Salary: $5,945.00 - $7,432.00 Monthly
Location : El Centro, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Water Treatment
Opening Date: 07/09/2026

Job Description
SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, operates and maintains pump stations, water treatment plant and facilities to ensure that water quality meets local, state and federal water quality regulations and standards; performs related responsibilities as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This position reports to the Water Treatment Plant Chief Operator or the Water Treatment Plant Lead Operator.

Essential Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The following list is not a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Calculates water usage rates and required chemical feed rates for daily cycles.
• Takes plant and field samples and performs standardized tests water quality for proper turbidity, color, ph level, temperature and odor.
• Monitors portable pressure recorders in distribution system and changes in recording charts.
• Logs and checks pump operation hours, water flow levels and chemical usage levels.
• Investigates and takes corrective measures to solve quality problems.
• Inspects pump lift stations to ensure pumps, motors, valves, blowers and high-water alarms are in satisfactory working condition.
• Performs routine and preventative maintenance on plant equipment including pumps, motors, generators and accelerators.
• Trouble-shoots and resolves basic electrical and mechanical problems.
• Applies and monitors application of copper sulfate on water storage ponds and overall pond water levels for the purpose of controlling algae and weeds.
• Uses small hand tools such as saws, pipe wrenches, ratchets, crescent wrenches and channel locks in assisting other Water Treatment Plant Operators.
• Cleans and maintains water pumps, filters, motors, chlorinators and related equipment.
• Contacts local vendors to order parts and supplies.
• Responds to emergencies when on 24-hour stand-by duty.
• Maintains and repairs water shed embankments and asphalt collection ponds.
• Performs general and emergency maintenance work and assists other water and field maintenance crews as assigned.
• Conducts public tours.

The preceding activities have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by positions assigned to this job classification. The City reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.
Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Requires at least two (2) or more years of experience in water treatment, maintenance and laboratory analysis work.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Educational attainment equivalent to graduation from high school.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS;

• State of California Grade T-3 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification and
• State of California Grade D-3 Distribution Operator Certification.
• Requires possession of a valid Class C or Class 3 California driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal water treatment regulations.
• Potable water treatment methods.
• Plumbing and construction mechanics.
• Methods and procedures related to the installation, repair and maintenance of water treatment plant facilities.
• Proper and efficient use of hand and power tools.
• Work safety rules and procedures.
• Basic math.

Skill to:

• Operate small hand and power tools; operate a calculator

Ability to:

• Maintain, inspect and service water treatment plant equipment, facilities, grounds and chlorination equipment.
• Communicate and work cooperatively with co-workers, supervision, vendors, governmental officials and the general public.
• Understand and carry out oral or written instructions.
• Prepare laboratory analysis and water treatment records.
• Compute chemical feed rates, basic water flow and consumption rates.

Special Requirements

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work in intense heat given seasonal conditions.
• Must be able to work on stand-by status on nights or weekends to perform emergency plant operations or maintenance assignments as needed.

The City of El Centro offers a competitive compensation package which include medical, dental vision, life insurance, mental health counseling, short-term and long-term disability. Total compensation includes not only your salary, but also the benefits paid by the City on your behalf. These City provided benefits add significantly to the overall value of your compensation.

Benefits

• Health Insurance is available at a shared cost. The City will subsidize a percentage of the medical premium and employee is responsible for the rest. The percentage subsidized by the City depends on coverage plan chosen
• All plans include vision and dental insurance
• Basic life Insurance is fully subsidized by the City. (The coverage amount varies depending on the position classification and resolution with the City)
• Optional Supplemental Life and Dependent Insurance is available at the employee's expense.
• Worker's Compensation is paid by the City
• Deferred Compensation (457b Plan) is available at the employee's expense
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $1,000 per calendar year subject to pre-approval and availability of funds

Pay Practices
This position is paid on a biweekly basis.

Retirement
CalPERS - Employee/Employer contributions.

Holidays
15 paid holidays per year. The City recognizes the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• ½ Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving
• ½ December 24th
• Christmas Day
• ½ December 31st
• Birthday Holiday