Water Purification Plant Operator Trainee/II/III

Salary : $73,278.40 - $112,361.60 Annually
Location : Henry C. Garnett Water Purification Plant, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Improvement District No. 4 Department
Group: Operations
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/28/ :59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: General Bargaining Unit
Instructions for Application

• Provide a COMPLETE education history. Include ALL levels of education, including high school, college, graduate school and business, trade and technical school.

• Provide a COMPLETE employment history, beginning with current or most recent employment. Include ALL employers, assignments, or volunteer activities, including military employment, during at least the last 10 years .

• Explain any gaps in employment.

• Provide at least two professional references.

• All applicable transcripts, licenses and/or certificates must be included with your application.

• A resume may be included. However, a resume will NOT be accepted in lieu of a completed job application.

• DO NOT include any letters of reference.

• Note: Only those applicants who complete the job application in its entirety and meet the Qualifications and Education Requirements will be considered.

• Note: Additional information for each position, including job duties and requirements, can be found by clicking "Menu" on the upper left hand corner and selecting "Job Descriptions".

FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVE
Operate, monitor and maintain the Kern County Water Agency (Agency) conventional water purification plant and distribution system in conformance with the regulations set forth by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
SALARY RANGE

• Water Purification Plant Operator Trainee: $73,278 - $88,962/year
• Water Purification Plant Operator I: $84,261 - $102,336/year
• Water Purification Plant Operator III: $92,518 - $112,362/year

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include operating, monitoring and maintaining the Kern County Water Agency's conventional water purification plant and distribution system in conformance with the regulations set forth by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Education
High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Licenses/Certifications/Registrations
Water Purification Plant Operator Trainee

• Possession of a valid California Class C or higher driver license.
• Successful completion of SWRCB Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade II (T2) exam and SWRCB Water Distribution Grade II (D2) exam within 18 months of hire; possession of a valid SWRCB T2 certification and a valid SWRCB D2 certification within 20 months of hire.
• Successful completion of SWRCB Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade III (T3) exam and SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade III (D3) within 36 months of hire.
• Possession of a valid respirator certification from the Agency's designated occupational physician within 12 months of hire.

Water Purification Plant Operator II

• Possession of a valid California Class C or higher driver license.
• Possession of a valid SWRCB Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade II (T2) certification and a valid SWRCB Water Distribution Grade II (D2) certification.
• Successful completion of SWRCB Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade III (T3) exam and SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade III (D3) exam within 18 months of hire; possession of a valid SWRCB T3 and a valid SWRCB D3 certification within 38 months of hire.
• Possession of a valid respirator certification from the Agency's designated occupational physician within 12 months of hire.

Water Purification Plant Operator III

• Possession of a valid California Class C or higher driver license.
• Possession of a valid SWRCB Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade III (T3) certification and a valid SWRCB Water Distribution Grade III (D3) certification.
• Possession of a valid respirator certification from the Agency's designated occupational physician within 12 months of hire.

Experience
Water Purification Plant Operator Trainee

• None.

Water Purification Plant Operator II

• One (1) year of experience working at a water purification facility.

Water Purification Plant Operator III

• Two (2) years operating a conventional water purification plant and distribution system.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
Note: Values based on normally scheduled work day
Activity
Essential
Marginal
N/A
Seldom
Occasionally
Frequently
Carry/Lift Up to 30 lbs.
x
x
Carry/Lift Up to 60 lbs.
x
x
Carry/Lift Up to 100 lbs. ¹
x
x
Climb
x
x
Crawl/Kneel
x
x
Drive
x
x
Grasp/Squeeze/Pinch
x
x
Hear
x
x
Push/Pull/Drag
x
x
Push Keys
x
x
See
x
x
Sit
x
x
Speak
x
x
Squat/Stoop
x
x
Stand
x
x
Swim
x
Twist/Turn
x
x
Walk
x
x
Environmental Demands
Essential
Marginal
N/A
Seldom
Occasionally
Frequently
Chemical Hazards
x
x
Electrical Hazards
x
x
Explosive Hazards
x
x
Mechanical Hazards
x
x
Radiation Hazards
x
Extreme Cold/Extreme Heat
x
x
Extreme Noise
x
x
Bodies of Water/Canals
x
x
Fumes/Dust
x
x
Insects
x
x
1 With Assistance
Need Help?

• For application or login problems, please click "Menu" on the upper left hand corner and select "" or call the NeoGov/Government Jobs customer service hotline: . You will also find instructions on checking the status of your application on this site.

• If you have recruitment questions, please email Human Resources at

The Kern County Water (Agency) provides an excellent array of benefits for full-time, non-exempt, General Bargaining Unit employees. Benefit highlights include:
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Employees have a choice of four medical plans from which to choose:

• Anthem Blue Cross Classic (PPO)
• Anthem Blue Cross Advantage (PPO)
• Anthem Blue Cross California Care (HMO)
• Kaiser Permanente (HMO)

Premium costs for employees and qualified dependents are shared between employees and the Agency. Premiums in excess of the Agency contribution require a pre-tax deduction from employee wages.

