AWP Operator
- Salary: $35.33 USD Hourly
- Salary Top:$65.65
- Apply By: Feb 01, 2026
- Full Time
- Public Works
- Utilities
- Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Mid to Senior Level
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Summary
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.
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Job Description
Successful Candidates will be invited to a skills assessment held the second week of February with interviews being held the following week.
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
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Job Requirements
Training/Experience Required:(position requirements at entry)
- High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) AND
- Three years of related basic repair and maintenance experience; OR
- 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)
- Valid California Driver’s License.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade 2 certificate or higher from the State of California, Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB); OR
- 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).
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Special Instructions
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Padre Dam Municipal Water District
Show morePadre Dam provides water, wastewater, recycled water and park and recreation services to over 100,000 residents in the East San Diego County communities of Santee, El Cajon, Lakeside, Flinn Springs, Harbison Canyon, Blossom Valley, Alpine, Dehesa and Crest. We are a public agency with policies and procedures directed by an elected five-member Board of Directors. Our infrastructure is worth over $700 million and we have an annual budget of $76.3 million. We import 100% of our drinking water supply and treat two million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater at the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility.
MISSION
Our mission is to provide quality water, recycled water, park and recreational facilities and wastewater management services for our customers. We accomplish this mission in the most cost-effective manner possible, earning customer and community respect.
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