Eastern Sierra Community Service District

 WASTEWATER OPERATOR-IN-TRAINING

 Join the Eastern Sierra Community Service District and launch a rewarding career protecting public health and the environment as a Wastewater Operator-in-Training. This hands-on position offers a unique opportunity to learn the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant and collection system while working alongside experienced operators in a supportive, team-oriented environment. Ideal for individuals with mechanical aptitude, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to safety, this role provides valuable on-the-job training, diverse technical experience, and a pathway to earning a State Water Resources Control Board Grade I Wastewater Operator certification. If you enjoy problem-solving, working outdoors in all seasons, and making a meaningful impact in your community, we encourage you to apply and grow with us. This is a non-exempt, safety-sensitive position.

Please see below for a full Job Description.

Benefits

• Annual salary range of $58,735 to $71,393. Depending on Qualifications.
• Retirement Plan – The District pays 17.5% of gross salary into a Money Purchase Pension Plan.
• The District pays 100% of the medical insurance premium for the employee only through the CalPERS Gold Plan.
• The District pays 100% of the premiums for Vision, Dental, and Accidental Life insurance for the employee only.
• A Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan is available for employee participation.
• Vacation, Sick, and Holiday leave.

 

Please submit your resume to:

Eastern Sierra Community Service District

Attention: Raymond Charley

301 West Line Street, Suite D

Bishop, California 93514

Or  

Email your resume to jennifer@escsd.org and in the subject line enter "OIT Resume - Attn: Raymond Charley"

 

Resumes will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026.

If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Krafcheck, General Manager at 760-872-1415. EOE.

 

 EASTERN SIERRA COMMUNITY SERVICE DISTRICT

 JOB DESCRIPTION

 WASTWATER OPERATOR-IN-TRAINING

 

General Statement of Responsibilities

The Operator-in-Training (OIT) performs a variety of duties and responsibilities under the direct supervision of the Lead Plant Operator and/or the Chief Plant Operator, required in the operation and maintenance of a small wastewater plant and the ancillary collection system. The OIT will carry out operating orders and perform maintenance tasks as necessary to assure the reliable processing of wastewater at the treatment plant and assure that the flow of raw sewage in the collection system is occurring without blockages or interruptions. Following training, the Operator-in-Training will be expected to occasionally work independently in performing limited plant and system operations and maintenance responsibilities. The OIT will from time to time preform such tasks as a laborer, lab technician, mechanic, maintenance person, cleaning and recording the collection system; and will operate various equipment such as, but not limited to, trucks, a trailer and a backhoe. The OIT will be expected to become certified as a Grade I Operator withing two (2) years of appointment. The following is a listing of some of these duties and responsibilities which will be performed under the direction of the Lead Plant Operator and/or Chief Plant Operator. This is a non-exempt, safety-sensitive position.

 

Example of Duties to be Performed

The responsibilities of a wastewater plant Operator-in-Training include, but are not limited to, the following:

·         Understand the proper operation of the plant.

·         Keeping informed and up to date in areas such as operations, products, and techniques.

·         Ability to discuss process problems.

·         Knowing when and where to ask for help.

·         Ability to follow safety instructions.

·         Must be willing and able to work in a raw sewage environment.

·         Must be aware of risks involved in working in a raw sewage environment and take precautions, as the      employee deems necessary, to prevent illness or injury.

·         Perform routine equipment maintenance (change oil, lubricate equipment).

·         Grounds maintenance (lawn cutting, weeding, snow removal).

·         Ability to perform open water maintenance.

·         Painting.

·         Possess a basic knowledge of electricity.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Required Knowledge and Skills

·         Ability and knowledge to safely access and egress manholes and confined spaces.

·         Basic knowledge of lift station operations and equipment, including pumps.

·         Maintain accurate, orderly, and legible log entries and recordkeeping.

·         Basic knowledge of computer usage.

·         Understand a computerized preventive maintenance program.

·         Carry out all general and special orders of the Lead Plant Operator and/or Chief Plant Operator.

·         Capable of working alone on weekends within established safety and other parameters.

·         Adherence to all safety regulations and practices.

·         Ability to work with others in a professional and respectful manner.

·         Ability to work under what may be stressful conditions at times.

·         Ability to report to work on time on a regular and consistent basis.

·         Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs.

·         Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, profession journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals in English.

·         Ability to communicate in writing and orally in English when required to maintain safe operations and to address emergencies impacting public and/or employee safety.

·         Must possess the communication skills, in the English language, necessary to comprehend verbal and written instructions and exchange necessary information to other employees/supervisors.

·         Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the General Manager, Board of Directors, clients, customers, general public, and other agencies.

·         Other related duties as assigned.

 

Required Education and Experience

·         A high school diploma or equivalent.

·         Mechanical aptitude with a willingness to learn, and ability to operate and repair plant equipment.

·         Experience in mechanical maintenance and repair work is desirable but not required.

·         Basic computer knowledge and skills.

·         Specific applications knowledge is highly desirable.

·         Basic math skills to perform calculations required in producing required reports.

·         Must have an understanding of job site safety and the desire to follow stated and common-sense safety practices.

 

Licenses and Certifications

·         Possess a valid California Class C driver’s license, possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record and the ability to meet eligibility standards for motor vehicle insurance coverage established by the District’s insurance carrier.

·         Operator-in-Training must become certified to a SWRCB Grade I within two (2) years of date of hire.

Physical Demands and Requirements

·         Ability to work in a wide variety of weather conditions and exposure to the elements.

·         Ability to lift and move heavy objects (60lbs) short distances (100 feet or less).

·         Ability to support 50 lbs. overhead.

·         Ability to work in small, cramped spaces and comply with confined space entry procedures.

·         Learn to operate a backhoe.

·         Learn to operate a CCTV unit.

·         Learn to drive and operate a combination cleaner truck (within one (1) year).

·         Learn to operate a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV).

·         Ability to climb high ladders or structures.

·         Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee will:

·         Work within or near wastewater treatment facilities.

·         Work at elevations of 4,200 feet.

·         Be regularly exposed to outside weather conditions involving wind, rain, heat, and extreme cold and snow during the winter months.

·         The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be severe at times.

 

Additional Requirements

·         Employment entrance fitness for duty medical examination.

·         This position is designated as “safety sensitive,” and is subject to pre-employment drug testing.

 

The duties herein are intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be assigned and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this position. Furthermore, the assigned duties are subject to change at the discretion of the District.