Salary : $77,281.54 - $93,936.16 Annually
Location : White Slough 12751 N. Thornton Rd. Lodi, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 4172.7.2026
Department: Public Works
Division: Water Services
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Job Description
Current Annual Salary: $77,281.54 to $93,936.16

Benefits include: CalPERS Retirement, Deferred Compensation - Three percent (3%) Match, Medical/Dental/Vision/Chiropractic, 9/80 Work Schedule, and more...

The examination process will consist of a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire; therefore, it is to your advantage to provide as much detailed and relevant work experience as possible, as a resume will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the application materials. Only the best qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the recruitment process.

Job descriptions are intended to present a broad and general range of duties which includes, purpose, responsibilities, and scope of work. Job descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION
Inspects, operates, and maintains the water/wastewater treatment facility. Assists with or is responsible for daily operational controls and monitoring of plant processes. Performs corrective, repair work and general maintenance on plant systems and facility.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level of the Wastewater Plant Operator class series. Positions in this class possess extensive technical knowledge on plant operations, systems, and processes. It is distinguished from the Operator I level by the extent of technical knowledge and responsibility exercised for plant operations. Positions in this class generally are filled from the I level.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Receives direction from higher level staff.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Inspects, operates, and maintains the water/wastewater treatment facility. Assists with or is responsible for daily operational controls and monitoring of plant processes. Performs corrective, repair work and general maintenance on plant systems;
Reads gauges and makes adjustments to operating controls to meet operating standards.
Performs some lab tests and interprets results for purposes of plant control; cleans, adjusts and repacks valves and pumps; collects samples for tests; monitors delivery of chemicals and materials;
Performs preventative maintenance and repair work on plant equipment; maintains grounds and plant building;
Maintains safety checklists;
Instructs subordinate personnel in plant operations;
Sets and monitors alarm systems; maintains plant security;
Perform other duties related to the operation of the department and the City including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community
Cleans and adjust bar screens and comminutors;
Regulates operation of aeration tanks, including return sludge recirculation pumps transferring sludge to digester; operates lagoons; checks treatment and storage ponds.

Performs other duties related to the operation of the department and the city, including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community.
Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

The operation and routine maintenance of mechanical equipment, including pumps and electric motors;
Basic tools, equipment and methods in maintaining stationary power equipment, pumping systems and electrical systems;
Basic water and wastewater treatment processes and the tests used to check the effectiveness of such processes;
Principles and methods of water or wastewater treatment, including basic microbiology, chemistry, and hydraulics as applied to wastewater treatment;
Mechanics of pumps and motors;
Purposes and uses of tools and equipment used in the overhaul, repair, adjustment, and modification of plant equipment;
Chemical and/or biological tests used in monitoring water or wastewater treatment plant processes.
Ability to:

Inspects, operates, and maintains the water/wastewater treatment facility. Assists with or is responsible for daily operational controls and monitoring of plant processes. Performs corrective, repair work and general maintenance on plant systems
Read and interpret gauges and recording devices reflecting plant operations; perform mechanical repairs, maintenance work, and modification to equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant;
Use various mechanic's tools with skill and accuracy;
Learn standard laboratory tests;
Exercise sound judgment in response to operational problems; understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Perform technical procedures in plant operation; inspect plant operations and detect problems; perform lab tests in plant monitoring;
Maintain and repair plant facilities and equipment;
Maintain records accurately and neatly;

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:

Equivalent to the completion of high school; completion of courses on wastewater treatment.
Experience:

Two years of experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants or related field; possession of a California Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board may be substituted for the experience up to a maximum of 1 year.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime and be available on call as required; work special events as needed;
Mobility: performance of heavy manual labor; frequent crawl, bend, stoop, reach, and climb for long period of time.
Lifting: lifting and maneuvering various tools, equipment and apparatus weighing up to 50 pounds.
Vision: essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to read fine print on labels, manuals, maps, and diagrams and with no color deficiencies to work with color-coded wires.
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: exposure to loud noise; exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances; work outdoors under adverse conditions such as at night, in confined and awkward spaces, in heavy traffic, in heat, cold, and rain.
*FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT
Supplemental Information
Interested applicants must submit an online application at No paper applications will be accepted. For technical difficulties with your online application, please call the Neogov helpline at 855-524-5627.

Telephone: 209-333-6704. Persons with hearing impairment, please call the California Relay Service 7-1-1.

Selection Process: Only the best qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the recruitment process.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

SALARY - The starting salary is the first rate shown on the job announcement. Advancement to the higher steps of the salary range is based upon merit in accordance with the Salary Ordinance and Rules for Personnel Administration. Eligibility for the first merit increase is effective after 12 months and for additional merit increases after one year intervals until the employee has reached the maximum step.

HOLIDAY, VACATION, SICK, AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE - Holiday - An average of 13 paid holidays per year. Vacation - 2 weeks paid vacation annually, increasing with length of service depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Sick Leave - 10 days per year depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Administrative Leave - Management/Mid-Management positions receive 80 hours per fiscal year, and specified professional/technical positions receive 40 hours per fiscal year (Pro-Rated).

HEALTH INSURANCE - Medical, Dental and Vision plans are available for employee and dependents. A portion of the premiums may be the employee's responsibility.

LIFE INSURANCE AND LONG TERM DISABILITY - The City pays the full premium for employee and dependent life insurance, and offers a long-term disability plan that provides up to approximately 2/3 of an employee's salary.

RETIREMENT AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION - The City of Lodi is a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (P.E.R.S.). Lodi is not a member of the Social Security System except for the required medical contribution. Employees may participate in a 457 Deferred Compensation program.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This bulletin does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions or job duties contained in this bulletin may include modifications pending labor agreements and/or council approval.
NOTE: Employee Benefits stated herein are subject to change through the collective bargaining process and are not guaranteed.

VACATION:
0-5 years = 10 days/year.
6-11 years = 15 days/year
12-14 years = 17 days/year
15 years & over = 20 days/year
Maximum carryover is 2 times accrual rate per year. No cash out allowed.

SICK LEAVE:
12 days/year

HOLIDAYS:
10 ½ days per year.

HEALTH BENEFITS:
All employees are offered medical insurance for themselves and dependent(s) through CalPERS Medical Plans. Effective January 1, 2026, City shall pay a monthly maximum towards medical premiums as follows:

$1,051.97 per month for Employee Only
$2,103.95 per month for Employee +1
$2,735.14 per month for Family

If employee selects a higher cost plan, employee will pay the difference as a payroll deduction.

If an employee elects not to be covered by medical insurance through the City of Lodi, an additional:
$692.81 per month for family
$532.92 for employee + 1 dependent
$305.22 for single
will be added to either the employee's deferred compensation account or cash. In order to qualify for this provision, proof of group insurance must be provided to the City.

The City shall pay the full cost for the employee and their dependents dental premium for the term of this agreement. The City agrees to provide a vision care plan, equivalent to the VSP Plan B, with a $25.00 deductible for the employee and dependents; the entire premium to be paid by City.

DEFER