WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR I-IV

City of Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$27.95–$59.91 Per Hour
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Background Investigation, Blueprints, Candidate Qualification, Cleaning Equipment, Communication Skills, Community Support, Computer Software, Construction Drawings, Control Systems, Datasheets, Dental Insurance, Diversity, Emergency Response, Emergency Services, Employee Benefits, Establish Priorities, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Insurance, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Instrumentation, Interpersonal Skills, Khmer Language, Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Mathematics, Multilingual, Multitasking, Operational Audit, Painting (Facilities and Maintenance), Physical Chemistry, Plumbing, Pneumatic Tools, Polymers, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Public Health, Pumps, Recycling, Regulations, Retirement Plan, Safety Equipment, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, Set Goals, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), T-1 / DS1, Telephone Skills, Time Management, Water Quality Analysis, Water Quality Testing, Water Supply, Water Treatment, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Long Beach, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR I-IV

Salary

$27.95 - $59.91 Hourly

Location

City of Long Beach, CA

Job Type

Classified - Full-Time, Permanent

Job Number

MA1AN-26

Department

Long Beach Utilities - (CL)

Opening Date

04/24/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

DESCRIPTION

Applications are available online beginning Friday, April 24, 2026, through 11:59 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026.

Salary Information:

Grade I - $27.958 - 37.830 Hourly

Grade II - $34.924 - 47.425 Hourly

Grade III - $39.919 - 54.097 Hourly

Grade IV - $44.118 - 59.913 Hourly

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Under general or direct supervision, operates, maintains, constructs, calibrates, inspects and repairs components of water treatment plant, wells, water distribution system (pump stations, reservoirs, flow control vaults, etc.) reclaim system (pump stations, reservoirs, lakes, etc.) and sewer; Operates, maintains, evaluates, and controls water treatment plant, wells, flow regulation vaults, pump stations, reclaim water systems and sewer pump stations via Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in a 24-7 control room; Works various shifts including nights, weekends, overtime, holidays, and irregular hours to ensure 24-7 shift coverage; Monitors and controls water treatment and distribution processes, making decisions to ensure reliable water supply and high water quality throughout the water system; Evaluates system functions through recording and indicating instruments; Controls and regulates flow and quality of water through the Treatment Plant, reservoirs, wells, pump stations and other water facilities; Makes calculations dealing with quantity, rate, and volume of water flow; Interprets flow and water quality data trends and makes adjustments as needed; Calculates chemical dosages and regulates the amount of chemicals used within established parameters to ensure high water quality; Performs physical and chemical laboratory control tests such as color, turbidity, pH, chlorine residual and fluoride control; Reads, interprets, and correlates pumping plant and well gauges, meters, and online water quality analyzers; Utilizes bulk chemicals such as chlorine gas, caustic soda, polymer, ammonia, ferric chloride, fluoride, and other chemicals used for treatment purposes; Attends and maintains safety training certification such as HAZWOPER 40-hour training and confined space, etc.; Installs, modifies, repairs, maintains and replaces water system facilities components, such as pumping and plumbing systems that regulate water flow; Performs other operational tasks, including but not limited to washing filters; Maintains and repairs all compressors, vacuum pumps, and chlorine feed equipment such as chlorine leak detectors, chlorine analyzers, chlorine evaporators, chlorinators, scales, and appurtenances; Inspects and maintains the proper functions of process equipment and instrumentation such as online water quality analyzers; Operates various mechanized equipment, pneumatic tools, and other equipment for installing and pulling pumps and other process equipment components of a water system and sewer pump stations; Responds to customer inquiries and requests, including the dispatching of emergency service assistance; Performs general maintenance at system facilities such as painting of pumps and appurtenances, floor, and equipment cleaning, etc.; Chlorinates reservoirs, cisterns and main lines utilizing various chlorine feed system, including but not limited to portable chlorination unit.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

A valid Water Treatment Operator (WTO) Grade I (T1), or higher, certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) or the California Department of Public Health or examination results letter from SWRCB showing the candidate has successfully passed the WTO Grade I (T1) or higher certification examination. (proof required)*.

