Competetion for jobs is tough. Networking is the best chance of getting your foot in the door. Join Linked In, Join the wastewater operator's association in California, attend the regional meetings/ shake hands- get a business card with your name and number on it to hand out, call random plants and ask for a tour (most of the time people are usually pretty understanding).

I got lucky with help from a staffing agency. There's other jobs out there besides what's posted in the newspaper/ on the agency websites. Sometimes a "headhunter" can be your friend. Another idea is to see if you can do an internship at a plant. This looks good on a resume and seperates you from other people with no hands on experience.

-lastly, keep pursuing your education and feel free to ask questions on this forum as often as you like. (no stupid questions)

best regards,

Ryan