Salary Ranges for Planada Community Services District Staff - 2025

  • Description:
    The District Manager serves as the chief administrator, responsible for the overall management of district operations, finances, compliance, and community relations. This role ensures that essential services—such as water distribution, wastewater treatment, and system maintenance—are delivered reliably, efficiently, and in accordance with state and federal regulations.

    Typical Duties:

    • Leadership & Oversight: Supervise office staff, certified operators, and contracted professionals to ensure day-to-day operations are effective and well-coordinated.

    • Financial Management: Prepare annual budgets, oversee spending, manage audits, and help maintain long-term financial health.

    • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure systems meet state and federal drinking water and wastewater standards; submit all required documentation and sampling reports.

    • Public Communication: Respond to customer concerns, communicate service changes, support public transparency, and coordinate board meetings.

    • Project Management: Lead infrastructure improvement projects, apply for funding or grants, and coordinate with engineers, consultants, and regulatory agencies.

    • Groundwater & System Knowledge: Apply basic understanding of hydrogeology and geology to support well operations, source capacity planning, and water quality monitoring—especially important in groundwater-reliant communities.

    Knowledge Areas:

    • Special district governance and local government operations

    • Water and wastewater system fundamentals

    • Public finance and budget development

    • State and federal compliance requirements (e.g., Title 22, SWRCB reporting)

    • Customer service and community engagement

    • Basic hydrogeology and geology for well and groundwater system management

    • Personnel supervision and contractor coordination

  • Description:
    Water and wastewater operators are responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the community’s water distribution and wastewater systems. Their work directly protects public health by ensuring water quality, maintaining system reliability, and supporting the infrastructure that delivers essential services to residents.

    Typical Duties:

    • System Monitoring & Operation: Operate and inspect wells, pumps, valves, treatment systems, lift stations, and distribution components; monitor SCADA systems and perform manual checks to verify proper function.

    • Sampling & Testing: Collect and analyze water and wastewater samples to ensure compliance with health and safety standards; assist with reporting to regulatory agencies.

    • Maintenance & Repairs: Perform routine maintenance and respond to issues like leaks, line breaks, pump failures, and pressure problems. Conduct field repairs on water mains, hydrants, and sewer lines.

    • Emergency Response: Remain on-call and available outside of normal working hours to respond to urgent situations, including water quality complaints, system failures, or environmental hazards.

    • Recordkeeping & Compliance: Maintain logs, assist with monthly and annual reporting, and support the district’s compliance with state and federal regulations.

    • Public Interaction: Assist customers experiencing service issues and support communication during planned or emergency service interruptions.

    Knowledge Areas:

    • Principles of water distribution and wastewater treatment

    • Emergency repair procedures and safety protocols

    • Use of chemicals (e.g., chlorine, ferric, coagulants) and mechanical equipment

    • Regulatory requirements (Title 22, SWRCB, wastewater discharge permits)

    • Groundwater basics, system hydraulics, and lift station operation

    • Troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems

    Certifications (Typical):

    • D1–D2 (Water Distribution)

    • T1–T2 (Water Treatment)

    • WW1–WW2 (Wastewater Treatment)

  • Description:
    The Chief Plant Operator (CPO), also serving as the Operations Manager, is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and compliance of the district’s water distribution and wastewater systems. This role provides technical leadership to the operator team, ensures regulatory compliance, manages emergency response, and supports capital improvement planning. The position requires extensive field experience and the ability to lead by example.

    Typical Duties:

    • Operational Oversight: Supervise daily operations of wells, tanks, booster pumps, treatment systems, and lift stations to ensure consistent and compliant performance.

    • Staff Supervision & Training: Lead, mentor, and schedule certified operators; ensure work is completed safely and efficiently while maintaining high standards of service.

    • Regulatory Compliance: Oversee all water and wastewater sampling, documentation, and reporting; ensure compliance with SWRCB permits, Title 22, and other state/federal regulations.

    • Maintenance & Repairs: Manage preventive maintenance programs and respond to system breakdowns; coordinate in-house and contracted repairs.

    • Emergency Response: Serve as the primary on-call responder for urgent water quality or system issues; lead after-hours responses to ensure service continuity and public safety.

    • System Monitoring & Reporting: Maintain and review logs, SCADA data, and reporting documentation; ensure timely and accurate submission of monthly and annual reports.

    • Capital Improvement Support: Provide input on system upgrades, equipment selection, and project planning; work closely with engineers and technical consultants.

    Required Experience:

    • 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in water and/or wastewater system operations, including supervisory or lead operator roles.

