Plant Operator III Trainee - Limited Duration with Union Sanitary District

Overview

Plant Operator III Trainee – Limited Duration (7-8 years)

Position details and compensation are provided in the posting.

About USD

Union Sanitary District (USD) has provided essential wastewater services to Fremont, Newark, and Union City since 1918. USD is recognized for its innovation and a diverse, talented workforce. We offer an excellent work-life balance, continuous learning, and opportunities for career growth.

The Job

We currently have an opportunity for a Plant Operator III Trainee, Limited Duration to join our Treatment and Disposal Services Team. This fully benefited position is for a long-term, limited duration which is expected to be 7–8 years.

This is an entry-level or continuing professional advancement position, depending on qualifications. Incumbents learn to assist and / or independently perform basic plant operator duties and then advance to the technical lead (Plant Operator III) wastewater plant operator level. The PO III Trainee LD must obtain a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's license within 18 months and achieve proficiency and advance to Plant Operator III within 24 months. The PO III has advanced technical skills, knowledge, and certification. The PO III is the designated-operator-in-charge for a specific work period, which includes ensuring the turnover of information between shifts. Shift assignments are based on seniority; historically, less senior employees work the night shift and receive a 12% differential in addition to the posted pay range.

Responsibilities

Accurately observe and record operating conditions, take necessary actions, and make process control decisions.

Read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges and charts.

Follow laboratory sampling and testing procedures.

Make mathematical calculations related to the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of machinery, structures, equipment and piping requiring knowledge of elementary mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.

Work with decreasing supervision while accepting increasing responsibility.

Work safely in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and District policies; actively participate in the safety programs.

Follow oral and written instructions; communicate work-related information in writing.

Communicate effectively, listen, work collaboratively, be adaptable to changing work needs, and demonstrate leadership abilities.

Use a personal computer and learn a variety of computer programs.

Work shifts, up to twelve hours long, and weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. Work outdoors in varying weather conditions; and in dirty conditions around sewage.

Meet on-call requirements of the District, including the ability to arrive on-site within 2 hours when called, and to remain within a 120-mile radius of the plant while on-call.

Have physical characteristics to perform the work, including lifting up to 50 pounds and the stamina to walk several miles and climb stairs. May require clean-shaven appearance to wear respiratory protection equipment.

Advance to Plant Operator III within 24 months of appointment.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Applicants qualify by meeting one of the following options :

Option A : Must have a minimum of an AA degree or 60 college semester units including 15 semester units of basic science courses.

Option B : Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and 16 educational points directly related to wastewater treatment and two years' experience as wastewater treatment plant operator.

Option C : Must possess minimum SWRCB Grade I Wastewater Operator Certification.

As a condition of continued employment :

Must pass the SWRCB Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator exam within 18 months.

Must obtain certification and meet training milestones, and demonstrate the competencies of Plant Operator III within 24 months. Certification information : http : / / www.waterboards.ca.gov / water_issues / programs / operator_certification / cert.shtml

PO III Trainees Will

Accurately observe and record operating conditions, take necessary actions, and make process control decisions.

Read and interpret meters, gauges and charts.

Follow laboratory sampling and testing procedures.

Make mathematical calculations related to the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of machinery, structures, equipment and piping.

Work with decreasing supervision while accepting increasing responsibility.

Follow safety protocols and contribute to District safety programs.

Why Join USD?

CalPERS Retirement (2.5% at 55 or 2% at 62, based on eligibility).

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Paid vacation, holidays, and flexible time off.

Deferred Compensation Plan with employer matching.

Tution reimbursement and employee loan programs.

Important Details

Applicants must apply online at CAREERS AT USD (governmentjobs.gov) by 5pm on 11 / 02 / 2025. USD is not responsible for the failure of Internet forms in submitting your application.

Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an Online Written Exam tentatively scheduled for November 6, 2025.

The most qualified candidates will be invited to a Virtual Qualifications Appraisal Interview and Work Sample tentatively scheduled for November 17 or 18, 2025.

In-Person Finalist interviews are scheduled for December 3, 2025.

You will be contacted regarding all phases of this recruitment via email. Please ensure the email address on your application is correct and current. All candidates must pass a criminal background check, Live Scan (California DOJ and National FBI fingerprint scan), and a pre-employment physical.

Disaster Service Worker : Employees are Disaster Service Workers. In a declared emergency, employees may be assigned activities to protect public health and safety.

Accommodation : Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance should email Human Resources for accommodation.

Union Sanitary District is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and empowered to succeed.

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