Senior Operations Technician I/II - Automation Services
Apply NowCompany: Western Municipal Water District
Location: El Sobrante, CA 94803
Description:
Salary : $88,425.00 - $138,182.00 Annually
Location : 16451 El Sobrante Rd. Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-33
Department: Automation and Electrical Services
Opening Date: 01/27/2025
Closing Date: 2/9/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
At Western Municipal Water District ("Western Water") we believe in a one-team mindset and prioritize collaboration within the department and throughout the agency (across people, processes, resources) - no silos here. Together, we work to understand and anticipate Western Water's needs.
Who we are
Western Water is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly one million people across 527-square-miles of inland southern California. Our customers are an essential partner in ensuring long-term water resiliency for our region. Together, the Western Water team is focused on being the definitive leader in water and wastewater (sewer) services, upholding the highest level of stakeholder trust, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
Western's values include:
We're looking for a field level lead who knows the ins and outs of supporting and developing a high functioning team tasked with maintaining the automation and electrical instrumentation functions throughout the agency. We need someone who isn't afraid of hard work, brings their "A-game" when it comes to supporting a team of professionals but can also elevate service delivery through the development and implementation of process improvements, training, and leadership of a service-focused team.
Providing superior service is one of Western's top priorities, and we do that by pairing the consistent delivery of safe, reliable drinking water with outstanding customer service. You must be responsive, collaborative, and accountable to our customers and agency partners, which means exemplifying effective oral presentation and communications skills.
Strong organizational skills will be critical to your success, as are the abilities to support, coordinate, and assist leading programs, projects, and a small, agile team. Highly qualified candidates must be able to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative team in support of Western Water's Operations Priorities.
If you are ready to join a results-oriented, fast-paced team, able to see the bigger picture, have a heightened sense of emotional intelligence, and are aware of automation and electrical services operational needs - we'd love to hear from you.
Individuals within the Senior Operations Technician series can expect to perform complex duties related to power and controls systems in support of District water and wastewater facilities. Seniors utilize their leadership skills to assign, plan, and review the work of team members in partnership with Operations supervisors.
District employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to accommodate Western Water's needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Emergency Service Worker.
Examples of Duties
The Senior Operations Technician I is the advanced journey-level class in the series. Incumbents within the series assume a high level of complex duties including the use of independent judgment, decision-making, and workload planning, while providing technical and functional direction over department personnel. Incumbents at this level are required to fully understand departmental procedures.
The Senior Operations Technician II is the highest level in the series. Incumbents serve in the capacity of a crew leader. Incumbents perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned within this series, including providing technical and functional direction over department personnel. Employees at this level have or will take extensive leadership training courses in preparation for supervisory responsibilities.
Selected candidate will be placed into the level of position commensurate with experience. Incumbents within the Senior Operations Technician series report to the Operations Field Supervisor or Manager and provide direction to Operations Technicians I-IV employees.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.
Working hours and schedules may change with operational need.
The Automation Services team is responsible for the maintenance for all Western Water automation control systems process information networks, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Control System (SCADA) and process control applications. Communication Systems including SCADA, radio telemetry systems, industrial control Ethernet networks, modems, Human Machine Interface, Operator Interface Terminals, fiberoptics, and other communication devices. The department provides timely and cost-effective testing, repair, maintenance, modification and installation of automation services, programmable logic controller or microwave data systems. Senior Operation Technicians are expected to exercise their leadership skills in the areas noted below:
Typical Qualifications
Supplemental Information
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications outlined below:
Job TitleEducationExperienceSenior Operations Technician I
~ Equivalent to High School Diploma.
~ Associate degree in related discipline, technical school, or apprenticeship program equivalent to 60 semester units may substitute for two years of professional experience.
~ Bachelor degree in Automation or Control technology or 120 semester units in a related field may substitute for three years of professional experience and immediate certification requirement.
Successful completion of an accredited electrical/electronic technician apprenticeship program desired.
