Operations Specialist (Water Treatment)

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

The Northern California Water Business Group is looking for a water treatment Operations Specialist to work on projects in the South and East Bay. This person will work on startup and commissioning efforts on these projects and also provide operations expertise on design.

In the role of Operations Specialist, we'll count on you to:

• Work independently on and lead the start-up 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 the production so water, and perform according to specifications and designed capacity
• Provide operator training, resolution of operational problems, and development of 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 more - senior engineers/construction managers on larger projects.
• Supervise other project-related staff as needed
• Be responsible for personnel and process safety
• Perform other duties as needed
• The successful candidate will also be part of the national Operations and Maintenance team, and participation on projects across the country is highly likely.

Required Qualifications

• 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

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is $119,875.00 - $184,950.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. Primary Location: United States-California-Walnut Creek Other Locations: United States-California-Santa Clara Industry: Water Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: WW Treatment and Effluent Mgmt Job Posting: Jun 1, 2026