Wastewater Operations Manager Jobs in California

Salary : $131,582.10 - $159,938.74 Annually
Location : 3900 Holly Drive, Tracy, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 3:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: TMMBU
Description
Click to learn more about the City of Tracy and here for the job announcement.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULEApplication Deadline: August 31, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
Virtual Oral Board Exam: September 23, 2026
In-Person Selection interview: September 30, 2026
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The ideal Wastewater Operations Superintendent candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader with extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment operations, regulatory compliance, and treatment processes and systems. They possess the ability to effectively manage budgets, capital projects, contracts, and operational priorities while building strong partnerships with regulatory agencies, consultants, and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, innovation, and a proactive approach to solving complex operational challenges, driving continuous improvements in plant performance, efficiency, and service delivery. They are a forward-thinking leader who inspires teamwork, fosters accountability, and ensures the delivery of safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible wastewater services.
WHY CHOOSE CITY OF TRACY
The City of Tracy offers excellent pay, including 4% COLA increases in July 2027 and 2028. Employees approved to work a compressed work schedule also enjoy strong work-life balance through a9/80 schedule, providing a three-day weekend every other week.
Our competitive benefits package includes fully covered HMO Medical, Dental and Vision for employee + family, generous vacation and sick leave, life insurance, optional 457(b) deferred compensation with a City match, and longevity pay. We proudly participate in CalPERS, with employees enrolled in either the2% @ 55 or2% @ 62 formula based on eligibility, with retirement calculated using a three-year final compensation average.
For a full overview of everything we offer, check out our Benefits section to learn more about the programs and support available to City of Tracy employees. Together, these benefits reflect our commitment to employee well-being, long-term stability, and rewarding career growth.
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations in support of the City's wastewater treatment plant, including SCADA; oversees the operation of wastewater treatment plant equipment; ensures that wastewater operations functions meet all applicable laws, regulations, and City policies; provides complex and responsible support to the Assistant Director in areas of expertise; functions as liaison with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies related to operations of the treatment and collections systems: and performs related duties, as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating staff, operations, programs, projects, and activities of the City's wastewater treatment plant. The incumbent is the designated Chief Plant Operator as defined under the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) certification regulations. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Director in that the latter oversees all utilities operations and maintenance programs and projects of the Department.
Essential and Marginal Duties
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the wastewater treatment plant within the Department.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the wastewater treatment plant; recommends within policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of operating and capital improvement program (CIP) budgets for the wastewater treatment plant; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality.
• Participates in developing and planning and manages preventative and long-term maintenance and safety programs.
• Serves as the City Representative for inspections and interaction with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board; compiles, reviews, and submits required reports to regulatory agencies.
• Performs periodic inspections of all phases of the wastewater treatment process to ensure balanced and proper operation of all systems; recommends alterations and changes in operating procedures as necessary.
• Exercises authority over wastewater treatment plant process control matters in accordance with direction provided from the Assistant Director.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, boards, and City Council.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of wastewater operations; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, project management, budget development and administration, and contract administration and management.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles, practices, equipment, material and tools used in the operation and cleaning, and preventive maintenance of wastewater treatment and disposal facilities and equipment.
• The operation of piping systems, including pipes, valves, and related appurtenances.
• Basic standard chemical and physical tests of wastewater, sludge, and related materials.
• Principles and techniques of capital improvement construction, inspection, and funding.
• Applicable Federal and State laws, City, department, and division regulations, codes, policies, and procedures related to the operations of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Practices of researching program issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Intermediate mathematics and computer skills including SCADA operating systems.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the wastewater treatment plant and the City.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Analyze and interpret plans and specifications in accordance with design requirements and applicable standards and regulations.
• Independently conduct studies and research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff and technical reports; present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with individuals, governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to an associate degree in wastewater technology, laboratory, chemistry, or related field and six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license upon appointment.
• Possession and maintenance of a California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade V certification is required.
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

Additional Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in standard wastewater treatment plant and related facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 100 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work partially indoors and partially ou