Chief Plant operator

PERC Water Corporation; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PERC Water Corporation in Santa Clarita is seeking a Chief Plant Operator to oversee the Vista Canyon Water Recycling Facility. You will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the facility, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead a team of operation and maintenance personnel.

You will manage CMMS for asset tracking, interact with regulatory agencies and clients, review lab data, and implement process adjustments to maintain treatment performance.

Qualifications

• Current California Grade 3 Wastewater Certification required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of industry experience.
• Valid CA driver's license.
• Prior supervisory experience a plus.
• Degree a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Operate & manage the assets of assigned facilities, associated personnel and clients.
• Supervise and manage operation & maintenance personnel including responsibility for training, performance evaluations, mentoring etc.
• Manage implementation and ongoing utilization of the CMMS for tracking Asset Management.
• Interact with regulatory agencies and clients.
• Analyze and resolve problems with process and/or equipment.
• Review lab tests and interpret data.
• Perform equipment operation and maintenance.
• Work nights & weekends as necessary to maintain facility compliance.
• Create and distribute client, regulatory and operating data reports.
• Prepare and coordinate regulatory programs as required by permit.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory permits.
• Oversee and perform process adjustments to maintain treatment process compliance.
• Communicate any problems/issues to supervisor.
• Promote and adhere to PERC Water’s written corporate Safety program.

Skills

Team leadership

CMMS knowledge

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

California Grade 3 Wastewater Certification

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Job Title: Chief Plant Operator – Vista Canyon

Department: Asset Management

Reports To: Regional Director

Location: Santa Clarita, California –Vista Canyon Water Recycling Facility

Classification: Exempt

Normal Business Hours: Varies, Approx. 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Date Prepared: June 1, 2026

Job Objective

Reporting directly to the Regional Director, the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) has full responsibility for the successful operation and maintenance of the assigned facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate & manage the assets of assigned facilities, associated personnel and clients
• Supervise and manage operation & maintenance personnel including responsibility for training, performance evaluations, mentoring etc.
• Manage implementation and ongoing utilization of the Computerized Maintenance Manage Management System (CMMS) for tracking Asset Management
• Interact with regulatory agencies and clients
• Analyze and resolve problems with process and/or equipment
• Review lab tests and interpret data
• Perform equipment operation and maintenance
• Work nights & weekends as necessary to maintain facility compliance
• Create and distribute client, regulatory and operating data reports
• Prepare and coordinate regulatory programs as required by permit
• Maintain compliance with regulatory permits
• Oversee and perform process adjustments to maintain treatment process compliance
• Perform other duties and participate in the operation of other facilities on limited basis as needed
• Client Interface including attending monthly operations meetings
• Manage Capital Replacement projects specific to assigned facilities
• Communicate any problems/issues to supervisor
• Promote and adhere to PERC Water’s written corporate Safety program
• Maintain acceptable attendance per PERC Water standards
• All other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

1. General computer skills including good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. Ability to learn CMMS program used on site.

2. Excellent team-working and communications skills to enable effective interaction with
other PERC Water personnel, including peers. Able to establish and maintain effective
working relationships with others.

3. Physical:

• Body Positions: Standing, sitting for extended periods of time, walking.
• Body Movements: Use of hands, eyes, ears, arms and voice. Must be able to lift,
  push and pull up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• Must be able to climb up and down stairs and ladders and climb into process
  tanks and enclosures.
• Must be able to climb on, or into facility equipment and systems (Confined Space
  Training required).
• Must be able to work weekends, nights or holidays as needed.
• On call availability as scheduled.
• Must be able to travel from jobsite to jobsite within the area.
• Occasional Travel Required.

4. Mental:

• Language ability includes reading, writing, spelling, and the ability to communicate
  clearly on business topics in English.

Education, Professional Credentials and Experience

• 1. Current California Grade 3 Wastewater Certification required
• 2. Minimum 3-5 years of industry experience required
• 3. Valid CA driver’s license
• 4. Prior supervisory experience a plus
• 5. Degree a plus but not required

Work Conditions

Jobsite (Wastewater reclamation facility) indoor and outdoor