Advanced Water Treatment Operator - Santa Cruz, CA

Jacobs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 99,840; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Jacobs is looking for an Advanced Water Treatment Operator in Santa Cruz, CA. This role emphasizes day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Advanced Water Purification Facility, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective operation.

The ideal candidate has experience in wastewater treatment, holds a valid CA driver’s license, and can handle safety-sensitive tasks while working in diverse conditions. Benefits include medical, dental, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of experience in wastewater/water treatment operations.
• Valid California driver's license is required.
• Ability to meet risk management guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Operate valves, pumps, and gates manually or via SCADA.
• Perform routine lab sampling and analysis for quality control.
• Maintain operating logs and technical reports as requested.

Skills

Wastewater treatment operations

Mathematics for chemical dosing

Standard laboratory testing

Education

SWRCB Grade II or higher Certification

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SCADA systems

Hand tools and power tools

Job description

Position Title: Advanced Water Treatment Operator

Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Under the general direction of the Chief Plant Operator, the Advance Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and repair of the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) equipment to maintain regulatory compliance and production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate valves, pumps, and gates manually and/or through local control center (SCADA).
• Maintain facilities, office building, vehicles, equipment, and pump stations for advanced water treatment operation, including general housekeeping of job sites and work areas.
• Observe variations in operating conditions and record meter, sensor, and gauge readings.
• Perform routine in‑plant lab sampling and analysis, conduct inspections, and collect samples, including flow meter and field measurements throughout individual treatment processes.
• Conduct routine rounds of assigned process areas and record operating data such as run times, chemical usage, flows, and other process information.
• Record operating data in shift logs and perform mathematical calculations.
• Perform preventative maintenance of water quality analyzers and instruments and assist with other maintenance activities.
• Respond to system emergencies.
• Prepare technical and administrative reports as requested.
• Maintain logs and prepare other required reports.
• Perform necessary process control adjustments.
• Operate treatment facilities to control flow and processing of water.
• Perform routine laboratory analyses for process control measures and specific permit reporting as trained and assigned.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with client employees, vendors, and the public.
• Work weekends, holidays, and shift work as assigned.
• Operate under a variety of safe weather and working conditions.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and handle prolonged walking and standing.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment as trained and assigned.
• Develop a commitment to personal safety and the safety of co‑workers.
• Perform custodial and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Valid California driver’s license.
• Ability to meet risk management guidelines.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years’ experience in wastewater/water treatment operations.
• SWRCB Grade II or higher Wastewater/Water Treatment Certification.
• Preferred: CWEA AWTO Grade 3 certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of hiring date.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred but not required).
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of collection system operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and operation of wastewater treatment systems.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to wastewater system operations.
• Ability to analyze data and maintain computer records.
• Proficiency in standard laboratory sampling and testing.
• Availability for standby duty and emergencies as needed.
• Strong writing skills for reports, business correspondence, and SOPs.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks such as chemical dosing, flow calculations, pipe or tank capacity.
• Capability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret extensive technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Safety is a core value. This position involves safety‑sensitive labor or services, requiring fitness for duty testing. Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, coordination, balance, agility, stooping, kneeling, squatting, grasping, reaching, repetitive hand movements, climbing, and cardiorespiratory effort. Work areas may be indoor or outdoor, noisy, with active machinery, high‑pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights, fumes, airborne particles, noxious gases, and chemicals. Appropriate safety equipment is mandatory.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off (17 days per calendar year starting from the hire date).
• Seven paid holidays.
• Caregiver leave.
• Discounted company stock purchase program (subject to eligibility).
• Legally mandated benefits.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $83,000.00 to $99,840.00; though the pay will be hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by job location and additional factors such as job‑related skills, experience, and education.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.