The District shall provide an on-going Training & Education Allowance for employees who have received recognized certifications and education above what is required for their job classification. 

Recognized certificates shall include but not be limited to State Department of Health Services (DHS) Operator Grades above Level II in Wastewater, Water and Laboratory; California Water Environment Association (CWEA), Collection Grades above Level II, American Water Works Association (AWWA) Certifications, Associate of Arts/Science Degrees, Bachelors in Arts/Science Degrees, Spanish Language Certification and other related training and education from a certified institution approved by the General Manager. for certificates and/or degrees obtained after July 1, 1997. 

Such reimbursement shall be in accordance with the schedule identified below.

In order to be eligible, the employee must have obtained the certificate and/or degree while employed by the District and has had prior approval from the General Manager that the training and/or education program qualifies under this allowance. An employee shall only be eligible for reimbursement in the fiscal year in which the training and/or education was completed. Such allowance is not cumulative and may not be carried over from one fiscal year to the next. The maximum allowance in any one fiscal year shall not exceed three hundred and fifty dollars ($350.00) per employee. Training & Education allowances shall be limited to two (2) attempts for each certification unless otherwise approved by the General Manager.

The following allowances shall be allocated based on satisfactory completion of course work and/or receipt of the appropriate certification:

Water, Wastewater, Laboratory & Collection System Certificates:

• Level III $100
• Level IV $200
• Level V $300                                                         

Associate of Arts/Science $250                                           

Bachelor of Arts/Science $350

Spanish Language Classes above entry-level $100

AWWA and other programs approved by the General Manager $100

Employees are also eligible for a one-time, one hundred dollar ($100.00) incentive payment for each certification obtained not required for their current position. Employees must receive written prior approval from the General Manager to be eligible for an incentive payment for each certification.