Senior Plant Operator

Senior Plant Operator

Salary

$54.79 - $66.62 Hourly

Location

Orange County Sanitation District, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

374

Department

Operations & Maintenance

Division

Plant Operations

Opening Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

3/17/2027 8:00 AM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This is an open recruitment to fill current and future full-time vacancies. Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASIS until filled. This position may close at any time without notice.

What do you value in your next job?

At the Orange County Sanitation District our Core Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, wed love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect

We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving

We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability

We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning

We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety

We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.

OC San is currently looking to fill the role of a Senior Plant Operator.

Under direction, oversees and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant equipment to control unit processes; ensures wastewater treatment plant operates within regulatory guidelines; performs adjustments and repairs to plant equipment; collects samples for laboratory testing; performs minor maintenance such as flushing sludge lines to digesters, adding oil, and cleaning drains; and performs duties as assigned.

Additionally, the Senior Plant Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant equipment including engines, motors, boilers, compressors, and pumps to control unit processes; provides technical direction and assistance to plant operators and operators-in-training in the operation of wastewater treatment process equipment; assists with training of staff; acts as shift supervisor in the absence of the Operations Supervisor; process control for specific areas of the plant; assists the maintenance division in preparing equipment for maintenance department work; effectively communicates in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Qualifications & Requirements

The successful candidate will possess:

• High school diploma or G.E.D., supplemented by specialized training in wastewater treatment plant operations or a related field.
• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Possession of a valid Grade III California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.
• Possession of a valid California class C drivers license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, methods, chemicals, tools, equipment, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and other departments, both orally and in writing.
• Computer proficiency.

Recruitment & Selection Process

Vacancies: 1

(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)

Apply online at: www.ocsan.gov/careers/

APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

Reapplication window of 180 days will apply. E-mail is the primary mode of communication. No further action beyond application is needed.

• Hiring Salary Range: $54.79 - $60.41/Hour

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

• Mobility to work the plant; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings.
• Perform medium to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 51 pounds, or 75 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Work requires entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment and protective safety equipment.
• Vision to read printed materials, recording devices, and related monitors and to inspect and operate equipment; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances.
• Field work requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
• Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and operate tools and equipment.

Environmental Elements

• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, heights, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Disaster Service Workers

All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Other Requirements

• Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered "at-will", are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve "at-will" and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
• Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
• Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

Other Information

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checks will be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Personal leave credits; eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday; group life insurance; group disability insurance; group health insurance, dependent coverage available, including medical, dental, and vision, employee contribution is required; a retirement plan (Orange County Employees Retirement System) and the option of participating in a deferred compensation plan as well as other optional benefits. A credit union is available. Benefits are subject to the Board of Directors periodic determination (usually annually) and the meet and confer process, and are therefore subject to change. The District makes a generous contribution toward the cost of these benefits.

01

PLEASE READ. The information provided on the Supplemental Questions will be used in conjunction with your job application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected. Do not submit a resume in place of completing these Supplemental Questions. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript. Any information you submit may be verified. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected. I also understand that I may not submit a resume in lieu of filling out the job application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

• Yes, I understand.

02

Do you have a high school diploma or G.E.D.?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess specialized training in wastewater treatment plant operations or a related field?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, describe your specialized training in wastewater treatment plant operations or a related field. If you answered "No", type N/A.

05

Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater treatment plant operations?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, briefly describe your experience in wastewater treatment plant operations. If you answered "No", type N/A.

07

Are you currently in possession of a valid Grade III (or higher) California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, indicate the highest level California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate you have obtained. If you answered "No", specify so by selecting the appropriate response.

• Grade III California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate
• Grade IV California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate
• Grade V California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate
• No, I do not current possess a Grade III or higher California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate

09

Have you ever been responsible for providing guidance and/or training to staff on plant operations and equipment?

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your guidance and/or training responsibilities. If you answered "No", type N/A.

11

Are you able and willing to commit to a work schedule that may require day shifts, night shifts, weekend shifts, working overtime, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

12

Physical demands of this job will require sufficient mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 51 pounds, or 75 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Are you able to perform these essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

13

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid California Class C Drivers License by the time of appointment?

• Yes
• No

14

I understand that this is an open recruitment to fill current and future full-time vacancies. Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASIS and only those moving forward will be emailed next steps. There is a reapplication window of 180 days, and this position may close at any time without notice. Email will be the primary mode of communication. Once your application is submitted, no further action is needed until emailed. Click on the radio button below to acknowledge your understanding of the process as outlined.

• Yes, I understand.

15

All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Click on the radio button below to acknowledge you understand these requirements.

• Yes, I understand.

Required Question

Employer Orange County Sanitation District