| Location | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Salary | $103,708.80–$138,985.60 Per Year |
Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Salary
$103,708.80 - $138,985.60 Annually
Location
San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type
Permanent - Hourly
Job Number
1026PM-002900-01
Department
Public Works
Division
40515 PW Resources Div
Opening Date
10/19/2026
Closing Date
11/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
About the Position
The Public Works Departments Wastewater Utilities Division oversees the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection, treatment, disposal and recycled water distribution systems throughout San Luis Obispo County.
The Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (CPO), under general direction from the Wastewater Systems Superintendent, is responsible for overall operations including planning, coordinating and directing all activities for the three wastewater treatment facilities operated by Public Works, including the Los Osos Water Recycling Facility, a 1.2 MGD Class IV facility; the County Service Area (CSA) 18 Country Club wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), a 0.1 MGD Class II facility; the CSA 7A Oak Shores WWTP, a 0.1 MGD Class I facility, and all associated collection, disposal, and recycled water systems. This position is designated as the chief plant operator as defined in the California Water Code, Division 7, Chapter 9, representing the County as the facility owner, including compliance with effluent limitations established in the wastewater treatment plant's waste discharge requirements. The CPO supervises, trains, and provides technical support to the operations staff assigned at each facility to ensure compliance with all federal and state requirements.
Click Here For the full job description
The Ideal Candidate
The Wastewater Utilities Division is seeking a Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to perform duties with considerable independence, accountability, and decision-making responsibilities. In addition to the technical strengths and experience necessary for plant operations, this position requires a leader who desires to make a difference in the health and well-being of the communities of Los Osos, Oak Shores, and San Luis Obispo Country Club, and who can teach and inspire the same passion in a group of water quality professionals. Are you someone who can effectively communicate with people about what we do? Do you get excited about the prospect of growing and motivating your employees? Do you possess a relentless service ethic, a high level of personal accountability and want to join an organization dedicated to being a valued community partner enhancing the quality of life for our fellow county residents? If so, you are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Education and Experience
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Graduation from high school or General Educational Development certificate (GED) AND: Three years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a waste water treatment plant.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid SWRCB Grade 4 certification (Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations) or higher at time of application is required. Sustained certification, including any required continuing education units, is mandatory for continued employment. Failure to maintain the required certification will result in removal from the position.
This classification requires driving as an essential job function. A valid California driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.Other Specifications
Other Conditions of Employment:
Special Subclass Recruitment:
This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the
position(s) within this class. The duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential functions of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process. If you have any questions regarding the duties or the working conditions of the position, please contact the Human Resources Department at (805) 781-5959.
How to Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
For more information regarding the Public Works Department, please visit our website atPublic Works - County of San Luis Obispo.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veterans Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veterans preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).
Some benefits include:
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The Countys pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.
01
List the wastewater treatment plants where you have worked and identify the treatment process used at each facility.
02
Describe your experience providing leadership, direction, training, safety training, or technical guidance to wastewater treatment operators, including any experience as an acting supervisor.
03
Do you possess a valid Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board?
04
Please describe your level of experience.
Required Question
Employer County of San Luis Obispo
Address 1055 Monterey Street
Suite D-250
San Luis Obispo, California, 93408
Phone 805-781-5959
Website http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/