Seven (7) years professional experience with minimum of three (3) years journey level experience in programming, design, installation and maintenance of SCADA and instrumentation systems and associated hardware/software and technology.
Senior Operations Technician II
Nine (9) years of professional experience with minimum of four (4) years journey level experience in programming, design, installation and maintenance of SCADA and instrumentation systems and associated hardware/software and technology.
Minimum Certification/License Requirements
Job Title
Job Function
Certification*
DMV Class
Senior Operations Technician I
Automation Services
CWEA 3(a), CCST I (a)
C
Senior Operations Technician IIAutomation ServicesCWEA 4(a), CCST II (a)
C
(a) Desirable.
* Certifications:
Electrical = C10 Electrical Contractor license, California Certified Electrician (General Electrician), California Water Environment Association Electrical/Instrumentation, or other equivalent trade certifications
Automation = California Water Environment Association Electrical/Instrumentation (CWEA), ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or other equivalent trade certifications
May be required to and be medically able to wear respirator and fall protection, to be annually fit tested, confined space entry trained and maintain facial hair such that it does not interfere with any respirator or SCBA sealing surface. Each may be required to be a member of the confined space rescue team at the sole discretion of the District.
The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical: Employees in this position may be required to work in both an office and outside environment. Depending on department responsibilities, employees are required to use repetitive motion for keyboard use and writing; frequently grasp, reach/work overhead, hold and reach; sit for long periods of time; frequently walk, stand, squat, twist and bend; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; occasionally climb stairs and ladders; occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds or 60 pounds with assistance; employees may be required to operate equipment, machinery, controls and tools; perform manual labor; constantly use overall color vision plus hand, eye, and feet coordination; and frequently hear and talk, in person and on the phone.
Mental: Employees should possess the ability to speak, read, and write English, in addition to exercising math and computer aptitude as required. Employees work under pressure with frequent interruptions while communicating and interacting with a variety of District personnel, the public, and others encountered in the course of work. The ability to explain, interpret, and apply related rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and work on multiple concurrent assignments, often within tight timeframes using good business judgment is necessary.
Environmental: Employees occasionally work in a temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and settings. The employee will primarily work outside with exposure to various weather conditions and regularly work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level is typically loud. Employees may work in confined spaces and may be exposed to fumes, vapors, dust, sewage, toxic or caustic chemicals. Employees may work in areas with poisonous plants and/or venomous or threatening animals or insects. Incumbents are expected to use principles of effective safety practices including the use of personal protective equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.
Western Water is a tobacco free campus prohibiting smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and unregulated nicotine products in any District vehicle and building, which includes any building owned and occupied, or leased and occupied, by the District, including, Headquarters, the Operations Center, and any remote facilities owned, leased and/or operated by the District.
HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS
Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status.
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
You and your eligible dependents may enroll in these benefits effective the first of the month following your date of hire. Effective January 1, 2024 the District contributes up to $2,812.19 toward the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance. Employees will pay any costs exceeding this amount through bi-weekly pre-tax payroll deduction. Employees may choose between four medical plans--Anthem Blue Cross CaliforniaCare (HMO), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Advantage (PPO 500), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Classic (PPO 200) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO). There are two dental plans to choose from--DeltaCare (DMO) and Delta Dental (PPO). The Standard provides us with two vision options, Vision Service Plan (VSP) or EyeMed.
Opting Out of Medical Coverage
Employees with medical insurance through another provider can opt out of Western's medical plan. By opting out, employees will receive a flat monthly rate of $690. Proof of other coverage is required on an annual basis during the open enrollment period. Employee must enroll in a dental plan and the vision plan. Enrollment for eligible dependents, in these plans, is optional.
Flexible Spending
Effective the first of the month following date of hire, employee may participate in the flexible spending plan. This plan provides you the opportunity to pay for certain medical, dental, vision and child care expenses with pre-tax dollars resulting in substantial tax savings.