• Employee contributions range from $0.00 to $250.36 per biweekly pay period, depending on the plan and level of coverage.

DENTAL INSURANCE
Employees have a choice of two dental plans from which to choose:

• Delta Dental (PPO)
• DeltaCare USA (HMO)

100% of the premium is currently paid by the Agency for employees and qualified dependents.
VISION INSURANCE
Employees receive vision benefits through the Vision Service Plan (VSP). 100% of the premium is currently paid by the Agency for employees and qualified dependents.
SHORT-/LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
Employees are provided with short-term/long-term disability insurance coverage. Following a 30-day waiting period and meeting certain disability requirements, this insurance provides a benefit of 66 2/3% of the employee's base monthly salary, up to $15,000 per month until the employee is either able to return to work or reaches retirement. 100% of the premium is currently paid by the Agency for employees.
LIFE INSURANCE
Employees receive life insurance benefits of:

• $100,000 per employee; and
• $10,000 per qualified dependent.

100% of the premium is currently paid by the Agency for employees and qualified dependents.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The Agency provides up to $1,000,000 accidental death insurance for employees while traveling on Agency business. 100% of the premium is currently paid by the Agency for employees.
SECTION 125 BENEFITS
Employees may participate in an optional program made possible through section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). By participating in this program, employees may elect to make before-tax and/or after-tax payroll deductions to pay for such items as:

• Dependent care expenses (i.e., childcare, adult care)
• Medical expenses

The dependent care and medical care expenses are paid through reimbursement accounts, and expenses paid through these accounts must meet federal and State laws.

• The dependent care annual maximum amount is $7,500
• The medical expense annual maximum amount is $3,400

EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees of the Agency are eligible for educational reimbursement of up to $2,000 per year for job-related coursework and/or materials (e.g., tuition, books, institutional fees, etc.).
SICK LEAVE
Annual sick accrual for employees is as follows:

• 12 days per year

The maximum accumulation for employees is 144 days.
SICK LEAVE PAYOUT
Employees who use little, if any, of the sick leave earned during a 12-month period may elect to convert a portion of their annually earned sick leave to pay up to a maximum of 20 hours.
VACATION
Annual vacation accrual for employees is as follows:

• 0-2 Years of Employment: 10 days per year
• After 2 Years of Employment: 12 days per year
• After 5 Years of Employment: 15 days per year
• After 9 Years of Employment: 20 days per year
• After 14 Years of Employment: 25 days per year

A one-time credit of 40 hours is provided to employees upon reaching five years of employment.
COMPENSATORY TIME
Non-exempt employees have the option of accruing compensatory hours at one and one-half times the straight time rate in lieu of being paid overtime wages of one and one-half times the straight time rate. The maximum amount of compensatory time that may be accrued by an employee is 120 hours. Compensatory time may later be used, subject to business conditions and with supervisor approval, as paid time off work.
SERVICE AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
The General Manager is authorized to grant service award administrative leave to employees that have completed service time through December 31 each calendar year, as follows:

• 10-19 years of Agency service = 1 day of administrative leave per year
• 20-29 years of Agency service = 2 days of administrative leave per year
• 30+ years of Agency service = 3 days of administrative leave per year

Service award administrative leave will be available to eligible employees on January 1 of the subsequent calendar year unless the General Manager or his/her designee has advised Human Resources otherwise.
DESIGNATED HOLIDAYS
The Agency observes the following 10 designated holidays:

• New Year's Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve

FLOATING HOLIDAYS
The Agency provides four floating holidays annually for employees to use at their discretion and subject to business conditions and supervisor approval. The floating holiday allotment may be less in the first year of employment depending on the date of hire.
RETIREMENT
The retirement benefit is administered through the Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). Employees hired prior to January 1, 2010 participate in the "3% at 60" retirement plan (Tier I); employees hired on or after January 1, 2010 participate in the "1.62% at 65" retirement plan (Tier II).
Employees in either plan, if hired after August 22, 2004, pay 100% of the employee contribution for the duration of their employment with the Agency. The employee contribution rate for Tier I participants hired after August 22, 2004 is based on age at entry into the retirement system, and currently ranges between approximately 6.71% and 12.25% of gross base salary. The employee contribution rate for Tier II participants hired before January 1, 2013 is based on age at entry into the retirement system, and currently ranges between approximately 4.83% and 9.68% of gross base salary. The employee contribution rate for Tier II participants hired on or after January 1, 2013 is a flat rate and is currently approximately 6.58% of gross base salary.
SICK LEAVE PAYOUT AT RETIREMENT
Upon retirement or death, employees will be paid 50% for unused sick leave after 10 years of continuous service with the Agency; 75% of unused sick leave after 20 years of continuous service and 100% of unused sick leave after 25 years of continuous service.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
The cost of the Social Security and Medicare benefit through Social Security Administration (SSA) is shared by the employee and the Agency as follows:
Social Security (FICA 1):

• 6.20% of gross salary is paid by the employee, up to a maximum salary established by the SSA
• 6.20% of gross salary is paid by the Agency, up to a maximum salary established by the SSA

