Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Advanced Water Treatment Facility Lead Operator

Department: Asset Management

Reports To: Operations and Maintenance Manager / Chief Plant Operator

Location: ARC AWTF Pico Rivera and/or LVL AWTF Long Beach

Normal Business Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., shifts: Sun.–Wed or Wed-Sat.

Alternative work week of 4 days, 10-hour shifts

Classification: Exempt

Prepared Date: November 19, 2025

Job Objective:

Reporting directly to the Chief Plant Operator and Operations Supervisor, the Lead Operator shall function in a supervisory capacity, as well as performing the same duties as the subordinate operators. They direct the day-to-day operation of the AWTF facility, including, influent pumping, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis, UV advanced oxidation process, chemical storage and chemical addition. The Lead Operator will be the designated operator in charge of the facility in the absence of the CPO. The Lead Operator is an advanced level position with operational responsibilities during their respective shift and when on after-hour call response duties. The lead Operators shall coordinate daily operation and maintenance tasks in accordance with PERC Water’s safety procedures and QA/QC standards.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees and performs a variety of assignments related to the operation and maintenance of an advanced wastewater treatment facility. Treatment processes include ultrafiltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO) and UV advanced oxidation.
• Serve as the Designated Operator-in-Charge in the CPOs absence.
• Plan assignments in conjunction with the CPO to ensure the smooth progression of workflow toward a successful completion of work activities.
• Assist the CPO in the assembly of all required operating and regulatory reports. Knowledge and understanding of the contractual obligations and deliverables for the designated treatment facility.
• Plan, coordinate and participate in daily operational activities including, but not limited to the following:
  • Develop operational SOPs and training curriculums

• Monitoring plant equipment and processes
• Collecting and processing water quality samples
• Managing plant chemical inventory
• Cleaning, maintaining and optimizing membrane systems
• Managing electronic operations and management tools (Data Management, CMMS, etc.)

• Conduct training as required and requested by the CPO to ensure appropriate level of staff knowledge to both subordinate operators and maintenance staff.
• Compile, prepare and maintain reports and logs as needed.
• Inspect and evaluate system and equipment functionality as well as the overall treatment facility; coordinate with appropriate staff, including the CPO, Maintenance Manager and the designated Health and Safety Officer.
• Participate in facility housekeeping activities, including maintenance work such as sweeping, cleaning, sanding, painting and other tasks as assigned.
• Collect water quality samples, including preparation of sample bottles, labeling and utilization of appropriate sampling methods as specified in the approved standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Operate motorized vehicles, forklifts and other mobile equipment.
• Participate in facility safety training and following all specified safety procedures in accordance with PERC Water Corp. safety program.
• Troubleshooting and repairing parts and systems.
• During a plant emergency, may be called in to assist with plant operations and maintenance activities.
• Communicate any problems/issues to supervisor.
• All other tasks as assigned by Project Manager/CPO Maintain acceptable attendance per PERC standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1. Must possess a high degree of self-motivation and exhibit strong leadership skills.

2. Must have good mechanical aptitude, and manual dexterity.

3. Ability to use power and hand tools in wet conditions.

4. Ability to work in close proximity and in concert with others.

5. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

6. Must possess good verbal, written and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with coworkers, supervisor and the general public. Ability to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

7. General computer knowledge; good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

8. Physical:

Body Positions: Standing, sitting for extended periods of time, walking.

Body Movements: Use of hands, eyes, arms and voice. Must be able to lift, push and pull up to 40 pounds on a regular basis. 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).

Must be able to work weekends, nights or holidays as needed. Willingness to travel a plus.

On call availability as scheduled

9. 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. Minimum Grade III Wastewater Operator or T-3 Water Treatment Operator Certification issued by the CA State Water Resources Control Board required. No exceptions

2. Must obtain an AWWA Advanced Water Treatment Grade 3 within 12 months of employment. In addition, CWEA mechanical technician certification is highly desirable.

3. 3 years prior supervisory experience required

4. Minimum 3 years previous experience in water or wastewater treatment plant facility operations

5. Valid CA driver’s license

6. High School Diploma, or GED equivalent and college level course work in Water, Wastewater, Chemistry, Biology. BA degree is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to meet the essential duties of the job.

7. Must work to acquire an AWTO Grade 3 (minimum)

Work Conditions:

• Advanced Water Treatment Facility, industrial setting

Wastewater and / or Water Reclamation Facility (indoor and outdoor)

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