Lead Plant Operator

Overview

An open recruitment to fill current and future full‑time vacancies. Applications will remain open on a continuous basis until filled. The position may close at any time without notice.

• Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect
• Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving
• Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability
• Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning
• Safety

Lead Staff in operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant equipment including engines, motors, boilers, compressors, and pumps to control unit processes. Perform complex and advanced functions, provide training and field direction to operators, and ensure operations comply with regulatory guidelines. Plan, coordinate, and execute construction‑related outages and major maintenance shutdowns, including writing outage and LOTO procedures, leading field activities, and attending CIP design, construction, and O&M planning meetings.

Perform shift supervisor duties in the absence of the Operations Supervisor.

• High school diploma or G.E.D., supplemented by college‑level coursework or specialized training in wastewater treatment plant operations or a related field.
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Valid Grade IV California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certification.
• Valid California Class C Driver's License.

• Advanced knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, methods, chemicals, tools, equipment, and regulatory requirements.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Computer proficiency.

Vacancies: 2 (an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)

Apply online an.gov/careers

Application Filing Deadline:
Open until filled

Reapplication window of 180 days will apply. E‑mail is the primary mode of communication. No further action beyond application is needed.

Hiring Salary Range: $57.90 – $63.85 per hour (starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications).

• Mobility to work the plant; sit, stand, walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and perform repetitive hand movements; climb and descend ladders; operate hand and power tools and equipment; operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites, projects, and meetings.
• Perform medium to heavy physical work, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials and objects up to 51 pounds with proper equipment or assistance.
• Work requires entry into confined spaces and use of confined entry equipment and protective safety equipment.
• Vision to read printed materials and monitors; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances.
• Field work requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
• Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and operate tools and equipment.

• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confined workspace, heights, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Probationary period as specified in OC San policies; employees who have not completed probation serve at‑will.
• Pre‑employment: background investigation, physical examination, and drug screen (when required).
• Work location assignment may change; employees will be assigned to any OC San location as business needs dictate.

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions, please review the Classification Specification for this position on our website.

Applicants must demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the minimum requirements outlined in this announcement to receive further consideration. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview; all properly completed applications will be reviewed to identify the most appropriately qualified individuals.

False statements may be a cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference checks will be conducted to verify employment‑related information for all potential employees during the background investigation process. This may include verification from past and current employers and confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.