Plant Manager

Veolia; Crolona Heights (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental company seeks a Plant Manager for its wastewater treatment facility in California. This role involves overseeing operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering team collaboration, and improving plant performance. Candidates must have significant experience in wastewater management and possess a relevant degree.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid volunteering

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in wastewater treatment operations.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience.
• In-depth understanding of wastewater regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Supervise and train a team of operators and technicians.

Skills

Wastewater treatment processes

SCADA systems

Team leadership

Environmental compliance standards

Data-driven decision making

Grant application familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, chemistry, or a related field

Job description

Company Description

A subsidiary of Veolia group, Veolia North America (VNA) is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent. www.veolianorthamerica.com

Job Description

Position Purpose:

The Plant Manager oversees the operations, maintenance, and administration of a wastewater treatment plant, ensuring efficient, compliant, and sustainable wastewater treatment services to protect public health and the environment. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to operational excellence in a community-focused setting.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Operational Oversight: Manage daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant, including treatment processes, equipment maintenance, and facility upkeep to ensure optimal performance and regulatory compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including EPA and state water board standards. Prepare and submit required reports, permits, and documentation.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and mentor a team of operators, technicians, and support staff. Promote a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the plant’s budget, including operational, capital, and maintenance expenditures. Oversee procurement of supplies and contractor services.
• Maintenance and Improvements: Implement preventive maintenance programs for plant equipment and infrastructure. Plan and manage capital improvement projects to enhance efficiency and capacity.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develop and execute emergency response plans for equipment failures, spills, or other incidents. Serve as the primary point of contact during emergencies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with city officials, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to address concerns, provide updates, and promote environmental stewardship.
• Performance Optimization: Monitor plant performance metrics, analyze data, and implement process improvements to optimize treatment efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Safety Compliance: Enforce safety protocols, conduct regular safety training, and ensure compliance with OSHA and other workplace safety standards.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors, with exposure to wastewater, chemicals, and mechanical equipment.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
• Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience managing a wastewater treatment plant in a municipal or community setting.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of wastewater treatment processes (primary, secondary, and tertiary systems).
• Proficiency with SCADA systems, laboratory procedures, and maintenance practices.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage conflicts, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• In-depth understanding of wastewater regulations, NPDES permits, and environmental compliance standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with staff, regulators, and the public.
• Ability to analyze complex operational issues, make data-driven decisions, and implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge of sustainable practices, such as water reuse or energy-efficient technologies.
• Familiarity with grant applications and funding opportunities for infrastructure improvements.
• Must be available for on-call duties and able to respond to emergencies outside regular working hours.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:

• Level 3 California Wastewater certification.
• State-specific Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical requirements include occasional lifting, climbing, and working in confined spaces.

Additional Information

Pay Range:$140000 to 150000 per year.

Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! 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.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.