Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator
Salary
$119,866.76 - $165,236.76 Annually
Location
Chiquita Water Reclamation Plant (29960 Cow Camp Road, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA 92694), CA
Job Type
Full-Time Represented
Job Number
2026-25
Department
Operations
Division
Treatment Plants
Opening Date
05/19/2026
Closing Date
6/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Join our team as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator!
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking an experienced and technically skilled Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator to support the daily operation of the District's wastewater treatment and recycled water facilities. This advanced-level role plays a key part in maintaining safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant treatment operations while providing day-to-day leadership and technical guidance to plant operations staff.
If you enjoy process optimization, mentoring others, and working in a fast-paced operational environment that directly supports public health and environmental stewardship, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career in wastewater operations.
About the Role
Under general supervision, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator performs advanced operational duties related to wastewater treatment and recycled water production processes and serves as a technical lead for assigned staff and shift operations. The role monitors plant performance, coordinates operational activities, troubleshoots system issues, and helps ensure compliance with all applicable permit and regulatory requirements.
This position combines hands-on treatment plant operations with lead-level responsibilities, including training, coordinating work assignments, supporting process improvements, and assisting supervisors with operational oversight. Operators may work rotating shifts, standby assignments, weekends, holidays, and emergency response situations.
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:
Essential Functions
What You Will Do
What You Bring
Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED and progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, including advanced operational or lead-level responsibilities, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Appropriate California State Water Resources Control Board wastewater treatment certifications are required based on assignment. A valid California driver's license and required safety certifications must be maintained.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
To view the full job description click here: Wastewater Treatment Plant Lead Operator
Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM: As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.
HEALTH INSURANCE: The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
DENTAL INSURANCE: The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the Districts rates. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
VISION INSURANCE: The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT: The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through VOYA with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employees annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employees salary. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.
GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL: General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness/injuries.
While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employees six-month probationary period.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Districts deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates.
HOLIDAYS: The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.
FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT: Through the Districts Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.
LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional
well-being.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT: All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.
The aforementioned information is only a summary of the Districts benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.
01
Do you currently possess a Grade III California Wastewater Plant Operator Certificate?
02
Do you currently possess or have the ability to obtain a Grade IV California Wastewater Plant Operator Certificate within two (2) years of hire date?
Required Question
Employer Santa Margarita Water District
Address 26111 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, California, 92688
Phone (949) 459-6420
Website http://www.smwd.com