Operations Specialist (Water Treatment)

HDR; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 119,875 - 184,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Short- and long-term disability

Life insurance

Paid time away

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Retirement savings plan with employer match

Employee referral bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Northern California Water Business Group at HDR is seeking a Water Treatment Operations Specialist to support startup, commissioning, and operational excellence for water projects. This role involves leading plant operations and guiding staff during startups while ensuring compliance and performance standards.

Qualified candidates will have over 10 years of experience in plant operations and be prepared to take on diverse assignments. Compensation ranges from $119,875 to $184,950 annually, accompanied by comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in plant operations.
• Ability to handle multiple, diverse assignments.
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Work independently on and lead the startup or operation of plants.
• Represent the owner and help guide operational staff during a plant start-up.
• Lead or support contractor testing, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Provide operator training, resolve operational problems, and develop manuals.
• Complete projects with clear, specified objectives and limited variables.
• Perform administrative duties associated with project/construction management.
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of plant mechanical and process functions.
• Supervise other project-related staff as needed.
• Be responsible for personnel and process safety.
• Participate in the national Operations and Maintenance team.

Job description

The Northern California Water Business Group is seeking a Water Treatment Operations Specialist to support startup, commissioning, and operational excellence for water projects in the South and East Bay.

Responsibilities

• Work independently on and lead the startup or operation of plants.
• Represent the owner and help guide operational staff during a plant start‑up or directly supervise plant operational staff.
• Lead or support contractor testing, startup, and commissioning activities to ensure facilities are ready for production and perform according to specifications and designed capacity.
• Provide operator training, resolve operational problems, and develop operations and maintenance manuals.
• Complete projects with clear, specified objectives and limited variables.
• Perform administrative duties associated with project/construction management for civil/site projects.
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of plant mechanical, electrical and process functions, applicable plant technology, and plan performance requirements, including permit compliance requirements.
• Work independently on small projects or assist senior engineers and construction managers on larger projects.
• Supervise other project‑related staff as needed.
• Be responsible for personnel and process safety.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Participate in the national Operations and Maintenance team; travel to projects nationwide is highly likely.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in plant operations.
• Ability to handle multiple, diverse assignments.
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected compensation range: $119,875.00 – $184,950.00 annually, depending on skills, experience, education, and location.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

Location: Walnut Creek, CA (Primary); Santa Clara, CA (Other). Industry: Water. Schedule: Full‑time. Employee status: Regular. Business class: WW Treatment and Effluent Management. Job posting date: Jun 1 2026.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.