Verified Job
Manual Labor
Utilities Plant Operator I/II - Water
Manual Labor
#724928
Remote / WFH
City of Modesto
Job Description
Are you ready to launch a career that keeps your community running? The City is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Utilities team as Utilities Plant Operator I/II — the entry point to a rewarding career in public utilities.
The Utilities Plant operation I/II is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants. This recruitment is for the Water Division.
Salary Incentives:2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's degree5% Education Incentive - Master's degree
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions allocated to this series are typically flexibly staffed to the next level. Generally, employees may promote upward to the next level as they meet the qualifications/certifications required by the higher-level class and have demonstrated proficiency in performing work at that level, subject to approval by management.
Utilities Plant Operator I -This is the entry level in the Utilities Plant Operator series. Positions in this class typically have little related work experience and lack the ability to perform the full range of duties independently. The Utilities Plant Operator I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Incumbents work under direct supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to the general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Trainee level.Utilities Plant Operator II– This is the journey level class in the Utilities Plant Operator series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the words "see resume". The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations.
Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.
Tentative Testing Schedule
In-Person Written Exam
August 14, 2026
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations.
Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes.
Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary.
Check Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) parameters through onsite and remote interfaces in order to monitor and operate systems and to identify maintenance needs; maintain, adjust, and repair SCADA system; enter data into the system at remote sites using micro-computer or other devices.
Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water and wastewater process laboratory tests; record and monitor results.
Maintain accurate records and documentation of all plant activities; record mathematical calculations related to operational activities; compile data and prepare reports on plant operations, distribution systems, and chemical use.
Respond to and investigate public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality problems.
Perform general plant maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Mobility: frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision. Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions. Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to typical street or field noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and irregular hours in emergency situations. Positions may be required to perform standby on-call duties as scheduled.
The Utilities Plant operation I/II is responsible to perform skilled and semi-skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the city's water or wastewater production/treatment plants. This recruitment is for the Water Division.
Salary Incentives:2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's degree5% Education Incentive - Master's degree
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions allocated to this series are typically flexibly staffed to the next level. Generally, employees may promote upward to the next level as they meet the qualifications/certifications required by the higher-level class and have demonstrated proficiency in performing work at that level, subject to approval by management.
Utilities Plant Operator I -This is the entry level in the Utilities Plant Operator series. Positions in this class typically have little related work experience and lack the ability to perform the full range of duties independently. The Utilities Plant Operator I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Incumbents work under direct supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to the general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Trainee level.Utilities Plant Operator II– This is the journey level class in the Utilities Plant Operator series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the words "see resume". The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations.
Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.
Tentative Testing Schedule
In-Person Written Exam
August 14, 2026
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Perform assigned treatment/production plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust treatment/production plant flows, pumps, motors, feeders, and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
Operate and maintain lift stations and pump stations.
Operate equipment such as forklifts, lifts, and overhead cranes.
Maintain, repair, and service plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs, as necessary.
Check Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) parameters through onsite and remote interfaces in order to monitor and operate systems and to identify maintenance needs; maintain, adjust, and repair SCADA system; enter data into the system at remote sites using micro-computer or other devices.
Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water and wastewater process laboratory tests; record and monitor results.
Maintain accurate records and documentation of all plant activities; record mathematical calculations related to operational activities; compile data and prepare reports on plant operations, distribution systems, and chemical use.
Respond to and investigate public concerns regarding water/wastewater quality problems.
Perform general plant maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Mobility: frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision. Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions. Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to typical street or field noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and irregular hours in emergency situations. Positions may be required to perform standby on-call duties as scheduled.
