Operations Specialist (Water Treatment

The Northern California Water Business Group is seeking a Water Treatment Operations Specialist to support startup, commissioning, and operational excellence for water projects in the South and East Bay.

• Work independently on and lead the startup or operation of plants.
• Represent the owner and help guide operational staff during a plant start‑up or directly supervise plant operational staff.
• Lead or support contractor testing, startup, and commissioning activities to ensure facilities are ready for production and perform according to specifications and designed capacity.
• Provide operator training, resolve operational problems, and develop operations and maintenance manuals.
• Complete projects with clear, specified objectives and limited variables.
• Perform administrative duties associated with project/construction management for civil/site projects.
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of plant mechanical, electrical and process functions, applicable plant technology, and plan performance requirements, including permit compliance requirements.
• Work independently on small projects or assist senior engineers and construction managers on larger projects.
• Supervise other project‑related staff as needed.
• Be responsible for personnel and process safety.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Participate in the national Operations and Maintenance team; travel to projects nationwide is highly likely.

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in plant operations.
• Ability to handle multiple, diverse assignments.
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

Expected compensation range: $ – $ annually, depending on skills, experience, education, and location.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

Location:

Walnut Creek, CA (Primary);
Santa Clara, CA (Other). Industry: Water.

Schedule:

Full‑time. Employee status:
Regular. Business class: WW Treatment and Effluent Management. Job posting date:
Jun 1 2026.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.