AND

Applicants must meet requirements of Option A or B:

Option A: One (1) year or more of paid, full-time experience in the operation and evaluation of water pumping and control systems, including the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, and related mechanical equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators, and/or other technical precision equipment.

OR

Option B: Two (2) years of paid, full-time equivalent experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps and related equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators and/or other technical precision equipment.

Opportunities for Substitution of Education and Experience

Completion of a three-unit (36 contact hours) training course recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in drinking water treatment may be substituted for 6 months of experience (proof required).*

  • Proof of required documents, such as degree or transcripts and/or certificates, must be uploaded to the online application at the time of filing. Any proofs submitted must contain either the applicants name or other identifying characteristic on the form. Degrees must indicate the field of study and transcripts must indicate field of study and degree conferred date. Candidates who possess degrees from colleges or universities from outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalence at the time of filing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of principles, practices, and regulations related to treatment process of drinking water facilities;
  • Knowledge of operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, metering control systems and equipment;
  • Knowledge of basic lab and instrumentation equipment used in routine plant maintenance;
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety regulations, policies and procedures to enforce a safe work environment;
  • Skill in maintaining, operating, repairing and adjustment of drinking water treatment and distribution, recycled water distribution systems, sewer pump stations and components;
  • Skill in use of safety equipment such as respirators, Supplied Air and SCBA, and chlorine emergency leak kits A & B;
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical computations;
  • Ability to follow safety and regulations in operating heavy equipment;
  • Ability to read construction drawings, blueprints, plans, and maps of water distribution, water treatment and/or sewer collection systems;
  • Ability to use a computer and computer related software;
  • Ability to respond to emergency call-outs on 24-hour basis within 30 minutes of being contacted while on standby;
  • Ability to read and understand the importance of following safety data sheets (SDS) in the event of exposure to hazardous chemicals;
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex operational information and data, make adjustments, evaluate alternatives, and recommend or implement effective course of action;
  • Ability to lift, push and pull 50 pounds;
  • Ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus;
  • Ability to maintain safety and other relevant certifications;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co- workers, contractors, representative of utility companies, and other City departments to accomplish set goals and objectives for the Department;
  • Ability to work with co-workers and members of the public through effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills;
  • Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in effective and timely manner.

Valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Willingness to work various shifts, including nights, overtime, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours as needed.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Application and Supplemental Application........................................... Qualifying

Screening of applicants will be conducted on the basis of application and required supplemental application submitted. This selection procedure will be conducted using a continuous non-competitive process, which means applications are evaluated solely on training, experience, education, or certification. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be place on an eligible list. Applicants receiving Veteran's Credit will be placed on the eligible list first and then in the order in which applications were filed. This is a continuous eligible list, which means eligible lists may be established periodically and may expire six months from their effective date. Applicants may apply only once during a four-month period. Qualified candidates meeting the minimum qualifications with applications received by May 15, 2026, will be placed on Test #01 established eligible list for this recruitment. Based on the number of applications accepted, the selection procedure may be changed. In the event a revision is necessary, the affected persons will be notified.

If you have not received notification within two weeks after filing of application, contact the Human Resources Department at (562) 570-6202.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

This position is eligible for Local Hiring Preferences and Veterans Preference Points. Learn more about available preferences and eligibility criteria here: www.longbeach.gov/jobs/working-for-the-city/hiring-preferences.

In support of the Citys Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for some positions interacting with the public.

This information is available in an alternative format by request at (562) 570- 6202. If special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department two (2) business days prior to the test at (562) 570- 6202. For the hearing impaired, call (562) 570-6638. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

J.O.B. MA1AN-26 WTO:FGV HR:04/24/2026

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally. As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

  • Medical and Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)
  • Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Credit Union Membership
  • Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Free Employee Parking
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

01

INSTRUCTIONS:: The purpose of these supplemental questions is to derive more specific information about your qualifications for the position of Water Treatment Operator I-IV. Applicants must clearly demonstrate their qualifying experience. These questions will serve as the basis for qualifying candidates for advancement into the selection process. Be specific and detailed in your responses. Certificates should be attached, but may not be substituted in lieu of the required application forms (i.e., responses should NOT state "see resume"). Please be advised that failure to answer required questions will result in an incomplete application and will jeopardize your opportunity to be placed on the eligible list. The application and supplemental questionnaire and attachments must be completed and submitted by the filing deadline. Proof of any required documents must be uploaded to the online application. Please be advised that failure to provide the required documents will result in an incomplete application and will jeopardize your opportunity to be placed on the eligible list. If you require assistance, please call our customer service line at (562) 570-6202 during the filing period between the hours of 7:30 AM through 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday or email hr-talentacquisition@longbeach.gov and include WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR I-IV in the subject line. Do you understand the instructions for completing and submitting the application and supplemental questionnaire for this job?