Life Insurance
This benefit is provided by the District through Lincoln Financial Group ("Lincoln") and is effective the first of the month following your date of hire. You are provided with up to $50,000 in life insurance for you and $1,000 for your eligible dependents.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
This benefit is for you only and is provided by the District through Lincoln. AD&D is effective the first of the month following your date of hire and provides payment for specified losses sustained through dismembering or fatal accidents. The maximum amount of AD&D insurance is equal to the amount of your life insurance.
Supplemental Life Insurance
Effective the first of the month following your date of hire, you may purchase supplemental life insurance for you and your eligible dependents through Lincoln. This supplemental life insurance provides a guaranteed issue amount for you up to $150,000, up to $30,000 for your spouse and $10,000 for your children.
Short Term Disability
The District provides short term disability (STD) insurance through Lincoln. Coverage is effective on the first (1st) of the month following six (6) months of consecutive employment. STD benefits begin on the 1st day of disability for an accident or 8th day of disability for an illness and provide up to 60% of your base salary.
Long Term Disability
The District provides long term disability insurance through Lincoln. Coverage is effective on the first (1st) of the month following six (6) months of consecutive employment. LTD benefits begin on the 91st calendar day of a medically certified disability and provide up to 60% of your base salary.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Administered by Lincoln's EmployeeConnect, the EAP assists in dealing with problems affecting an employee's personal life and/or job performance. Use of this benefit, paid 100% by the District for up to five meetings with EAP staff, is strictly confidential. Other services provided through Lincoln's EmployeeConnect EAP are referrals or advice on topics such as legal consultation, parenting, senior care, child care, pet care, and healthy rewards.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Deferred Compensation 457(b)
You may participate in a Deferred Compensation Program (457(b) Plan) to save toward retirement and, at the same time, reduce your bi-weekly taxable income.
401(a) Retirement Plan
Western contributes into a 401(a) Retirement Plan for those employees covered under the Confidential unit (COU). Contributions, in the amount of 2% of your base pay, are made on a bi-weekly basis. You are 100% vested in this benefit upon date of hire.
Public Employees Retirement System
The District contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System ("PERS") of the State of California for employee retirement benefits. New employees, who are hired on or after December 16, 2012, and who formerly worked for another PERS agency, or an agency with a reciprocal retirement system, and who meet certain eligibility requirements, shall be enrolled in the 2% at 55 PERS retirement plan. These employees will be obligated to pay 85% of the employee contribution to PERS (for example, at the 7% employee contribution rate, employees are currently required to pay 5.95% of their base pay). The 2% at 55 retirement plan shall provide for benefits based on the highest three-year average salary.
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, who are defined as "New Members" by California law (essentially those individuals who have not previously been a member of a public agency retirement system) shall be enrolled in the statutorily required 2% at 62 PERS retirement plan. New Members will be obligated to pay 50% of the "normal cost" of their retirement benefits as required by State law (Currently 7.75% of base pay). The 2% at 62 retirement plan shall provide for benefits based on the highest three-year average salary.
Retiree Medical
Upon your retirement from the District, you may be entitled to lifetime retiree medical benefits. Refer to the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) for detailed information on the vesting schedule for this retirement benefit.
Social Security and Medicare
As an employee of Western, you pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Western pays the same Social Security and Medicare tax, dollar for dollar, on your behalf.
COMPENSATION
Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
Western provides all employees an annual cost of living adjustment. Details of the cost of living adjustment are provided in the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) agreements.
Longevity Pay
The District provides longevity pay to certain employees who have completed five or more years of continuous service. Refer to the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) agreements for detailed criteria and amounts of longevity pay.
