Wastewater Operator Trainee - Environmental Services Department

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose.

Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents!

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on Facebook and Instagram and San Jose Environmental Services on

The San José - Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF) is one of the largest advanced wastewater treatment facilities in the nation and treats water from homes and businesses in the cities of San José, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, and unincorporated areas within Santa Clara County. The RWF serves a population of over 1.4 million people and has the capacity to treat 167 million gallons of wastewater per day. For more information visit our website at Education: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of High School.

Experience: None.

Certifications: As a condition of continued employment as a Wastewater Operator Trainee, possession of a valid California Water Resources Control Board Operator in Training Certificate must be obtained within the probation period.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license.

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California drivers license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Physical Requirement: This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history:

Job Expertise : Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations; ability to follow oral and written instructions; knowledge of and the ability to effectively use common hand tools; knowledge of basic mechanical concepts; successful completion of college-level math courses a plus; successful completion of college-level science courses a plus; successful completion of wastewater treatment coursework is highly desirable.

Computer Skills : Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Continuous Improvement : Actively identifies new areas for learning and regularly creates and takes advantage of learning opportunities.

Initiative : Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.

Problem Solving : Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills : Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Communication Skills : Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Veterans Preference

The City of San José has a Veteran's Preference Policy that applies to this recruitment. To claim veteran's preference points, you must provide a copy of your honorable military discharge form, Form DD214. For more information on the City's Veteran's Preference Policy, please visit this link:

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which will include a written exam.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Adrienne Pea at ... .