Senior Compost Plant Operator

Senior Compost Plant Operator

Salary

$101,015.82 - $139,028.03 Annually

Location

Calabasas, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00426

Department

Water Operations

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position

Under the general supervision of the Compost Operations Supervisor, the Senior Compost Plant Operator coordinates and leads the work of Water Reclamation Plant Operators and monitors, operates, maintains and repairs equipment and components associated with biosolids handling, anaerobic digestion, and composting processes at the Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility.

A Senior Compost Plant Operator is required to work extended shifts and/or split schedules on a seven day a week basis, during after-hours, on-call and unusual or emergency conditions.

The recruitment process will consist of an application screening, 1st round (structured) interview, and a 2nd round (selection) interview. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail. The tentative date ranges for the interviews are listed below:

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

1st Round Interview Date Range: August 3 - 6, 2026

2nd Round Interview Date Range: August 10 - 13, 2026

Essential Duties

Leads the operation of the composting facility and other areas involved in plant operations in accordance with State and Federal requirements; acts in the capacity of the Compost Operations Supervisor as the "Operator in Charge" in their absence.

Collaborates with the Compost Operations Supervisor to coordinate work and scheduling with other activities.

Plans, prioritizes, schedules and coordinates emergency and regular repair/maintenance and periodic preventive maintenance work for plant facilities, equipment and instruments; reviews plant repair and equipment specifications; monitors industry trends; prepares work orders and assembles materials, supplies and equipment; assigns, reviews, and maintains records of work performed.

Trains employees, conducts safety and staff meetings, and assists with the evaluation of employee performance, counseling of employees, and disciplinary actions; ensures adherence and compliance with safety and health policies and procedures as well as state and federal laws and regulations; periodically evaluates worksites to ensure safe conditions; attends all required safety trainings/meetings.

Prepares requisitions for contract labor, materials, supplies, and equipment; maintains inventory; approves invoices for payment; reviews unit operating cost and makes budget recommendations.

Inspects facilities; reads and interprets engineering drawings related to maintenance; coordinates equipment calibration and the collection and analysis of plant samples.

Maintains records, prepares reports and operating procedures; files reports to State and Federal agencies; secures required permits.

Performs the duties and tasks of the Water Reclamation Plant Operator OIT/I/II/IIIs as needed.

Qualifications

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Proper and safe use of various hand and power tools and equipment employed in repair and maintenance work;
• Principals and Federal and State requirements relative to water reclamation plant and compost facility operations, and water distribution operations;
• Safe working practices and working with hazardous chemicals and materials;
• Basic chemistry and laboratory procedures.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform manual labor, use basic hand tools, perform repair and maintenance tasks;
• Plan, organize, prioritize and schedule work;
• Direct the activities of a small work group;
• Schedule and coordinate a variety of work activities and appointments with employees and vendors to support process operations;
• Implement, monitor, and enforce appropriate safety precautions and procedures;
• Perform work in a safe manner and in compliance with safety standards, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Understand Water Reclamation Plant, anaerobic digestion process, centrifuge operations, solids handling, and compost facility operations and equipment;
• Operate SCADA systems, monitor process data, and troubleshoot system issues to support continuous operations;
• Read and interpret technical and equipment manuals and engineering drawings and blueprints;
• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications;
• Perform mathematical computations; prepare written reports; make oral presentations;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Operate mechanical equipment and trucks;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, supervisors, customers, and the public.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient eyesight to read standard text and data on computer terminal screens;
• Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone;
• Manual dexterity to use hand and power tools;
• Ability to reach, bend or stoop in performing work;
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately fifty pounds of equipment and/or materials.

Training and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed), typically:

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent is required.

EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a water reclamation or wastewater treatment plant.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

A valid California class C driver's license must be maintained at all times.

A State of California Grade III Wastewater Certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

A Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is desirable.

It is the policy of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical impairment, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, or age (except where a bona fide occupational qualification). The District will act to ensure equal treatment to all persons in matters affecting recruitment, hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, assignment, benefits, training, and layoff practices, and any other matters affecting employment with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. The same policy applies to all qualified Vietnam- era veterans, disabled veterans or other persons with disabilities that are capable of performing a particular job with reasonable accommodation to their disability.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing, upon applying.

Medical Insurance

The District currently covers up to $2,153.74 per month of the monthly premium cost of the offered medical plans and offers a choice of HMO and PPO plans.

Dental Insurance

The District provides dental insurance for employees and their dependents.

Life Insurance

Coverage is provided by the District in the amount of $50,000 plus one years salary up to a maximum of $150,000.

Short & Long Term Disability

The District provides coverage for continuation of two-thirds base salary up to $8,239 per month for absences which qualify under the plans.

Vacation

Initially earned at 4 hours per bi-weekly pay period up to a total of 6.46 hours per pay period.

Holidays

The District observes 12 holidays per year.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Employees may elect to participate in a 401(a) and 457(b) tax deferred retirement investment plans. The District will contribute $20 per pay period, up to $40 per month, match into the 401(a) account and up to 1.5% of base salary match on a $1 to $1 basis into the 457(b) account.

Sick Leave

Employees earn 8 hours per month.

Vision care

The District provides vision care for employees and offers an option for dependent coverage.

Retirement

Tier I - 2% at 55 for employees defined as "Classic" members by the California Public Retirement System; 7% employee contribution.

Tier II - 2% at 62 for new members to CalPERS; Employees contribute 50% of normal cost up to an annual maximum, currently 7.00% of salary up to $159,733.

In addition to CalPERS, the District participates in Social Security. The District and employees contribute a required percentage of base wages for Social Security.

Retiree Medical Benefits

The District will contribute 75% of the Kaiser Permanente Traditional HMO plan at the employee only level for employees who retire with at least ten years of service and are at least 55 years of age.

Tuition Reimbursement

After six (6) months of employment, employees may request up to $685 per course for continuing education reimbursement.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may allocate up to $3,400 per year to pre-tax accounts for qualified health care expenses and $7,500 per year for qualified dependent care expenses.

Wellness Center

Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in a Wellness Program

Physical Fitness Program

Employees may be reimbursed for up to $500/fiscal year for payment of costs with primary emphasis on preventive health maintenance, relative to obtaining/receiving a comprehensive physical examination, membership to private gym facilities, purchase of home gym equipment, or membership for at-home fitness programs.

Flexible Work Schedule

The District offers flexible work schedules based on the position and District operational needs.

01

Describe your experience in the operation and maintenance of a water reclamation or wastewater treatment plant. In your response, please include: the number of years of experience, the employer(s) or setting(s) where you gained this experience, and a brief description of your specific duties. If you do not have this experience, please enter "N/A."

02

Describe any experience you may have with biosolids handling and composting processes. If you do not have this experience, please enter "N/A."

03

Which of the following heavy machinery have you used in a work setting? Select ALL that apply.

• Front End Loader
• Skid Steer
• Boom Man Lift
• None

04

Do you currently hold a State of California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Operator Certification? If yes, provide the certification type, grade level, certificate number, and expiration date. If you do not hold this certification, please enter "None."

Required Question

Employer Las Virgenes Municipal Water District

Address 4232 Las Virgenes Road

Calabasas, California, 91302

Phone (818) 251-2226

Website http://www.lvmwd.gov