PAID TIME OFF
Vacation
During the first four (4) years of employment, vacation is accrued at the rate of 3.08 hours per pay period. This is equivalent to 10 days per year. During the fifth (5th) through ninth (9th) years, you accrue 4.62 hours per pay period and during the tenth (10th) and subsequent years, you accrue 6.16 hours per pay period. These are equivalent to 15 days and 20 days per year, respectively. Vacation can be used after the completion of the probationary period. The maximum vacation accrual is 480 hours. In addition, you may cash out up to a maximum of eighty (80) hours of your accrued vacation time, once per calendar year, provided you have no less than eighty (80) hours remaining following the cash out.
Holidays
After two full work weeks of employment, you will receive pay, at your then current straight time hourly rate, for Ten (10) holidays. Those holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
After completion of the probationary period, you may take three (3) additional workdays per fiscal year as "floating holidays". These holidays are taken at your discretion, in full day increments, and are subject to approval by your supervisor/manager. Floating holidays not taken during the fiscal year are converted to vacation time for each unused floating holiday.
Sick Leave
You accrue 96 hours of sick leave per year. After completing a full calendar year of employment and using no more than eighteen (18) hours of sick leave during said calendar year, you may be compensated for up to forty (40) hours of accrued sick leave at your then current rate of pay. Sick leave can be used after 90 calendar days of employment and shall be cumulative to a maximum of 1,600 hours. Sick leave is paid on a specific scale upon termination of employment.
Administrative Leave
After completion of the probationary period, employees covered by the Confidential unit (COU) receive thirty two (32) hours for non-exempt and forty (40) hours for exempt positions of paid administrative leave. Administrative leave hours not taken during the fiscal year are converted hour-for-hour to vacation time hours.
Additional Benefits
9/80 work schedule, Educational Assistance (subject to available budgeted funds), Certification Reimbursement Program and Interest-Free Computer Loan Program.
*** To review the full agreements between the Employee Association (MOU) and Confidential unit (COU) with Western Water please use the following links:
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Location : 16451 El Sobrante Rd. Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-33
Department: Automation and Electrical Services
Opening Date: 01/27/2025
Closing Date: 2/9/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
At Western Municipal Water District ("Western Water") we believe in a one-team mindset and prioritize collaboration within the department and throughout the agency (across people, processes, resources) - no silos here. Together, we work to understand and anticipate Western Water's needs.
Who we are
Western Water is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly one million people across 527-square-miles of inland southern California. Our customers are an essential partner in ensuring long-term water resiliency for our region. Together, the Western Water team is focused on being the definitive leader in water and wastewater (sewer) services, upholding the highest level of stakeholder trust, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
Western's values include:
- Service Excellence
- Efficiency
- Water Supply Reliability
- Fiscal Responsibility and Value
- Public Trust, Accountability and Transparency
- Environmental Stewardship
- Employee Empowerment
- Innovation
- Strong knowledge of principles and practices related to the assigned functional areas of electrical/instrumentation services or SCADA.
- Ability to lead a team to operate and maintain the electrical functions within water and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Strong ability to lead the performance of a wide variety of electrical service and repair tasks to machinery, equipment, and electrical systems associated with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of water and wastewater systems and facilities.
- Extensive use of modern office equipment including computer software applications related to the field of work.
- Utilize exceptional customer service and communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the ability to cultivate professional business partnerships and inspire team collaboration.
- Read and interpret blueprints, construction designs and drawings and hydraulic/pneumatic schematics.
We're looking for a field level lead who knows the ins and outs of supporting and developing a high functioning team tasked with maintaining the automation and electrical instrumentation functions throughout the agency. We need someone who isn't afraid of hard work, brings their "A-game" when it comes to supporting a team of professionals but can also elevate service delivery through the development and implementation of process improvements, training, and leadership of a service-focused team.
Providing superior service is one of Western's top priorities, and we do that by pairing the consistent delivery of safe, reliable drinking water with outstanding customer service. You must be responsive, collaborative, and accountable to our customers and agency partners, which means exemplifying effective oral presentation and communications skills.
