Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The Public Works Department's 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.

For the full job description

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.

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 Conditions of Employment:

• Must be willing and able to work alternating shifts and weekend work to provide coverage after normal workday or for irregular and on-call emergency requests on nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be subject to formal standby or around-the-clock operations as situations warrant.
• Must keep hair and any facial hair consistent with the ability to ensure proper use of safety equipment.

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 .

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at  Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at

For more information regarding the Public Works Department, please visit our website at Public Works - County of San Luis Obispo.