Chief Plant Operator

Job Title: Chief Plant Operator

Certification: Grade III Wastewater (minimum)

Department: Asset Management

Reports To: Regional Director

Office Location: Barona, CA

Years of Experience: Minimum of 3 Years of progressive experience

Classification: Exempt

Traveled Required: Occasional

Normal Business Hrs: 7AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday

Prepared Date: August 1, 2026

Assigned Facility(s): Barona WRF

Job Objective

Reporting directly to the Regional Director, the Chief Plant Operator will oversee the operation, maintenance and regulatory performance of the Barona, CA Sequential Batch Reactor wastewater treatment facility.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise operations and maintenance (O&M) personnel assigned to the facility

• Manage implementation and ongoing use of the company’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for asset tracking

• Perform routine maintenance and corrective maintenance of assets

• Maintain and process biosolids

• Maintain regular, effective communication with the client and client staff

• Analyze and resolve process and/or equipment issues

• Perform and review lab test results and interpret data

• Prepare and distribute client, regulatory, and operate data reports, including Monthly Asset Management Reports

• Maintain compliance with regulatory permits as required

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for facility units and processes

• Oversee and perform process adjustments to maintain treatment compliance

• Understand and fulfill contractual obligations and deliverables for the facility

• Support the client by soliciting vendor and material quotes

• Attend routine client meetings as requested or required

• Support and/or provide oversight for capital projects specific to the facility

• Facilitate facility tours

• Promote and adhere to PERC Water’s corporate safety program

• Maintain acceptable attendance per PERC Water standards

• Communicate operational issues to management and PERC leadership, including the Senior Operations Specialist

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

1. General computer knowledge; good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, CMMS program used on site
2. Excellent team-working and communications skills to enable effective interaction with and supervision of PERC Water personnel. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
3. Physical:

• Body Positions: Standing and/or Sitting for extended periods of time, walking on uneven terrain around Facilities.

• Body Movements: Use of hands, legs, eyes, arms and voice.

• Must be able to climb up and down stairs and ladders.

• Must be able to climb on, or into facility equipment and systems (Confined Space Training required).

• Willingness to travel a plus.

1. Mental:

• Language ability includes reading, writing, spelling, and the ability to communicate

• Clearly on business topics in English.

Education, Professional Credentials and Experience Required

1. Grade III Wastewater Certification
2. 3 Years of progressive experience with similar treatment plants.
3. Minimum 3 years previous experience in water resource facility operations
4. Valid state issued driver’s license

Work Conditions

Water Reclamation Facility & Collection System (indoor and outdoor)