Strong organizational skills will be critical to your success, as are the abilities to support, coordinate, and assist leading programs, projects, and a small, agile team. Highly qualified candidates must be able to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative team in support of Western Water's Operations Priorities.
If you are ready to join a results-oriented, fast-paced team, able to see the bigger picture, have a heightened sense of emotional intelligence, and are aware of automation and electrical services operational needs - we'd love to hear from you.
Individuals within the Senior Operations Technician series can expect to perform complex duties related to power and controls systems in support of District water and wastewater facilities. Seniors utilize their leadership skills to assign, plan, and review the work of team members in partnership with Operations supervisors.
District employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to accommodate Western Water's needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Emergency Service Worker.
Examples of Duties
The Senior Operations Technician I is the advanced journey-level class in the series. Incumbents within the series assume a high level of complex duties including the use of independent judgment, decision-making, and workload planning, while providing technical and functional direction over department personnel. Incumbents at this level are required to fully understand departmental procedures.
The Senior Operations Technician II is the highest level in the series. Incumbents serve in the capacity of a crew leader. Incumbents perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned within this series, including providing technical and functional direction over department personnel. Employees at this level have or will take extensive leadership training courses in preparation for supervisory responsibilities.
Selected candidate will be placed into the level of position commensurate with experience. Incumbents within the Senior Operations Technician series report to the Operations Field Supervisor or Manager and provide direction to Operations Technicians I-IV employees.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.
- Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring department work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
- Provide feedback on team evaluations, recommending improvements and/or modifications.
- Ensure services comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and strategic direction.
- Develop, implement, and monitor short and long-term plans, goals, and objectives.
- Assist in the development of assigned department operating and capital improvement budgets, in addition, monitor the implementation of adopted budgets.
- Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, programs, projects, and systems.
- Ensures adherence to safety policies and procedures, while identifying appropriate safety precautions and equipment are utilized.
- Provide and ensure new employees have proper training to perform work for their department.
- Attend meetings to provide updates on productivity, assignments, and planned projects.
- Provide field oversight and technical assistance to assigned department functions.
- Inspect, operate, calibrate, and maintain light/heavy equipment linked to department functions.
- Perform inspections and maintenance of District facilities, equipment, tools, and vehicles.
- Monitor and utilizes the District's SCADA system as required by department or call team roles.
- Coordination and purchase of department supplies or equipment.
- Utilize and maintain detailed records for use in the Computerized Work Management System, ensures work orders are developed and completed accurately.
- Maintain accurate and legible records for timesheets, workload planning, and related documents in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations, and District policies and procedures.
- Utilize leadership skills with the ability to inspire and influence with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity coupled with a positive attitude.
- Develop and maintain systems to track and report key performance indicators.
- Ensure the District maintains compliance with all regulatory agencies.
- Call Teams: Contingent upon meeting certification and experience requirements, employees may be assigned to the after hour response team to provide continuous operational services in accordance with the California Municipal Water District Act of 1911.
- Assist with SOP development.
- Must maintain a valid California Driver License.
Working hours and schedules may change with operational need.
The Automation Services team is responsible for the maintenance for all Western Water automation control systems process information networks, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Control System (SCADA) and process control applications. Communication Systems including SCADA, radio telemetry systems, industrial control Ethernet networks, modems, Human Machine Interface, Operator Interface Terminals, fiberoptics, and other communication devices. The department provides timely and cost-effective testing, repair, maintenance, modification and installation of automation services, programmable logic controller or microwave data systems. Senior Operation Technicians are expected to exercise their leadership skills in the areas noted below:
- Perform preventative and predictive maintenance of district Supervisory and Data Acquisition and automation systems.
- Perform a wide variety of advanced journey-level service, tasks to Districts communication systems.
- Generate CWMS reports, conduct staff training, update assets, create templates, schedule routines, and work order flow development.
- Assist with research, writing, and maintaining Process Control (SOPs) for automation control systems program.
