Job Details

Salary : $47,611.20 - $60,736.00 Annually
Location : North County (e.g. Atascadero/Paso Robles), CA
Job Type: Temporary Employee
Job Number: 0625TP-009629-01
Department: Public Works
Division: 40510 PW Utilities Division
Opening Date: 06/05/2025
Closing Date: 6/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

About the Position
The County of San Luis Obispo is offering a career opportunity for water professionals to join an APWA accredited Public Works Department.

There is a temporary part-time position available with the North County Water Systems Operations team. The position is limited to 960 hours per fiscal year. This team is made up of 11 certified Water System Treatment and Distribution System Operators who are responsible for: the operation of the Salinas Dam, Pipeline and Booster Station which conveys Salinas Reservoir water to the City of San Luis Obispo, the community drinking water systems for Shandon, Santa Margarita, and Cayucos; the 45-mile Nacimiento Water Pipeline including tanks and pumping facilities; and the Chorro Valley Pipeline which distributes State Water to supply drinking water to the California Men's Colony, City of Morro Bay, and the County Operations Center.
These positions will learn and gain valuable experience operating and maintaining critical drinking water systems in the north and coastal areas of San Luis Obispo County. Incumbents work under close supervision, performing a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled operational and maintenance assignments in a safe manner, while developing an understanding of potable water treatment and water distribution operations. Incumbents will also learn or gain experience to operate and maintain a variety of plant equipment and machinery; will utilize a variety of hand and power tools, and perform routine water sampling and testing.
Classes in this series perform a wide variety of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled work in all phases of the operation, maintenance, repair, and light construction activities associated with potable water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution, collection and disposal systems; and perform other related work as required. Incumbents may work in one or more of the following areas: (a) potable water treatment operations; (b) wastewater treatment operations; or (c) water distribution operations, water supply and wastewater collection and dam and flood control operations.
Distinguishing Characteristics

Water Systems Worker Trainee is the trainee-level position in the series. Incumbents work under close supervision, performing a limited range of routine, unskilled and semi-skilled operational and maintenance assignments in a safe manner while becoming familiar with overall facility operations, locations and equipment.
Click here to view detailed job description.
For more information regarding the Public Works Department, please visit our website at Public Works - County of San Luis Obispo
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be able to work well with a team and by themselves, have good communication and listening skills, is self-motivated, and the enthusiasm to learn about water system operations.
Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or possession of a general educational development (GED) certificate.
Water Systems Worker Trainee: No experience required.
Licenses and Certificates

A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
Water Systems Worker Trainee: No certificate required. Within 12 months of appointment must possess either a T1 or D1 operator certification.
Definitions:

T1, T2, T3 = Potable water treatment certification - levels 1, 2, 3

D1, D2 = Distribution water treatment certification - levels 1, 2
How to Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca.
Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at ...@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
Supplemental Information
Other Specifications

Must be willing and able to work alternating shifts and weekend work to provide coverage after normal workday or irregular and on-call emergency requests on nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must successfully pass initial and recurring respiratory fitness test.
Based upon work location or assignment, incumbents may be required to keep hair and facial hair consistent with the ability to ensure proper use of safety equipment.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-###-#### for assistance or e-mail ...@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)###-####.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated .

Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
-Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) ###-####.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),

Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.