Wastewater Treatment Supervisor
Apply NowCompany: City of Santa Barbara, CA
Location: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Description:
Salary : $125,114.86 - $152,078.42 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Unclassified
Job Number: 2025-00035-4049-PW-CL
Department: Public Works
Division: Public Works - Wastewater Treatment
Opening Date: 03/26/2025
Closing Date: 4/16/2025 5:30 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains making for one of the most beautiful City's in California. Located just 90 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara provides a unique living environment. The City offers its approximately 95,000 residents a year-round mild climate with an average temperature in the 70's, magnificent beaches, mountains and parks within minutes of a hustling downtown.
ABOUT US
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in a collaborative environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive and grow while fulfilling our Mission.
The Mission of the Public Works Department is to provide the community with the sustainable foundation to thrive by delivering quality services and public infrastructure through efficient and fiscally responsible practices.
THE POSITION
The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a highly motivated individual to supervise and assign duties to operators responsible for the operation and maintenance services of the City wastewater and recycled water treatment operations at the El Estero Water Resources Center. Participates in the selection of assigned staff, provides or coordinates staff training, works with employees to correct deficiencies, and implements disciplinary procedures. Prepares various reports on operational activities. Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives, establishes schedules and methods for providing wastewater system maintenance and repair services, implements policies and procedures. Operates and has basic knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) for monitoring treatment process. Assigns and monitors completion of housekeeping and maintenance activities in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) in support of the Asset Management Program. Participates in the preparation and administration of wastewater treatment related budgets. Monitors and interprets laboratory and operational data; ensures treatment processes are in compliance with regulatory guidelines; makes adjustments to treatment processes as necessary. Prepares specifications for material and equipment purchases, requisitions supplies, materials and adherence to City, departmental and safety policies and procedures by personnel; conducts training sessions with employees regarding safety, equipment operations procedures and related topics. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen and/or staff inquiries and complaints. Communicates with regulatory agencies such as: State Regional Water Quality Control Board (SRWQCB) and Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District (SBAPCD). Note: Incumbent may be required to be on stand-by, including holidays and weekends, for after hour's response to emergency situations at any hour as needed.
BENEFITS
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, repair and installation of wastewater treatment plant infrastructure, lift stations, and recycled water treatment facilities including one (1) year of supervisory experience.
Education and/or Training:
Equivalent to an Associate of Science degree with major course work in civil engineering, chemistry, biology, construction technology or a related field.
License/Certification Requirements:
Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification issued by the State of California at time of appointment, and the ability to obtain a Grade IV certificate within one year of appointment. Possession of a Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate or an Advanced Water Treatment Operator (AWTO) certificate is desirable.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APPLICATIONS AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.
THE SALARY RANGE consists of five steps, each representing an increase of approximately five percent. STEP INCREASES, through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews. Employees receive annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to collective bargaining:
Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.
01
Do you currently possess a valid Grade III or IV California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate? Yes / No
02
Describe your knowledge and experience leading and/or supervising wastewater treatment operations and facilities including: a) treatment process control and optimization; b) working with an asset management program; c) administrative and computer experience.
03
Describe your experience leading and/or supervising wastewater technical staff including: a) Leadership and supervision style / philosophy; b) Staff training / professional development; c) Managing staff performance.
04
Describe your experience and knowledge related to regulatory compliance for a wastewater treatment plant including: a) Relevant regulatory agencies / regulations; b) Maintaining compliance; c) Correcting and reporting deficiencies and/or violations; d) Self-monitoring and reporting.
Required Question
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Unclassified
Job Number: 2025-00035-4049-PW-CL
Department: Public Works
Division: Public Works - Wastewater Treatment
Opening Date: 03/26/2025
Closing Date: 4/16/2025 5:30 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains making for one of the most beautiful City's in California. Located just 90 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara provides a unique living environment. The City offers its approximately 95,000 residents a year-round mild climate with an average temperature in the 70's, magnificent beaches, mountains and parks within minutes of a hustling downtown.
ABOUT US
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in a collaborative environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive and grow while fulfilling our Mission.
The Mission of the Public Works Department is to provide the community with the sustainable foundation to thrive by delivering quality services and public infrastructure through efficient and fiscally responsible practices.
THE POSITION
The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a highly motivated individual to supervise and assign duties to operators responsible for the operation and maintenance services of the City wastewater and recycled water treatment operations at the El Estero Water Resources Center. Participates in the selection of assigned staff, provides or coordinates staff training, works with employees to correct deficiencies, and implements disciplinary procedures. Prepares various reports on operational activities. Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives, establishes schedules and methods for providing wastewater system maintenance and repair services, implements policies and procedures. Operates and has basic knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) for monitoring treatment process. Assigns and monitors completion of housekeeping and maintenance activities in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) in support of the Asset Management Program. Participates in the preparation and administration of wastewater treatment related budgets. Monitors and interprets laboratory and operational data; ensures treatment processes are in compliance with regulatory guidelines; makes adjustments to treatment processes as necessary. Prepares specifications for material and equipment purchases, requisitions supplies, materials and adherence to City, departmental and safety policies and procedures by personnel; conducts training sessions with employees regarding safety, equipment operations procedures and related topics. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen and/or staff inquiries and complaints. Communicates with regulatory agencies such as: State Regional Water Quality Control Board (SRWQCB) and Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District (SBAPCD). Note: Incumbent may be required to be on stand-by, including holidays and weekends, for after hour's response to emergency situations at any hour as needed.
