Lead Operator

Description

West County Wastewater (WCW) is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to fill the position of Lead Operator. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced wastewater operator to take on an expanded leadership role while continuing to perform skilled plant operations work. The ideal candidate will be a knowledgeable and dependable operator who can provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to Operations staff. The Lead Operator will be expected to use sound judgment, organize and prioritize work, communicate effectively, and help ensure that plant operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable requirements. The Lead Operator serves as a key resource for the Operations team and is frequently called upon to make decisions that affect plant operations, process performance, safety, and permit compliance. The incumbent will lead by example, provide guidance to operators, support training and development, and help maintain consistent operational practices across the plant.

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.
• Is a knowledgeable wastewater professional who can apply technical expertise and sound judgment to complex operational situations.
• Can provide day-to-day leadership and direction while maintaining a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
• Is able to prioritize competing operational needs and respond calmly and effectively to changing conditions and emergencies.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with Operations staff, supervisors, Maintenance, Laboratory, and other WCW work groups.
• Leads by example and demonstrates WCW’s commitment to safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Is willing to coach, train, and support the development of other operators.
• Can identify problems, evaluate available information, and make sound operational decisions.
• Is adaptable and willing to adjust work schedules and assignments based on operational needs, emergencies, and changing plant conditions.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Your work will have a direct impact on WCW’s ability to provide essential public services.
• You will play an important role in keeping a complex wastewater treatment facility operating safely, efficiently, and reliably.
• You will have opportunities to develop your leadership skills while continuing to use your technical wastewater expertise.
• You will work alongside experienced professionals across Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, and other WCW divisions.
• The work is rewarding and provides opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to WCW’s success.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will be expected to provide leadership and direction while working alongside the employees you support.
• Plant conditions can change quickly, requiring you to make timely decisions and adjust priorities.
• You will work with operators who have varying levels of experience and may need to provide additional coaching, training, or support.
• Accuracy and attention to detail are critical because operational decisions can directly affect plant performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• WCW operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Lead Operators are required to work a rotating schedule that includes both day and night shifts.
• You may be called upon to respond to complex operational problems or emergencies with limited time to evaluate options.

Competencies Required

• Decision Making: Making timely and appropriate operational decisions using sound judgment and available information.
• Adaptability: Responding positively to changing plant conditions, priorities, schedules, and operational needs.
• Leadership: Providing direction, guidance, and support to Operations staff and leading by example.
• Coaching & Developing Others: Training, mentoring, and supporting employees in developing technical knowledge and operational skills.
• Problem Solving: Identifying operational issues, evaluating potential causes, and developing effective solutions.
• Technical Expertise: Applying wastewater treatment knowledge and operational experience to maintain efficient and compliant plant operations.
• Safety Awareness: Recognizing hazards, following safe work practices, and promoting a strong safety culture.
• Oral Communication: Clearly communicating operational information, instructions, priorities, and concerns.
• Written Communication: Maintaining accurate records and preparing clear and concise reports and documentation.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Operations and other WCW work groups.

To learn more about joining the District, click here: West County Wastewater Essential Duties Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead and participate in the operation of wastewater treatment and lift station facilities to control flow and process wastewater, sludge and effluent;
• Observe variations in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements, and make necessary process changes;
• Lead and assist in the startup, maintenance, operation, inspection, and shutdown of all plant equipment;
• Identify mechanical, electrical, instrument and equipment problems, deficiencies and malfunctions; document and report concerns accurately to ensure appropriate action will be taken;
• Promote and participate in equipment, process and safety training of all subordinates.
• Lead and participate in collection of samples and perform routine laboratory tests and interpret results;
• Lead and train other treatment plant personnel;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced wastewater treatment processes, including primary, secondary, tertiary and solids processes;
• Standard practices, materials, tools and equipment used in mechanical or electrical repair of minor and major mechanical equipment systems;
• Hazardous gases associated with sewage;
• Principles, practices, and techniques of supervision;
• Mathematics as required to perform position responsibilities;
• Safety hazards and appropriate precautions applicable to work assignments.

Ability to:

• Inspect plant equipment and recognize inefficient, unusual, or dangerous operating conditions;
• Perform process control tests and adjust plant operations accordingly;
• Adjust operating schedules to meet changing conditions or emergencies;
• Train and lead subordinates;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Perform plant operations work independently;
• Work shift, weekends, and holidays as assigned;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Learn and observe all appropriate safety precautions as required by the District, including the District's Respiratory Protection Program.

Minimum Qualifications Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:Experience: Four years of experience in a wastewater treatment facility in a position comparable to a Plant Operator. Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D Equivalency, or California high school proficiency certificate. License OR Certificate: Possession of a Grade III California Treatment Plant Operators certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Possession of a valid California Driver's License. The incumbent must continue to meet all of the provisions of the Driving Policy as a condition of continued employment.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

Fair Labor Standards Act Overtime: Non-Exempt Collective Bargaining Representation Unit: Field Operations Unit Appointment and Removal Authority: General Manager Revised: October 19, 2016

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this exciting promotional opportunity, please visit our website at WCWD to apply online. Applications must be filed online by no later than November 23, 2026.

TENTATIVE EXAM DATES:

Online Skills Assessment/Structure Oral Interview: December 8, 2026 In Person Internal Hiring Interview: December 21, 2026

WCW is not responsible for failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting applications. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources at hr@wcwd.org.Disaster Service WorkerAll West County Wastewater employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the WCW requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.Equal Employment OpportunityIt is the policy of West County Wastewater to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to hr@wcwd.org

West County Wastewater District is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application.

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing hr@wcwd.orgBenefits The District offers a variety of benefits for its employees represented by the Field Operations Unit. These benefits include: retirement pension, health, dental, vision, life insurance and a deferred compensation program.

The District participates in the CalPERS retirement system. Classic participants will be enrolled in the 3% @ 60 plan. New participants will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan. Employees must pay a share based on the plan in which they are enrolled.

The District pays up to 100% of the monthly premium for the Kaiser Bay Area plan for the employee's selected coverage level toward health premiums, up to 90% of the monthly premiums for full family dental insurance and 100% of premiums for full family vision insurance. The District provides retiree medical coverage based on a vesting schedule. Employees contribute 1% of pay each pay period into a trust fund for retirement medical.

The starting accrual for vacation is 10 days each year for the first 2 years with a cap of 400 hours. Employees accrue sick leave each year with a cap of 1,000 hours. Up to 80 hours of sick leave each year may be used for the care of a family member. The District participates in the California SDI program for short-term disability.

The District observes 10 holidays (New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving day and the day after, Christmas day.