- Prepare detailed reports, summarizing Western Water's automation maintenance functions including labor, work performed, and materials used.
- Programs and upgrades central SCADA Server Software.
- Performs design and software programming of the SCADA system.
- Determines communication protocols and provides network and telecom support for SCADA equipment.
- Reviews and develops process and instrumentation diagrams, including Ladder Logic.
- Develops process control logic for instrumentation to support control functions.
- Documents change to programming and process control.
- Programs, designs, and configures Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
- Ensures supervisory control and data acquisition system and automatic process control systems are available, secure, and functioning at optimal levels; reviews and responds to hardware, communication, and application failures; manages data recovery activities.
- Coordinates, evaluates, and participates in the maintenance and enhancement of process automation and network functionality; engineers, installs, upgrades, configures, integrates, and maintains process automation and information networks across multiple platforms, including PLCs, SCADA, I/O networks, HMIs, servers, virtual machines, web servers, workstations, printers, and routers.
- Assist with the design, installation, or modification of existing programs in programmable logic controllers as required. Maintain and update SCADA documentation as required. Assignment to Call Team may be required.
Typical Qualifications
- Know and understand District personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
- Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time.
- Independently oversee and direct crews during after-hour activities and emergency response.
- Utilize exceptional customer service and communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the ability to cultivate professional business partnerships and inspire team collaboration.
- Think creatively and seek alternative solutions in order to produce results that benefit Western Water, its internal and external customers, while clearly articulating options to management and policy makers.
- Use modern office equipment including basic computer software applications, and those related to the field of work.
- Define and explain key processes and business requirements within the department.
- Make effective and engaging oral presentations clearly, logically and persuasively.
- Highly motivated professional who is a self-starter, resourceful and able to work independently with minimum supervision.
Supplemental Information
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications outlined below:
Job TitleEducationExperienceSenior Operations Technician I
~ Equivalent to High School Diploma.
~ Associate degree in related discipline, technical school, or apprenticeship program equivalent to 60 semester units may substitute for two years of professional experience.
~ Bachelor degree in Automation or Control technology or 120 semester units in a related field may substitute for three years of professional experience and immediate certification requirement.
Successful completion of an accredited electrical/electronic technician apprenticeship program desired.
Seven (7) years professional experience with minimum of three (3) years journey level experience in programming, design, installation and maintenance of SCADA and instrumentation systems and associated hardware/software and technology.
Senior Operations Technician II
Nine (9) years of professional experience with minimum of four (4) years journey level experience in programming, design, installation and maintenance of SCADA and instrumentation systems and associated hardware/software and technology.
Minimum Certification/License Requirements
Job Title
Job Function
Certification*
DMV Class
Senior Operations Technician I
Automation Services
CWEA 3(a), CCST I (a)
C
Senior Operations Technician IIAutomation ServicesCWEA 4(a), CCST II (a)
C
(a) Desirable.
* Certifications:
Electrical = C10 Electrical Contractor license, California Certified Electrician (General Electrician), California Water Environment Association Electrical/Instrumentation, or other equivalent trade certifications
Automation = California Water Environment Association Electrical/Instrumentation (CWEA), ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or other equivalent trade certifications
May be required to and be medically able to wear respirator and fall protection, to be annually fit tested, confined space entry trained and maintain facial hair such that it does not interfere with any respirator or SCBA sealing surface. Each may be required to be a member of the confined space rescue team at the sole discretion of the District.
The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical: Employees in this position may be required to work in both an office and outside environment. Depending on department responsibilities, employees are required to use repetitive motion for keyboard use and writing; frequently grasp, reach/work overhead, hold and reach; sit for long periods of time; frequently walk, stand, squat, twist and bend; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; occasionally climb stairs and ladders; occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds or 60 pounds with assistance; employees may be required to operate equipment, machinery, controls and tools; perform manual labor; constantly use overall color vision plus hand, eye, and feet coordination; and frequently hear and talk, in person and on the phone.