BENEFITS
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
- Operations of modern activated sludge wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, wastewater solids handling, and recycled water processes. Services and activities of a comprehensive wastewater treatment plant maintenance and repair program.
- Materials and equipment related to the operation and maintenance of wastewater systems and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
- Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
- Asset management program procedures, guidelines, methods and practices.
- Modern physical, chemical, and bacterial processes involved in wastewater treatment systems.
- Principles of municipal budget preparation and control.
- Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment and software applications.
- Pertinent Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as applied to operations of wastewater systems.
Ability to:
- Supervise, organize, and review the work of wastewater treatment operators.
- Organize, direct and implement operation and maintenance schedules.
- Ensure employee compliance with Federal, State and local rules, laws and regulations.
- Write concise and clear reports.
- Perform responsible and difficult work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
- Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
- Read and interpret engineering blueprints, plans and drawings, specifications and technical manuals.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Select, train, supervise, coordinate and evaluate staff.
- Create and maintain a positive work environment that values trust, respect, integrity, and honesty.
- Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for wastewater operations and maintenance.
- Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, repair and installation of wastewater treatment plant infrastructure, lift stations, and recycled water treatment facilities including one (1) year of supervisory experience.
Education and/or Training:
Equivalent to an Associate of Science degree with major course work in civil engineering, chemistry, biology, construction technology or a related field.
License/Certification Requirements:
Possession of a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification issued by the State of California at time of appointment, and the ability to obtain a Grade IV certificate within one year of appointment. Possession of a Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate or an Advanced Water Treatment Operator (AWTO) certificate is desirable.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APPLICATIONS AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.
THE SALARY RANGE consists of five steps, each representing an increase of approximately five percent. STEP INCREASES, through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews. Employees receive annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to collective bargaining:
Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.
- The City is a member of the Coastal Housing Partnership, which offers home loan assistance and rental reductions.
- Standard Citywide 9/80 work schedule with closures on alternate Fridays.
- Flexwork/Telecommuting is available.
- Bilingual pay may be available at a rate of $64 / pay period.
- Vacation is accrued at 96 hours / year, increasing with City service.
- Personal leave (32 hours) is provided each July 1st at the start of the fiscal year (pro-rated the first year).
- Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year.
- Holidays: 12 holidays are observed / year.
- Retirement: The City does not participate in Social Security.
- PERS Miscellaneous Formula: "Classic" members: 2.7% @ 55; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 8% of salary. "New" members: 2% @ 62; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 7.75% of salary.
- PERS Police Safety Formula: "Classic" members: 3% @ 50; City contributes 23.38% and employee contributes 9% of salary. "New" members: 2.7% @ 57; City contributes 23.38% and employee contributes 14% of salary.
- PERS Fire Safety Formula: "Classic" members: 3% @ 50; City contributes 27.8% and employee contributes 10.5% of salary. "New" members: 2.7% @ 57; City contributes 14.72% and employee contributes 14.5% of salary.
- Insurance including medical, dental, and vision benefits is available. Click here for the benefits rate sheet: Supervisors Unit Rate Sheet.
- Life Insurance: City-paid term life insurance (1x annual salary) is provided. Employee-paid supplemental life insurance is available subject to a health application if coverage is not elected during the new hire guarantee issue period.
- Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
- Long-term Disability Insurance is provided.
- State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) is provided. Employee pays 1.1% of salary. For 2025, the anticipated SDI/PFL rate is 1.2% of salary.
- Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
- A uniform allowance or uniform will be provided by the City to those employees required to wear a uniform.
- Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City.
- The Santa Barbara City Supervisory Employees' Bargaining Unit represents this classification.
01
Do you currently possess a valid Grade III or IV California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate? Yes / No
- Yes
- No
02
Describe your knowledge and experience leading and/or supervising wastewater treatment operations and facilities including: a) treatment process control and optimization; b) working with an asset management program; c) administrative and computer experience.
03
Describe your experience leading and/or supervising wastewater technical staff including: a) Leadership and supervision style / philosophy; b) Staff training / professional development; c) Managing staff performance.
04
Describe your experience and knowledge related to regulatory compliance for a wastewater treatment plant including: a) Relevant regulatory agencies / regulations; b) Maintaining compliance; c) Correcting and reporting deficiencies and/or violations; d) Self-monitoring and reporting.
Required Question