Advanced Water Treatment Operator - Santa Cruz, CA

Advanced Water Treatment Operator

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the delivery of our operations and maintenance services, you'll make it simpler and more seamless for our municipal clients to operate safely and efficiently, empowering communities to focus on what matters most to them – people.

Join our Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) in Santa Cruz, CA as an Advanced Water Treatment Operator. The AWPF is a complex state-of-the-art facility comprising of Ozone, Membranes, Ultraviolet-Advanced Oxidation, and waste treatment processes. It is designed to treat an average of 1,500 acre-feet per year (AFY) or approximately 1.3 million gallons per day (MGD) of Secondary Wastewater Effluent to recharge the groundwater basin and combat seawater intrusion.

Bring your team-focus, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, and we'll help you grow what drives you – and deliver the world's most challenging Operations Management projects, together.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates valves, pumps, and gates manually and/or through local control center (SCADA).

• Maintains facilities, office building, vehicles, equipment, and pump stations for advanced water treatment operation. Responsible for general housekeeping of job sites, work areas and other areas as assigned including heavy labor as needed.

• Observes variations in operating conditions, records meter, sensor and gauge readings.

• Performs routine in-plant lab sampling and analysis; conduct inspections and collect samples. Conduct flow meter and field measurements readings of specific parameters throughout individual treatment processes.

• Conduct routine rounds of assigned process areas and records operating data such as run times, chemical usage, flows and other process information.

• Records operating data in shift logs and perform mathematical calculations.

• Performs preventative maintenance of water quality analyzers and instrument and help with other maintenance activities.

• Responds to system emergencies.

• Prepares technical and administrative reports as requested.

• Maintains logs and prepares other required reports as needed.

• Performs necessary process control adjustments.

• Operates treatment facilities to control flow and processing of water, etc.

• Performs routine laboratory analyses for process control measures as well as specific permit reporting as trained & assigned.

• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships client employees, vendors, and the public.

• Able to work weekends, holidays, and shift work as assigned.

• Perform operations and maintenance under a variety of safe weather & working conditions.

• Able to climb stairs, ladders, prolonged walking and standing.

• Being able to safely and properly operate hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment as trained and assigned.

• Develop a commitment to personal safety and the safety of co-workers.

• Performs custodial and other duties as assigned.

Here's what you'll need

• Must have and maintain a valid CA Driver's License

• Ability to meet risk management guidelines is required.

• Three (3) to Five (5) years' experience in wastewater/water treatment operations.

• SWRCB Grade II or higher Wastewater/Water Treatment Certification

• Preferred CWEA AWTO Grade 3 or ability to obtain and AWTO Grade 3 within 12 months of hiring date.

Ideally, you'll also have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred, but not required.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of collection system operations and maintenance.

• Knowledge of and ability to utilize the materials, methods, tools and equipment used in the construction, maintenance and operation of wastewater treatment systems.

• Knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to wastewater system operations.

• Knowledge and ability to analyze data and maintain computer records.

• Knowledge of and ability to perform standard laboratory sampling and testing.

• Available for stand-by duty and emergencies as needed.

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals and/or SOPs.

• Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as chemical dosing, flow calculations, pipe or tank capacity.

• Ability to define problems, collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and factual variables.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Safety is a core value at Jacobs. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services. Due to the nature of the job passing a Fitness for Duty testing is required to ensure candidates for this position are physically and functionally fit to perform the essential physical work functions of this safety sensitive position without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.

The physical and environmental demands required to perform the essential duties of this position include standing, walking, sitting, coordination, balance and agility demands, which may include the ability to stoop, kneel, squat, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements. Additional demands may involve a specific level of dexterity, grip strength, climbing and cardiorespiratory demands. The work areas may be indoor, outdoor, have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, and chemicals. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum $83,000.00 Posted Salary Range: Upper $99,840.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off (allocated plans start date 17 days per calendar year), seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $83,000.00 to $99,840.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on June 17, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Locations

Santa Cruz - California - United States