Mental: Employees should possess the ability to speak, read, and write English, in addition to exercising math and computer aptitude as required. Employees work under pressure with frequent interruptions while communicating and interacting with a variety of District personnel, the public, and others encountered in the course of work. The ability to explain, interpret, and apply related rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and work on multiple concurrent assignments, often within tight timeframes using good business judgment is necessary.
Environmental: Employees occasionally work in a temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and settings. The employee will primarily work outside with exposure to various weather conditions and regularly work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level is typically loud. Employees may work in confined spaces and may be exposed to fumes, vapors, dust, sewage, toxic or caustic chemicals. Employees may work in areas with poisonous plants and/or venomous or threatening animals or insects. Incumbents are expected to use principles of effective safety practices including the use of personal protective equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.
Western Water is a tobacco free campus prohibiting smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and unregulated nicotine products in any District vehicle and building, which includes any building owned and occupied, or leased and occupied, by the District, including, Headquarters, the Operations Center, and any remote facilities owned, leased and/or operated by the District.
HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS
Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status.
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
You and your eligible dependents may enroll in these benefits effective the first of the month following your date of hire. Effective January 1, 2024 the District contributes up to $2,812.19 toward the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance. Employees will pay any costs exceeding this amount through bi-weekly pre-tax payroll deduction. Employees may choose between four medical plans--Anthem Blue Cross CaliforniaCare (HMO), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Advantage (PPO 500), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Classic (PPO 200) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO). There are two dental plans to choose from--DeltaCare (DMO) and Delta Dental (PPO). The Standard provides us with two vision options, Vision Service Plan (VSP) or EyeMed.
Opting Out of Medical Coverage
Employees with medical insurance through another provider can opt out of Western's medical plan. By opting out, employees will receive a flat monthly rate of $690. Proof of other coverage is required on an annual basis during the open enrollment period. Employee must enroll in a dental plan and the vision plan. Enrollment for eligible dependents, in these plans, is optional.
Flexible Spending
Effective the first of the month following date of hire, employee may participate in the flexible spending plan. This plan provides you the opportunity to pay for certain medical, dental, vision and child care expenses with pre-tax dollars resulting in substantial tax savings.
Life Insurance
This benefit is provided by the District through Lincoln Financial Group ("Lincoln") and is effective the first of the month following your date of hire. You are provided with up to $50,000 in life insurance for you and $1,000 for your eligible dependents.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
This benefit is for you only and is provided by the District through Lincoln. AD&D is effective the first of the month following your date of hire and provides payment for specified losses sustained through dismembering or fatal accidents. The maximum amount of AD&D insurance is equal to the amount of your life insurance.
Supplemental Life Insurance
Effective the first of the month following your date of hire, you may purchase supplemental life insurance for you and your eligible dependents through Lincoln. This supplemental life insurance provides a guaranteed issue amount for you up to $150,000, up to $30,000 for your spouse and $10,000 for your children.
Short Term Disability
The District provides short term disability (STD) insurance through Lincoln. Coverage is effective on the first (1st) of the month following six (6) months of consecutive employment. STD benefits begin on the 1st day of disability for an accident or 8th day of disability for an illness and provide up to 60% of your base salary.
Long Term Disability
The District provides long term disability insurance through Lincoln. Coverage is effective on the first (1st) of the month following six (6) months of consecutive employment. LTD benefits begin on the 91st calendar day of a medically certified disability and provide up to 60% of your base salary.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Administered by Lincoln's EmployeeConnect, the EAP assists in dealing with problems affecting an employee's personal life and/or job performance. Use of this benefit, paid 100% by the District for up to five meetings with EAP staff, is strictly confidential. Other services provided through Lincoln's EmployeeConnect EAP are referrals or advice on topics such as legal consultation, parenting, senior care, child care, pet care, and healthy rewards.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Deferred Compensation 457(b)
You may participate in a Deferred Compensation Program (457(b) Plan) to save toward retirement and, at the same time, reduce your bi-weekly taxable income.
