Water Treatment Chief Plant Operator

Mammoth Community Water District; Mammoth Lakes (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Mammoth Community Water District is seeking a Water Treatment Chief Plant Operator in Mammoth Lakes, California. The role commands a high level of responsibility in daily plant operations and regulatory compliance, with strong compensation and a robust benefits package.

The position emphasizes hands-on leadership, safety, teamwork, and public health impact. A control and maintenance mindset will support plant efficiency, reliability, and community service in a scenic mountain setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years of water treatment experience, including at least one year in a lead role.
• Possession of SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade T3 certificate at time of appointment.
• Ability to obtain SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certificate within 12 months.
• Valid California Class C Driver License with satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing daily treatment plant operations.
• Monitoring system performance and making operational adjustments as needed.
• Supporting water quality testing, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervising, training, and supporting water treatment staff.
• Coordinating maintenance and troubleshooting operational issues.
• Maintaining records and preparing required reports.
• Responding to emergency call backs and supporting emergency operations when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade T3 certificate

SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certificate

California Class C Driver License

Job description

Water Treatment Chief Plant Operator

Mammoth Community Water District | Mammoth Lakes, California

$54.24 - $75.11 per hour | Full-Time | 9/80 Schedule

Open until filled |First Review Date: September 22, 2026

Mammoth Community Water District is seeking an experienced Water Treatment Chief Plant Operator to help deliver safe, reliable drinking water to the Mammoth Lakes community. This is a unique opportunity to step into a key leadership role with strong compensation, outstanding benefits, meaningful public service impact, and the chance to live and work in one of California’s most distinctive mountain communities.

Mammoth Lakes offers a rare blend of career opportunity and quality of life. Located in California’s Eastern Sierra, the community is known for its natural beauty, strong local character, and year-round outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. This is a place where your work can make a visible difference and your lifestyle can match the setting.

If you are looking for more than just your next job, this role offers the chance to lead essential operations, support a skilled team, and contribute directly to public health, environmental stewardship, and reliable community service.

Essential Functions

Under general direction, the Water Treatment Chief Plant Operator leads day-to-day water treatment operations and helps ensure the District’s facilities run safely, effectively, and in compliance with applicable standards. Core responsibilities include:

Overseeing daily treatment plant operations

• Monitoring system performance and making operational adjustments as needed
• Supporting water quality testing, reporting, and regulatory compliance
• Supervising, training, and supporting water treatment staff
• Coordinating maintenance and troubleshooting operational issues
• Maintaining records and preparing required reports
• Responding to emergency call backs and supporting emergency operations when needed

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who combines technical knowledge with sound judgment, dependability, and a strong commitment to public service. The successful candidate will be collaborative, safety-focused, and comfortable leading a team while staying engaged in day-to-day operations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who values meaningful work, operational excellence, and community impact.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience
  • Five years of water treatment experience, including at least one year while holding a State of California Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade T3 certification or higher.
  • One year of supervisory or lead plant operator experience is required.
• Certification
  • Possession of an SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade T3 certificate at time of appointment
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certificate within 12 months of appointment.
• License
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License, or equivalent, and a satisfactory driving record.
• Special Requirements
  • This position may require rotational availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays, participation in standby duty, emergency response, work in inclement weather, and performance of physically demanding field duties as needed.