Chief Plant Operator

The Cayucos Sanitary District(“District”) is accepting applications for the position of Certified Plant Operator(“CPO”). This role involves full responsibility for the successful operation of the wastewater treatment plant. To be considered, the applicant must meet the required qualifications for the position.

The District is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco in the beautiful coastal town of Cayucos, California. Cayucos offers an excellent quality of life with a small-town feel coupled with abundant recreational opportunities. The District is a well-run organization operating a 0.34 MGD (peak 1.2 MGD) tertiary treatment facility which began operation in 2021.

The compensation range for this position is $55.90 to $71.36 per hour ($116,272 to $148,428 annually) depending on the level of experience and the step at which one is hired.

The District offers a competitive benefits package which includes PERS retirement pension, employer-paid premiums for health, vision and dental benefits for the employee and family, and paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.

• Possess and maintain at least a Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board or have the ability to obtain a Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Operator certificate by February 5, 2027, extendable to June 5, 2027, subject to District Manager’s discretion.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in operations and maintenance of a wastewater treatment system, including two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Possession of a Domestic Water Distribution Certificate Grade D2 or higher from the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Domestic Water Treatment Operations Certificate Grade T2 or higher from the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of an Advanced Water Treatment Operator Certification (any grade).
• Possession of a Grade I Collections Certificate issued by California Water Environment Association (C.W.E.A.) and a Plant Maintenance Certificate (Technologist or Electrical Instrumentation).
• Knowledge and experience operating and maintaining a SCADA system.

• Supervises plant operation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements and to maintain processes at an optimal and cost-effective level.
• Evaluates the performance of assigned plant operations personnel; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets for assigned personnel; regularly monitors performance and provides feedback for performance improvement and development; with management approval, take disciplinary action to address performance and deficiencies in accordance with the District’s personnel rules, and policies and provisions.
• Participates in the selection, training, and motivation of plant operations personnel.
• Provides day-to-day supervision and leadership and works with assigned staff to ensure the proper, safe and efficient operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Provides technical assistance and advice to assigned plant operations personnel.
• Inspects treatment plant and facilities equipment to ensure its proper functioning, to minimize interruptions in the treatment/operation process, and to alleviate costly repairs; makes adjustments to operating equipment; reports the need for major or specialized repairs to equipment, machinery and electrical and electronic systems; assists specialized trades personnel in making major and/or highly technical repairs to equipment, machinery and systems;…