401(a) Retirement Plan
Western contributes into a 401(a) Retirement Plan for those employees covered under the Confidential unit (COU). Contributions, in the amount of 2% of your base pay, are made on a bi-weekly basis. You are 100% vested in this benefit upon date of hire.
Public Employees Retirement System
The District contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System ("PERS") of the State of California for employee retirement benefits. New employees, who are hired on or after December 16, 2012, and who formerly worked for another PERS agency, or an agency with a reciprocal retirement system, and who meet certain eligibility requirements, shall be enrolled in the 2% at 55 PERS retirement plan. These employees will be obligated to pay 85% of the employee contribution to PERS (for example, at the 7% employee contribution rate, employees are currently required to pay 5.95% of their base pay). The 2% at 55 retirement plan shall provide for benefits based on the highest three-year average salary.
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, who are defined as "New Members" by California law (essentially those individuals who have not previously been a member of a public agency retirement system) shall be enrolled in the statutorily required 2% at 62 PERS retirement plan. New Members will be obligated to pay 50% of the "normal cost" of their retirement benefits as required by State law (Currently 7.75% of base pay). The 2% at 62 retirement plan shall provide for benefits based on the highest three-year average salary.
Retiree Medical
Upon your retirement from the District, you may be entitled to lifetime retiree medical benefits. Refer to the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) for detailed information on the vesting schedule for this retirement benefit.
Social Security and Medicare
As an employee of Western, you pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Western pays the same Social Security and Medicare tax, dollar for dollar, on your behalf.
COMPENSATION
Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
Western provides all employees an annual cost of living adjustment. Details of the cost of living adjustment are provided in the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) agreements.
Longevity Pay
The District provides longevity pay to certain employees who have completed five or more years of continuous service. Refer to the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) agreements for detailed criteria and amounts of longevity pay.
PAID TIME OFF
Vacation
During the first four (4) years of employment, vacation is accrued at the rate of 3.08 hours per pay period. This is equivalent to 10 days per year. During the fifth (5th) through ninth (9th) years, you accrue 4.62 hours per pay period and during the tenth (10th) and subsequent years, you accrue 6.16 hours per pay period. These are equivalent to 15 days and 20 days per year, respectively. Vacation can be used after the completion of the probationary period. The maximum vacation accrual is 480 hours. In addition, you may cash out up to a maximum of eighty (80) hours of your accrued vacation time, once per calendar year, provided you have no less than eighty (80) hours remaining following the cash out.
Holidays
After two full work weeks of employment, you will receive pay, at your then current straight time hourly rate, for Ten (10) holidays. Those holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
After completion of the probationary period, you may take three (3) additional workdays per fiscal year as "floating holidays". These holidays are taken at your discretion, in full day increments, and are subject to approval by your supervisor/manager. Floating holidays not taken during the fiscal year are converted to vacation time for each unused floating holiday.
Sick Leave
You accrue 96 hours of sick leave per year. After completing a full calendar year of employment and using no more than eighteen (18) hours of sick leave during said calendar year, you may be compensated for up to forty (40) hours of accrued sick leave at your then current rate of pay. Sick leave can be used after 90 calendar days of employment and shall be cumulative to a maximum of 1,600 hours. Sick leave is paid on a specific scale upon termination of employment.
Administrative Leave
After completion of the probationary period, employees covered by the Confidential unit (COU) receive thirty two (32) hours for non-exempt and forty (40) hours for exempt positions of paid administrative leave. Administrative leave hours not taken during the fiscal year are converted hour-for-hour to vacation time hours.
Additional Benefits
9/80 work schedule, Educational Assistance (subject to available budgeted funds), Certification Reimbursement Program and Interest-Free Computer Loan Program.
*** To review the full agreements between the Employee Association (MOU) and Confidential unit (COU) with Western Water please use the following links:
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