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Posted August 21, 2026
Santa Margarita Water District

Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Santa Margarita Water District
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA Full Time
Certifications
Not Applicable



Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator



Salary: $108,868.20 - $150,075.66 Annually
Location: 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Represented
Job Number: 2026-38
Department: Operations
Division: Treatment Plants
Closing: 9/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description

Join our team as a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator!

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking an experienced and technically skilled Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to help lead the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the District's wastewater treatment facilities. This lead-level role combines hands-on plant operations with day-to-day guidance of staff, ensuring treatment processes remain balanced, compliant, and responsive to changing operating conditions.

For an experienced operator who enjoys troubleshooting complex treatment processes, supporting team development, and taking an active role in protecting public health and the environment, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a critical utility operation.

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator plans, assigns, and reviews the work of plant operations staff while personally performing the more difficult and complex duties required to operate wastewater treatment facilities. This position serves as the lead level in the Plant Operator series and provides technical assistance, training, and operational support to staff.

The Senior Operator monitors plant performance, reviews operational data, responds to unusual conditions, and adjusts equipment and treatment processes to maintain efficient operations and high-quality effluent. The position also helps ensure that proper safety procedures, operating practices, and regulatory requirements are consistently followed.

Meet Santa Margarita Water District

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region's largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD's goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.

Santa Margarita Water District's values include:

  • Exemplary service excellence
  • Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
  • Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
  • Environmental and resource stewardship
  • Employee development and leadership training
  • Building relationships that strengthen communities



Essential Functions

What You Will Do

  • Plan, assign, and review the work of staff operating wastewater treatment equipment and facilities
  • Train employees in operating procedures, safe work practices, and proper use of equipment
  • Inspect plant equipment and monitor meters, gauges, charts, instruments, and control systems
  • Review operational reports, daily logs, test results, maintenance records, and unusual operating conditions
  • Operate pumps, valves, chemical feed systems, and related equipment to regulate treatment processes
  • Make process-control adjustments to support plant efficiency and effluent quality
  • Collect wastewater and process samples and perform routine control testing
  • Identify unsafe, inefficient, or abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate corrective action
  • Report permit violations and significant operational concerns to the appropriate supervisor
  • Assist with estimating staffing, equipment, and material needs for plant projects and activities
  • Maintain accurate operational records and prepare reports as required
  • Conduct plant tours and communicate District operations and objectives to visitors and community groups

What You Bring

  • Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, equipment, maintenance practices, and plant operations
  • Ability to independently operate and adjust wastewater treatment equipment and automated control systems
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies and unusual operating conditions
  • Experience providing technical guidance, training, and lead direction to other operators
  • Knowledge of process-control testing, hazardous chemical handling, and wastewater safety requirements
  • Ability to read piping diagrams, distribution schematics, gauges, meters, and operational reports
  • Strong communication, recordkeeping, and mathematical skills
  • Commitment to teamwork, safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable plant performance



Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED and three years of wastewater treatment plant operations experience at a level equivalent to the District's Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator classification, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A valid California Class C driver's license and a California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate are required.

Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information

To view the full job description click here: Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Job Description



To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/smwdca/jobs/5431687/senior-wastewater-treatment-plant-operator




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