Wastewater Manager

City-of-Santa-Maria,-C; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Maria is seeking a Wastewater Manager to lead operations of the wastewater treatment plant and sewer systems. You will direct daily O&M, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide a 15-member team through a major modernization project.

This executive role collaborates across Engineering, Regulatory Compliance, and Administration to deliver reliable, compliant infrastructure for the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields.
• Experience operating wastewater treatment and sewer collection systems.
• Strong knowledge of applicable state regulations and compliance.
• Experience managing diverse staff and leading large teams.
• Proven ability to identify and implement capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct day-to-day operations and maintenance of wastewater systems.
• Provide executive-level oversight of wastewater treatment plant and sewer systems.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Compliance, Engineering/Technology, and Administration.
• Supervise 15-person team including supervisors and operators.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Staff management

Capital projects

Wastewater systems

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Environmental Sciences degree

Related fields

Job description

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Monday, October 19, 2026.

The City is undertaking a significant modernization of its existing Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet the requirements of the General Permit, creating a unique opportunity for an accomplished Wastewater Manager to provide leadership at a pivotal time for the City’s wastewater infrastructure.

This position will serve as a key leader in the planning and implementation of this major infrastructure initiative while providing executive-level oversight of the City’s active Wastewater Treatment Plant and its sanitary and storm sewer collection systems. The Wastewater Manager will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, long-term system reliability, and effective stewardship of critical public infrastructure.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of the City’s wastewater operations while leading a complex, high-profile project with lasting benefits for the community.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Wastewater Manager is an operational leadership position that reports directly to the Deputy Director of Utilities - Water Resources. The position will plan, organize, and direct the day-to-day operations and maintenance activities of the City of Santa Maria's wastewater system, including wastewater treatment, sewer collections, and related infrastructure, to ensure an effective collection and treatment system for the community. The Wastewater Manager will lead a team of 15, including supervisors, lead operators, operators, and maintenance workers, and will work closely and collaborate with other internal teams including Regulatory Compliance, Engineering/Technology, and Administration.

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a Council/Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 110,000 residents. The City is located on California’s central coast and covers over 23 square miles, which balances urban and agricultural lands. The Utilities Department is responsible for providing water, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, refuse collection, and disposal services to Santa Maria. The Mission Statement of the Utilities Department is to provide efficient utility services through the use of progressive innovation, excellent customer service, and the wise use of public resources for the long-term benefit of the community. To learn more about the City's wastewater system click here.

SUMMARY/IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, plans, organizes, and directs the operation and maintenance of the City’s Water or Wastewater systems, based on area of assignment. The water system includes operations and maintenance of the distribution system, groundwater production wells, and the blending-disinfection facility. The wastewater system includes operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and the sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems. This position supervises other department professional and technical staff and consultants.

The Water Resources Manager is a Middle Manager role that provides the essential tools, support, and guidance to staff to ensure high-quality utility service delivery. Their role ensures that the residents and businesses in Santa Maria receive dependable and safe resources.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate for this leadership position is an experienced wastewater professional who possesses a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields. They have advanced knowledge and experience related to the safe and effective operation of wastewater and sewer collection systems, as well as applicable State regulations and regulatory compliance. They have experience managing diverse staff, leading large teams, and effectively communicating with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will also have experience in identifying and implementing complex capital projects and solutions related to wastewater treatment, sewer collections, infrastructure, technology, regulatory compliance, and operations and maintenance.

REQUIRED ONLINE SUBMITTALS

1. Up-to-date application
2. A cover letter that explains how your education and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement.
3. A copy of relevant certifications

Full Job Description:

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.