Senior Compost Plant Operator

Senior Compost Plant Operator

Under the general supervision of the Compost Operations Supervisor, the Senior Compost Plant Operator coordinates and leads the work of Water Reclamation Plant Operators and monitors, operates, maintains and repairs equipment and components associated with biosolids handling, anaerobic digestion, and composting processes at the Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility. A Senior Compost Plant Operator is required to work extended shifts and/or split schedules on a seven day a week basis, during after-hours, on-call and unusual or emergency conditions.

The recruitment process will consist of an application screening, 1st round (structured) interview, and a 2nd round (selection) interview. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail. The tentative date ranges for the interviews are listed below: 1st Round Interview Date Range: August 3 - 6, 2026

2nd Round Interview Date Range: August 10 - 13, 2026

Essential Duties

Leads the operation of the composting facility and other areas involved in plant operations in accordance with State and Federal requirements; acts in the capacity of the Compost Operations Supervisor as the "Operator in Charge" in their absence. Collaborates with the Compost Operations Supervisor to coordinate work and scheduling with other activities. Plans, prioritizes, schedules and coordinates emergency and regular repair/maintenance and periodic preventive maintenance work for plant facilities, equipment and instruments; reviews plant repair and equipment specifications; monitors industry trends; prepares work orders and assembles materials, supplies and equipment; assigns, reviews, and maintains records of work performed. Trains employees, conducts safety and staff meetings, and assists with the evaluation of employee performance, counseling of employees, and disciplinary actions; ensures adherence and compliance with safety and health policies and procedures as well as state and federal laws and regulations; periodically evaluates worksites to ensure safe conditions; attends all required safety trainings/meetings. Prepares requisitions for contract labor, materials, supplies, and equipment; maintains inventory; approves invoices for payment; reviews unit operating cost and makes budget recommendations. Inspects facilities; reads and interprets engineering drawings related to maintenance; coordinates equipment calibration and the collection and analysis of plant samples. Maintains records, prepares reports and operating procedures; files reports to State and Federal agencies; secures required permits. Performs the duties and tasks of the Water Reclamation Plant Operator OIT/I/II/IIIs as needed.

Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of and performance in the following areas:

• Proper and safe use of various hand and power tools and equipment employed in repair and maintenance work;
• Principals and Federal and State requirements relative to water reclamation plant and compost facility operations, and water distribution operations;
• Safe working practices and working with hazardous chemicals and materials;
• Basic chemistry and laboratory procedures.

Ability to:

• Perform manual labor, use basic hand tools, perform repair and maintenance tasks;
• Plan, organize, prioritize and schedule work;
• Direct the activities of a small work group;
• Schedule and coordinate a variety of work activities and appointments with employees and vendors to support process operations;
• Implement, monitor, and enforce appropriate safety precautions and procedures;
• Perform work in a safe manner and in compliance with safety standards, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Understand Water Reclamation Plant, anaerobic digestion process, centrifuge operations, solids handling, and compost facility operations and equipment;
• Operate SCADA systems, monitor process data, and troubleshoot system issues to support continuous operations;
• Read and interpret technical and equipment manuals and engineering drawings and blueprints;
• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications;
• Perform mathematical computations; prepare written reports; make oral presentations;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Operate mechanical equipment and trucks;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, supervisors, customers, and the public.

Physical and sensory requirements:

• Sufficient eyesight to read standard text and data on computer terminal screens;
• Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone;
• Manual dexterity to use hand and power tools;
• Ability to reach, bend or stoop in performing work;
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately fifty pounds of equipment and/or materials.

Training and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed), typically: Education: High School diploma or equivalent is required. Experience: Four (4) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a water reclamation or wastewater treatment plant. Required Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations: A valid California class C driver's license must be maintained at all times. A State of California Grade III Wastewater Certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required. Desired Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations: A Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is desirable.

It is the policy of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical impairment, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, or age (except where a bona fide occupational qualification). The District will act to ensure equal treatment to all persons in matters affecting recruitment, hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, assignment, benefits, training, and layoff practices, and any other matters affecting employment with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. The same policy applies to all qualified Vietnam-era veterans, disabled veterans or other persons with disabilities that are capable of performing a particular job with reasonable accommodation to their disability.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing, upon applying.