Chief Water Operator — Lead Water Quality & Operations

Water Otter Job Board; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement (CalPERS)

On-site gym

Job summary

City of Menlo Park is seeking a Chief Water Operator for the Public Works department. This role supervises the water distribution staff, coordinates maintenance and operations, and ensures water quality in compliance with State requirements.

The ideal candidate will lead projects, manage safety, and partner with engineering staff to deliver reliable water services. The position demands strong leadership, analytical thinking, and excellent communication, with a customer-service mindset and

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a two-year degree with major coursework in chemistry, biology, or related field.
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in water quality control, water distribution, and/or water treatment, including two years of lead or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and develop staff assigned to water distribution systems and facilities.
• Administer customer service field work, maintenance, lab testing and quality control; cross-connection control; hydrant and main line valve exercising programs.
• Monitor SCADA and ensure it supports water operations; review water quality data and take corrective action as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Customer service mindset

Safety procedures knowledge

Education

Two-year degree in chemistry/biology/related field

5 years water quality control/ distribution/ treatment experience

Lead/supervisory experience (2 years)

Tools

SCADA familiarity

Meter reading equipment

Job description

City of Menlo Park is seeking a Chief Water Operator for the Public Works department. This role supervises the water distribution staff, coordinates maintenance and operations, and ensures water quality in compliance with State requirements.

The ideal candidate will lead projects, manage safety, and partner with engineering staff to deliver reliable water services. The position demands strong leadership, analytical thinking, and excellent communication, with a customer-service mindset and