  • Yes

02

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE: A valid Water Treatment Operator (WTO) Grade I (T1), or higher, certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) or the California Department of Public Health or examination results letter from SWRCB showing the candidate has successfully passed the WTO Grade I (T1) or higher certification examination is required (proof also required)*. Select the option that describes how you meet the filing requirements for the position of WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR I-IV.

  • Yes, I posses a valid Water Treatment Operator (WTO) Grade I (T1), or higher, certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) or the California Department of Public Health or examination results letter from SWRCB showing I have successfully passed the WTO Grade I (T1) or higher certification examination and have attached my proof to this application.
  • No, I do not possess a valid Water Treatment Operator (WTO) Grade I (T1), or higher, certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) or the California Department of Public Health or examination results letter from SWRCB showing I have successfully passed the WTO Grade I (T1) or higher certification examination. I understand selecting this option disqualifies my application for further review.

03

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE (CONTINUED) : Applicants must also meet requirements of Option A or B: Option A - One (1) year or more of paid, full-time experience in the operation and evaluation of water pumping and control systems, including the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, and related mechanical equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators, and/or other technical precision equipment. OR Option B - Two (2) years of paid, full-time equivalent experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps and related equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators and/or other technical precision equipment. Opportunities for Substitution of Education and Experience *Completion of a three-unit (36 contact hours) training course recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRC), in drinking water treatment may be substituted for 6 months of experience. Select the option that describes how you meet the filing requirements for the position of WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR I-IV.

  • Option A1 - One year (12 months) or more of paid, full-time experience in the operation and evaluation of water pumping and control systems, including the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, and related mechanical equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators, and/or other technical precision equipment.
  • Option A2 - Six (6) months (minimum) of paid, full-time equivalent experience in the operation and evaluation of water pumping and control systems, including the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, and related mechanical equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators, and/or other technical precision equipment AND completion of a three unit (36 contact hours) training course recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board, in drinking water treatment. (proof of must be attached at time of filing)
  • Option B1 - Two years or more of paid, full-time equivalent experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps and related equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators and/or other technical precision equipment.
  • Option B2 - Eighteen (18) months (minimum) of paid, full-time equivalent experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps and related equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators and/or other technical precision equipment AND completion of a three unit (36 contact hours) training course recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board, in drinking water treatment. (proof of must be attached at time of filing)
  • I do not meet any of the above requirements at this time. I understand selecting this option disqualifies my application for further review.

04

EXPERIENCE: Applicants Qualifying Under Option A (A1 or A2) must complete this section. Option A - One (1) year or more of paid, full-time experience in the operation and evaluation of water pumping and control systems, including the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves, and related mechanical equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators, and/or other technical precision equipment is required. Six (6) months of the required experience may be substituted with completion of a three-unit (36 contact hours) training course recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board, in drinking water treatment may be substituted for 6 months of experience (proof required). To receive credit for the required experience, you must include the following information describing your experience as it relates to the requirements. Do not copy and paste your resume. Your response must include the following: 1) Employer Name 2) Job Title 3) Dates of employment (mo/year to mo/year) 4) Scheduled hours per week 5) Duties performed for position held. Your responses must be complete to receive credit for this experience. Incomplete responses WILL NOT receive credit. If you do not have any related experience, indicate with NONE. Please include all applicable experience.