Medicare (FICA 2):

• 1.45% of gross salary is paid by the employee, which has no salary limit
• Additional 0.9% of gross salary is paid by the employee on gross salary earnings in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year
• 1.45% of gross salary is paid by the Agency, which has no salary limit

457(B) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Employees of the Agency are eligible to participate in the Agency's 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. The program allows employees to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax and Roth (post-tax) basis.
401(A) PLAN
Employees hired before January 1, 2010 are eligible to receive a "matching" contribution of up to $50.00 per biweekly pay period provided they are contributing a like amount or greater toward the Agency's 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2010 are eligible to receive a "matching" contribution of up to 6% of gross base biweekly salary per biweekly pay period provided they are contributing a like amount or greater toward the Agency's 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
The Agency contribution and match are deposited into a 401(a) Plan. Employee contributions are not permitted under the rules of the plan.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PLAN (EAP)
Employees and their families enjoy behavioral health benefits such as crisis intervention counseling, through Anthem Blue Cross Employee Assistance Program. 100% of the premium is currently paid by the Agency for employees and household members.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Uniforms, safety glasses, safety shoes and personal protective equipment are available to employees in designated positions with management approval.
Effective: 1/1/26
01
Do you have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate?

• Yes
• No

02
What is the highest level of certification that you hold for a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Treatment Plant Operator?

• None - Do not have one
• Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade I (T1)
• Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade II (T2)
• Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade III (T3)
• Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV (T4)
• Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade V (T5)
• Other, not listed

03
What is the highest level of certification that you hold for a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Plant Operator?

• None - Do not have one
• Water Distribution Plant Operator Grade I (D1)
• Water Distribution Plant Operator Grade II (D2)
• Water Distribution Plant Operator Grade III (D3)
• Water Distribution Plant Operator Grade IV (D4)
• Water Distribution Plant Operator Grade V (D5)
• Other, not listed

04
Do you have knowledge of the operation of various mechanical equipment?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have the ability to work various 8 or 12 hour scheduled shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

06
If hired for this position, can you demonstrate an ability to operate a personal computer and demonstrate proficiency using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Access?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have the requisite reading, mathematical, written and oral language skills to perform the essential functions of the job?

• Yes
• No

08
Did you explain any gaps in employment, if any?

• Yes or N/A
• No

09
If hired for this position, will you be able to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work?

• Yes
• No

10
Can you understand and carry out oral and written instructions?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you have a valid California Class C or higher driver license?

• Yes
• No

12
Did you include or update your Objective in the General Information-Preferences section of your application?

• Yes
• No

13
If hired for this position, will you be able to obtain a valid respirator certification from the Agency's designated occupational physician within 12 months of hire?

• Yes
• No

14
If hired for this position, can you show proof of age?

• Yes
• No

15
Do you have the physical and mental ability to perform the essential functions of the position?

• Yes
• No

16
Did you provide your COMPLETE education history for ALL levels of education, including high school, college, graduate school and business, trade and technical school? (This includes listing high school even if attended/graduated college(s); and listing college(s) even if didn't graduate.)

• Yes
• No

17
Did you provide your COMPLETE employment history for ALL of your current/previous employers, assignments or volunteer activities, including military employment, during at least the LAST 10 YEARS?

• Yes
• No

18
Did you attach all applicable transcripts, licenses and/or certificates, if any?

• Yes or N/A
• No

19
Did you read the job description for the position for which you are applying?

• Yes
• No

20
Did you include at least 2 professional references? Your application will not be considered if you do not include at least 2 professional references.

• Yes
• No

21
Have you ever been forced to resign from any job?

• Yes
• No

22
If you were forced to resign from any job, please provide a full explanation for each one. (If no, please enter "N/A" below).
23
Have you ever been fired or terminated from any job?

• Yes
• No

24
If you were fired or terminated from any job, please provide a full explanation for each one. (If no, please enter "N/A" below).
25
Have you ever been rejected from a job during a probationary or introductory period?

• Yes
• No

26
If you were rejected from any job during a probationary or introductory period to resign from any job, please provide a full explanation for each one. (If no, please enter "N/A" below).
27
Have any of your jobs been fully remote or hybrid (e.g., certain days in office and certain days remote)?

• Yes
• No

28
If you any of your jobs were fully remote or hybrid (e.g., certain days in office and certain days remote), please list and explain each one, specifying if fully remote or hybrid. (If no, please enter "N/A" below).
29
Do you understand that you must complete your job application in its entirety to be considered for this position, including: 1) Meeting ALL of the Qualifications and Education Requirements; 2) Providing your COMPLETE education history for ALL levels of education (high school, college, etc.); 3) Attaching ALL of your college transcripts (unofficial or official); 4) Providing your COMPLETE employment history for ALL of your current/previous employers, assignments or volunteer activities, including military employment, during at least the LAST 10 YEARS; 5) Explaining all gaps in employment (if any); and 6) Including at least 2 professional references.

• Yes
• No

Required Question