    • Strong background in troubleshooting, emergency response, and working with regulatory agencies.

    Knowledge Areas:

    • Water and wastewater system hydraulics and treatment processes

    • Chemical dosing, disinfection, and process optimization

    • SCADA monitoring and electrical/mechanical troubleshooting

    • Compliance with Title 22, SWRCB permits, and discharge requirements

    • Field crew leadership, scheduling, and safety protocols

    • Emergency repair planning and coordination

    Certifications (Typical):

    • D2–D3 (Water Distribution)

    • T2 or higher (Water Treatment)

    • WW2 or higher (Wastewater Treatment)

  • Description:
    The Billing / Administrative Technician plays a vital role in supporting day-to-day administrative operations, utility billing, customer service, and compliance coordination for the district. This position helps ensure timely and accurate service delivery to residents and internal departments by managing front-office functions, preparing board materials, and maintaining organized records. The role requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.

    Typical Duties:

    • Utility Billing & Account Management: Generate and issue monthly water/sewer bills; handle late notices, delinquent accounts, shut-offs, and customer payment plans.

    • Customer Service: Provide direct support to residents at the front counter and over the phone; resolve billing concerns, service requests, and general inquiries with courtesy and efficiency.

    • Administrative Support: Assist with board meeting preparation, including agenda packets, resolutions, and documentation; track deadlines and help ensure compliance tasks are submitted on time.

    • Accounts Payable & Recordkeeping: Process vendor invoices, maintain payment records, and assist with financial documentation for audits and transparency.

    • Compliance & Coordination: Assist technical and operations staff with tracking water quality sampling, service shut-offs, cross-connection documentation, and reporting deadlines.

    • Familiarity with Title 22 and AWWA Standards: Understand the basics of California Code of Regulations Title 22 and AWWA standards to support sampling coordination, notice preparation, and compliance filing.

    • Office & Team Support: Maintain supply inventories, coordinate lab bottle orders, manage incoming/outgoing mail, and help ensure smooth internal communication between field and office teams.

    • Bilingual Communication (as applicable): Provide clear information to Spanish-speaking residents regarding billing, water quality notices, and service procedures.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience with utility billing systems and municipal office workflows

    • Strong communication and customer service skills

    • Understanding of special district procedures and public agency requirements

    • Familiarity with Title 22 and basic AWWA operational standards

    • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and document organization

    • Bilingual (Spanish-English) highly desirable

    Experience Level:

    • 2–5 years of experience in an administrative, billing, or public agency role preferred

    • Must be comfortable handling sensitive information and high-volume customer interactions

  • Description:
    The Utility Maintenance / Support Technician works under the direct supervision of certified water and wastewater operators to assist with the daily upkeep, monitoring, and maintenance of the district’s water and sewer systems. This hands-on role supports the overall operation by handling routine tasks and field inspections that help ensure system reliability, cleanliness, and safety. This position is ideal for individuals interested in gaining experience in the utility field and supporting essential public services.

    Typical Duties:

    • Daily Rounds & Visual Inspections: Conduct regular walkthroughs of district infrastructure—including wells, lift stations, manholes, tanks, and ponds—to check for leaks, abnormal conditions, equipment wear, or other concerns.

    • System Monitoring: Read and record data from gauges, meters, and control panels related to pressure, flow, and tank levels to assist operators in system tracking.

    • Routine Maintenance & Upkeep: Perform general cleaning, groundskeeping, lubrication, and equipment upkeep at district facilities; assist with basic repairs and site maintenance.

    • Operator Support: Assist certified operators with flushing lines, preparing for disinfections, chlorine checks, pump swaps, and routine mechanical tasks at the water and wastewater facilities.

    • O&M Tasks: Carry out preventive maintenance on non-critical equipment; clear debris, tighten fittings, replace worn components, and support field repair efforts as directed.

    • Safety & Documentation: Follow all district safety procedures, complete daily logs and checklists, and communicate any concerns or abnormalities to the lead operator or supervisor.

    Work Structure:

    • This position operates under the direct supervision of certified water and wastewater operators, who provide instruction, assign tasks, and review field observations. It supports both the water distribution and wastewater treatment functions of the district.

    Knowledge & Skills:

    • Basic understanding of utility system components and functions

    • Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and complete field assignments reliably

    • Familiarity with common tools and equipment used in general maintenance

    • Strong communication and situational awareness in the field

    • Willingness to work outdoors and in physically demanding environments

    Experience Level:

    • 1–3 years in construction, public works, maintenance, or a related field preferred

    • Ideal for those seeking to grow into a certified operator role (D1, T1, WW1)