hours per pay period based on years of service.

Sick Time:
Full time employees accrue sick time at a rate of 3.70 hours per pay period.

Bilingual Pay:
A regular full time employee may receive bilingual pay at the rate of $50.00-$125.00 bi-weekly depending on the level the employee is required to provide bilingual services as determined by the City Manager or designee.

Educational Incentive:
For positions that do not require aBachelor's Degree, the City offers an educational incentive award of 2.5% for employees that complete 30 work-related college semester units above the minimum education requirements for the position.

Health and Dental:
Employees can choose from a variety of medical plans provided by the City. The City's contribution to medical coverage is outlined below:

Level One - For employees hired before January 1, 2023, the City contributes $1,543.00 per month toward medical insurance premiums and an additional $74.21 per month toward dental insurance premiums. Employees will receive cash back if the medical plan they choose is less than the City's monthly contribution of $1,543.00 per month. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive cash back in the amount $1,243.00 per month provided they provide proof of other qualifying coverage. Any unused dental premium monies are paid to the employee. If employees hired prior to January 1, 2023 make any changes to their health plan, they will be placed in level two.

Level Two - For employees hired on or after January 1, 2023, the City will contribute $2,054.00 towards medical insurance premiums with no cash back. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back provided they show proof of other qualifying coverage. The City will provide $66.80 per month towards dental insurance.

Life Insurance:
City employees receive Basic Life Coverage and have the option to purchase additional insurance.

Deferred Compensation:
The City contributes 1% to a deferred compensation program.

Tuition Reimbursement:
Full-time employees receive reimbursement of educational expenses including the costs of tuition, registration fees, laboratory fees, and books at a rate of 50% for work related coursework up to a maximum of $500 per fiscal year.

Holidays:
The City observes 12 holidays per year
01

Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess four (4) years of treatment plant operation experience, which includes prior lead experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid California State Water Resources Control Board Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate?

• Yes
• No

04
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