Senior Plant Operator

Mariposa County; California; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Plant Operator to lead and oversee the efficient operations of water treatment facilities. In this role, you will supervise staff, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain high safety standards. Your expertise in wastewater and water treatment operations will be essential as you manage daily activities, compile operational data, and train team members. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital public services while working in a collaborative environment that values your skills and experience. If you are passionate about environmental sustainability and have a strong background in plant operations, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; additional education may substitute for experience.
• Three years of experience in wastewater or water treatment operations required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations and maintenance of treatment plant activities.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Train staff on operations, maintenance, and safety procedures.

Skills

Wastewater Treatment Operations

Water Treatment Operations

Supervisory Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Data Compilation

Safety Procedures

Training and Mentoring

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree in Environmental Science

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science

Tools

Water Treatment Equipment

Process Control Devices

Dissolved Oxygen Meters

pH Probes

Job description

Mariposa Public Works has an opening for a Senior Plant Operator.

Only online applications are accepted.

DEFINITION: Plans, coordinate, and oversee the continuous and efficient operation of the treatment plant operations, process, equipment, and maintenance activities of the special districts facilities including all permitted public water systems with designated responsibility to Mariposa County; functions as the Chief Plant Operator; exercises field supervisory authority including scheduling and oversight of the activities of assigned operational and maintenance subordinate staff; and performs related duties and responsibility as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Senior Plant Operator is the lead/supervisory level class within the Plant Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Utility Manager in that the latter classification performs higher level management responsibilities and manages the Plant Operations division. An incumbent at the Senior Plant Operator level receives only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

The Senior Plant Operator is distinguished from the Plant Operator II in that the latter does not exercise supervision over staff and State certification requirements differ between the two classifications.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general direction from a division manager or a higher level management position. Exercise direct and indirect supervision over assigned staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervise, monitor, and schedule daily and monthly operational and maintenance plant activities.
2. Record and compile operational and process data for review and submission to Public Works management and regulatory agency officials as required.
3. Operate, clean, calibrate, and check the operation of all water treatment plant equipment, process control devices, and instruments including dissolved oxygen meters, pH probes, etc. on a scheduled and routine basis.
4. Collect and/or ensure all required analytical process control samples are collected as required by operating permit requirements.
5. Lead and/or assist with all maintenance and repair projects.
6. Monitor the wastewater treatment plant and water system treatment processes and recommend changes to improve performance or correct process control issues.
7. Ensure adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines.
8. Generate reports as required or instructed to meet wastewater treatment plant management needs and regulatory compliance.
9. Ensure tasks are performed in a safe manner that is compliant with applicable OSHA requirements and County safety programs.
10. Train staff on procedures related to operations, maintenance, and safety.
11. Participate in wastewater treatment plant and water systems project upgrade processes.
12. Assist the Utilities Manager in budget preparation and the ordering of materials and supplies in accordance with department and County policies.
13. Assist in the development and enforcement of division and department work rules and procedures.
14. Manage the operation and maintenance of all electronics and communications systems in the wastewater treatment plants and water systems, and keep abreast of changes in technologies; train employees in these technologies.
15. Act as a lead participant in the area of employee training, mentoring, and succession planning.
16. Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High school or GED equivalency is required.

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing wastewater or water treatment system operation duties.

Substitution: An Associate degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience. A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or a closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience. If using education to qualify, degree or transcripts must be attached to application.

Additional Requirements:
Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate, a Grade I Water Treatment Operator (T1) certificate, and a Grade I Water Distribution Operator (DI) certificate issued by the State of California.Must be attached to application to qualify.

Possession of a valid California driver’s license. Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver’s license from another State if the applicant acknowledges the requirement to acquire a California driver’s license within three months of appointment and by signing an acknowledgement form.