Associate Engineer (Environmental Protection)

Associate Engineer (Environmental Protection)

Salary

$134,950.40 - $164,028.80 Annually

Location

Orange County Sanitation District, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

760/764

Department

Environmental Services

Division

Resource Protection

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 an Associate Engineer (Environmental Protection).

Under general supervision, performs a variety of engineering duties in the planning, design, construction, operations, and compliance of wastewater facilities, infrastructure, systems, operations, and programs; prepares or coordinates the preparation of a variety of engineering drawings and designs and compliance and permitting documents; provides project management support for assigned programs and projects; inspects and analyzes plant operations and implements process improvements; assists in the enforcement of industrial wastewater discharge regulations and reviews, processes, and approves permits; researches a variety of engineering and/or compliance issues, compiles and analyzes data, and prepares reports; provides technical support to engineering and management staff; and performs duties as assigned.

Specifically, the Associate Environmental Protection Engineer performs a variety of engineering duties to implement the Federal Pretreatment Program and to protect OC San and the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) which includes: issuing control mechanisms in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) and OC San Ordinance; issuing and renewing industrial wastewater discharge permits to industrial facilities; evaluating permit applications and design drawings of industrial waste management practices; finalizing permits and permit requirements; implementing permittees industrial sampling and monitoring programs; evaluating industry wastewater discharge compliance histories; performing evaluations of the permittees corrective response plans and waste management proposals; and preparing and finalizing correspondence. In addition, this individual will conduct technical facility inspections and compliance audits to assess and verify permit application information and overall compliance, investigate the cause of violations, and conduct pollution prevention assessments. This person will interact with industrial permittees, other regulatory agencies, and the public in person, by telephone, and in writing by responding to requests regarding regulatory, permit, and enforcement issues. The Associate Environmental Protection Engineer prepares enforcement actions including notices of violation, compliance agreements, administrative orders, administrative complaints, and administrative fees/penalties as well as assists in the development of source control policies, practices, the implementation of new regulatory requirements, and other special projects as required.

Qualifications & Requirements

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, or environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible engineering experience.
• Valid California Class C Drivers License.

Desirables:

• A bachelors degree in Chemical or Environmental Engineering.
• Possession of an Engineer-In-Training Certificate.
• A thorough knowledge of engineering principles, unit processes, and chemistry.
• Knowledge of the Federal Pretreatment Program.
• Previous experience with wastewater treatment plants, chemical process engineering, or evaluating industrial wastewater treatment systems.
• Previous experience processing and issuing wastewater discharge permits.
• Previous experience in database management (i.e., SQL, etc.) and/or pretreatment software systems (i.e., iPACS, KLIR, Nexinite, etc.).
• Strong business writing, verbal communication, leadership, teambuilding, and negotiation skills, which include the ability to interface with OC San personnel, the public, the business community, and other agencies in a professional manner.

Recruitment & Selection Process

Vacancies: 2

(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)

Apply online at: www.ocsan.gov/careers

APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Friday, July 10, 2026; 5:00 P.M.

(or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)

• Hiring Salary Range (effective July 10, 2026): $134,950.40 - $148,803.20/Year

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

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.
• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders.
• May be required to perform some light physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 51 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
• Frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, 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.

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.

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 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.

Vacation leave; eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday; sick leave; administrative leave; group life insurance; group disability insurance; group health insurance (employee contribution required), dependent coverage available, including medical, dental, and vision; 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. Telecommuting (up to two days) depending on nature of the work, business need, and management approval. Benefits are subject to the Board of Directors periodic determination (usually annually) and the meet and confer process, and are therefore subject to change. OC San makes a generous contribution toward the cost of these benefits.

• New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to the retirement benefit formula and provisions set forth by the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA).

For more information on benefits, visit our website at https://www.ocsan.gov/about-us/jobs/employee-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 Bachelors degree from a college or university which is accredited by the US Department of Education, with major course work in civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, or environmental engineering, or a related field? Please ensure to list the details of your schooling in the "Education" section of your application.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a minimum of two (2) years of increasingly responsible engineering experience?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please describe your engineering experience that is most applicable to this position. Be sure to include the length of time. If you selected "no" on the previous question, input "N/A".

05

Do you currently possess an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certificate?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your experience working with regulatory agencies (name/type of agency, frequency of interaction, in what capacity, etc.). Please indicate "N/A" if not applicable.

07

Do you have any previous experience with wastewater treatment plants, chemical process engineering, or evaluating industrial wastewater treatment systems?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience with wastewater treatment plants, chemical process engineering, or evaluating industrial wastewater treatment systems. Please indicate "N/A" if not applicable.

09

Do you have work experience related to the Federal Pretreatment Program?

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please describe your engineering experience as it specifically relates to the Federal Pretreatment Program. Please indicate "N/A" if not applicable.

11

Do you have any previous experience processing and issuing wastewater discharge permits?

• Yes
• No

12

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please describe your experience related to processing and issuing wastewater discharge permits. Please indicate "N/A" if not applicable.

13

Do you have any previous experience with database management and/or pretreatment software systems?

• Yes
• No

14

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please describe your experience with database management and/or pretreatment software systems, including the names of the database or software systems. Please indicate "N/A" if not applicable.

15

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

• Yes
• No

16

All OC San employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the OC San 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