Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Grade II+)

Choice Water Solutions

Temecula, CA

Pay: $30-$40/hr

Shift: parttime, fulltime

**About Choice Water Solutions**

Choice Water Solutions is a contract operations firm for drinking water and wastewater systems in Southern California. Most of our clients are small and mid-sized systems without an operations staff of their own, including RV resorts, manufactured home communities, mutual water companies, and commercial and government facilities.

We serve as the certified operator for these systems. The work covers day-to-day plant and system operation, sampling and laboratory coordination, reporting to state and county regulators, and equipment replacement projects. Choice Water is registered with the State Water Board as a wastewater contract operator, and our staff hold California certifications in wastewater treatment, water treatment, and water distribution.

We are a small team. Operators are assigned their own sites, work directly with company leadership, and can gain experience across both drinking water and wastewater systems.

**Position Summary**

Choice Water Solutions is hiring a certified wastewater treatment plant operator for its southern region, which covers Riverside County, the Inland Empire, and rural San Diego County. The operator runs assigned plants on a visit schedule, monitors treatment performance, keeps equipment in service, and keeps operating records. Sites include extended aeration and tertiary treatment systems.

The work is field-based and independent. The operator plans site visits, makes process decisions on site, and reports conditions to the Choice Water team and site contacts.

**Responsibilities**

• Plant rounds. Perform rounds and inspections at assigned sites, record operating data, identify developing problems, and follow through on corrective actions.

• Process control. Monitor and adjust treatment processes using field observations, equipment readings, and test results, including dissolved oxygen, pH, settleability, and ammonia or nitrogen data where applicable.

• Equipment. Operate, inspect, and troubleshoot pumps, blowers, motors, valves, chemical feed equipment, disinfection systems, and instrumentation.

• Sampling. Collect and document wastewater samples, run routine field and bench tests, maintain chain-of-custody records, and coordinate with laboratories as required by site permits and monitoring programs.

• Records. Keep operating logs, maintenance records, chemical usage records, and compliance documentation current, including routine operational calculations.

• Chemical handling. Handle and dose treatment chemicals such as soda ash, lime, polymers, and disinfection products in line with site procedures and safety requirements.

• Preventive maintenance. Perform preventive maintenance, lubrication, minor repairs, and general facility upkeep. Identify when specialized repair or added support is needed.

• Vendor coordination. Schedule sludge hauling, pump-outs, vendors, and contractors, and oversee their work on site.

• Communication. Report equipment failures, abnormal treatment conditions, and compliance concerns promptly to the Choice Water team, clients, and site contacts.

• Safety. Follow site safety procedures and use the required personal protective equipment.

**Required Qualifications**

• Active California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate, **Grade II or higher,** issued by the State Water Resources Control Board and kept current throughout employment.

• Hands-on wastewater treatment experience with a working knowledge of process control, sampling, and equipment operation.

• Valid driver's license, safe driving record, and reliable transportation for travel between assigned sites.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and complete site visits and follow-up work on schedule.

• Mechanical aptitude for routine maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Accurate recordkeeping and comfort with smartphones, email, digital forms, and other field reporting tools.

• Ability to perform essential field duties, including working outdoors, moving around treatment facilities, and handling tools and equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

**Nice to Have**

None of the following is required, and operators without them are encouraged to apply. Each is useful in this role.

• Drinking water treatment or distribution operator certification (T1 or D1 and higher).

• Backflow prevention assembly tester certification.

• Plumbing experience with piping, valves, and related equipment.

• Experience with small treatment plants, extended aeration, activated sludge, tertiary treatment, or recycled water systems.

• Familiarity with SCADA, online analyzers, flow meters, instrumentation, and variable frequency drives.

• Wastewater safety training, such as confined space awareness and lockout/tagout.

**Schedule and Travel**

• Schedule. A minimum of 25 hours per week across at least three days, mainly during daytime hours. Occasional weekend coverage and daytime/evening emergency response may be requested. Day-