05

Applicants Qualifying Under Option B (B1 and B2) must complete this section. Option B - Two (2) years of paid, full-time equivalent experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps and related equipment such as chemical feed machines, chlorinators and/or other technical precision equipment. Six (6) months of the required experience may be substituted with completion of a three-unit (36 contact hours) training course recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board, in drinking water treatment may be substituted for 6 months of experience (proof required). To receive credit for the required experience, you must include the following information describing your experience as it relates to the requirements. Do not copy and paste your resume. Your response must include the following: 1) Employer Name 2) Job Title 3) Dates of employment (mo/year to mo/year) 4) Scheduled hours per week 5) Duties performed for position held. Your responses must be complete to receive credit for this experience. Incomplete responses WILL NOT receive credit. If you do not have any related experience, indicate with NONE. Please include all applicable experience.

06

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of principles, practices, and regulations related to treatment process of drinking water facilities is required. Please describe your knowledge of principles, practices, and regulations related to treatment process of drinking water facilities. Your responses must be complete to receive credit for this experience. Incomplete responses WILL NOT receive credit. If you do not have any related experience, indicate with NONE.

07

Knowledge of basic lab and instrumentation equipment used in routine plant maintenance is required. Please describe your knowledge of basic lab and instrumentation equipment used in routine plant maintenance. Your responses must be complete to receive credit for this experience. Incomplete responses WILL NOT receive credit. If you do not have any related experience, indicate with NONE.

08

Knowledge of operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, metering control systems and equipment is required. Please describe your knowledge of operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, metering control systems and equipment. Your responses must be complete to receive credit for this experience. Incomplete responses WILL NOT receive credit. If you do not have any related experience, indicate with NONE.

09

Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety regulations, policies and procedures to enforce a safe work environment is required. Please describe your knowledge of occupational hazards and safety regulations, policies and procedures to enforce a safe work environment. Your responses must be complete to receive credit for this experience. Incomplete responses WILL NOT receive credit. If you do not have any related experience, indicate with NONE.

10

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Do you have any relatives employed by the City of Long Beach?

11

If you have any relatives that work for the City of Long Beach, please indicate their name. If none please respond with "N/A".

12

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:: By answering "Yes", I understand that the City of Long Beach utilizes electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information related to job applications submitted online through Governmentjobs.com. As an applicant, if I do not wish to receive emails from the City of Long Beach and decide to unsubscribe from email notifications and/or text messages, I may miss important information (i.e. employment opportunities) regarding the status of any job applications that I submit online. If you have questions or need clarification, please contact Talent Acquisition at (562) 570-6202.

  • Yes

13

I understand that proof of required documents must be submitted as attachments at the time of filing online. I also understand that failure to submit all required documents at time of filing will result in the application being considered incomplete. Proofs may include the following below: • Proof of Degree / Certificates • Resume • Cover Letter • DD 214 Member 4 Form or other appropriate documentation, if claiming Veterans Preference Did you attach any of the following?

  • Yes
  • No

14

The City of Long Beach offers local hiring preference points to applicants who meet certain criteria, including residency, higher education, internal non-career employment, and completion of internships or apprenticeships. If you would like to be considered for these points for WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR I-IV, NeoGov Job Number: MA1AN-26, please complete the Local Hiring Preferences Questionnaire using the following link: Local Hiring Preferences

and upload any required verification documents in PDF format. Note: You will need to reference NeoGov Job Number: MA1AN-26. Incomplete questionnaires or missing documents will result in your application being reviewed without the application of local hiring preference points. For any questions or for more information, please call the Talent Acquisition help desk at (562) 570-7008 or visit Hiring Preferences

Please select one of the following options to confirm your status regarding the local hiring preference points:

  • I have completed the Local Hiring Preferences Questionnaire using the link provided and submitted all required documents for consideration of local hiring preference points.
  • I have reviewed the eligibility criteria, and the local hiring preference points do not apply to me.

15

By answering "Yes" and submitting this application, I certify the following that: 1) I have personally completed the information provided and that it is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge; and 2) I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment; and I understand and acknowledge the aforementioned statement.

  • Yes

Required Question

Employer City of Long Beach

Department Long Beach Utilities - (CL) Address 411 W. Ocean Blvd., 4th Fl

Long Beach, California, 90802

Phone 5625706202

5625706522

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/longbeach

About the Company

C

City of Long Beach