AWP Operator at Padre Dam Municipal Water District – Santee, California

Padre Dam and the East County Advanced Water Purification Project is seeking a Certified Operator that currently holds a SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant or SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 certificate or higher with at least 3 years of experience to play a vital role in protecting our water resources while working in a collaborative, safety driven environment. We're looking for a motivated, certified wastewater professional who is comfortable with hands on plant operations, SCADA monitoring, sampling, and process control in a 24/7 facility. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who values teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning, with room to grow into advance treatment processes and greater responsibility. If you're passionate about water quality and ready to make an impact every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis. Successful Candidates will be notified via email should they be invited to a skills assessment or interview. The first application review will occur the week of February 23, 2026.

This position is eligible for appointment within the following Salary Grades:

• Salary Grade 20 - $35.33-$49.97
• Salary Grade 23 - $38.82-$54.90
• Salary Grade 25 - $41.43-$58.66
• Salary Grade 27L - $46.37-$65.65

Future Salary Increase: June 2026 - 3.25% to base pay

The Position:
AWP Operators will be responsible for training on, commissioning, monitoring, maintaining, and operating a 16 MGD Class 5 Water Recycling Facility (WRF), associated Solids Handling Facility (SHF), Energy Recovery Facilities, a 12.5 MGD AWP Facility, appurtenant wastewater pump stations and conveyance facilities, product water pump station and conveyance facilities, and remote dechlorination facility; Ensuring customers receive adequate recycled and purified water without health risks; and any other duties as assigned.

To view the complete job classification description for this position, click here: AWP Operator Class Specification

Training/Experience Required:(position requirements at entry)

1. High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) AND
2. Three years of related basic repair and maintenance experience; OR
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed in the class spec.

Licensing Requirements: (position requirements at entry; must be obtained and/or maintained throughout employment)

1. Valid California Driver’s License.
2. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade 2 certificate or higher from the State of California, Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB); OR
3. Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 certificate or higher from the State of California, Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

CWEA/AWWA Advanced Water Treatment Operator (AWTO) Grade 3 certificate desired within 1 year of eligibility. For an employee to advance into Salary Grade 25, they must be dual-certified (WW3 and AWTO 3), or (Water Treatment 3 and AWTO 3) . Salary Grade 27L is an assigned lead position and requires an employee to hold dual certification (WW 3 and AWTO 3).