Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Salary : $118,196.00 - $147,758.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Water Treatment
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt

JOB DESCRIPTION
This recruitment is to establish an eligibility list in anticipation of a position vacancy. We are seeking to identify a qualified successor to support continuity of operations and maintain our high service standards.
Due to emergency response obligations associated with this position, candidates must live within 40 miles of the City of San Luis Obispo when employment begins. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please call or email Utilities Deputy Director - Water, Mychal Boerman at or 805-781-7237. For more information about our Water Treatment Plant, visit

This recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled.
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,134 - $5,683 biweekly.

2025-2026 Full Salary Range: $4,546 - $5,683 biweekly
*This classification will receive a 3% cost-of-living adjustment effective July 2, 2026*
Please note: Hiring incentives are not guaranteed but may be valued up to $5,000 for positions deemed hard to fill by the Director of Human Resources. For those candidates who live 50 or more miles from San Luis Obispo County, relocation assistance up to $10,000 may be available. In addition, the City is also honoring service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service.
JOB SUMMARY:
Plans, coordinates, manages, reviews, and evaluates all potable water treatment facility operations, maintenance, and related activities; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local water quality regulations; performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This mid-management level, single-position classification administers all potable water treatment functions for the City through subordinate personnel. This class is distinguished from Deputy Director of Utilities/Water in that the latter has responsibility for all water production, treatment, distribution, telemetry facility, and conservation operations, equipment maintenance, repair and related functions.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
The Water Treatment Plant Supervisor receives general direction from the Deputy Director of Utilities/Water within a framework of legal requirements, policies, and established organizational values and processes with independence of action to meet changing operational conditions. Direct supervision is provided to various levels of plant supervisory, operations, and maintenance staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Plans, oversees, evaluates, and optimizes the operation and maintenance of the City's potable water treatment plant, wells, and off-site potable water storage facilities
• Plans, oversees, and evaluates source water usage and energy consumption to improve system level performance and facility operations. Utilize analytics to gain insights to optimize operations and processes.
• Ensure the operations of the Water Treatment Plant and corresponding decisions and purchases conform with the City's plans and policies including the Climate Action Plan.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff to ensure that work is completed in a safe and appropriate manner, within regulatory requirements.
• Trains staff in work procedures and methods; evaluates the work of staff; initiates and implements work selection and disciplinary procedures.
• Inspects the facility and reviews applicable data to determine operational status; authorizes changes in activities to meet regulatory requirements and ensures the most effective and efficient processes are used.
• Responsible for State Water Resources Control Board and Air Pollution Control District operating permit compliance for the facility.
• Contributes and assists in the long- and short-range planning of potable water plant operational and related facility construction and modification projects; develops and administers the water treatment section operating budget; identifies, prepares budget estimates, and oversees design and construction of water treatment and related capital improvement projects.
• Directs the purchase and inventory of materials, chemicals, supplies, and equipment; contacts vendors and service contractors regarding prices, delivery, and services required for the effective operation of water treatment facilities.
• Oversees collection and related laboratory testing activities or submits samples to contract laboratories; prepares or directs the preparation of regulatory reports and ensures their timely submission to appropriate agencies.
• Monitors source water quality and activities at wells and reservoirs; authorizes operational modifications to meet regulatory and supply requirements.
• Assists in the preparation and review of requests for proposals; contacts vendors and service contractors regarding prices, delivery and services for materials, chemicals, supplies and equipment.
• Inspects the facility for safety violations; ensures that safety procedures are adhered to and that safety equipment is utilized; makes periodic safety presentations to plant staff.
• Troubleshoots operational and maintenance problems; corrects, repairs or directs the correction and repair of operational and/or equipment problems.
• Reads and interprets plans, specifications, blueprints, and schematics.
• Responds to water quality and permit concerns.
• Responds to emergency situations during off-hours, as required; maintains employee standby availability on a scheduled basis.
• Oversees the maintenance of treatment plant, shop areas, and other facilities and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Operates valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate the flow of water through the plant; operates and performs preventive maintenance on a variety of treatment plant equipment such as pumps, motors, chlorinators, or other chemical application equipment.
• Prepares and directs the preparation and timely submission of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, and other materials.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of automated and manual files.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect division operations; implements changes to policies and procedures, after approval.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• The operation, cleaning and preventive maintenance of water treatment and related appurtenances and equipment.
• The operation and preventive maintenance of piping systems, including hydraulics, telemetry, valves and related appurtenances.
• Energy management and facility optimization
• Analytics and performance measures
• Recent developments, current technology and informational resources regarding water treatment, quality, and regulations.
• Standard chemical and physical tests of potable water at various steps of the treatment process.
• Supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation.
• Techniques for training staff in work procedures.
• City and Department strategic plans and goals.
• The operation and maintenance of a variety of tools and equipment related to the work.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Principles and practices of contract negotiation and administration.
• Principles and practices of public agency budget preparation and administration.
• Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Standard office practices and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff.

Ability to:

• Provide exemplary customer service by being attentive, understanding, responsive, consistent, courteous, and respectful. Set an example for others in the area of customer service.
• Plan, organize, supervise coordinate, review, evaluate and personally participate in the functions and activities of a comprehensive water treatment plant.
• Plan, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of treatment plant operations and maintenance staff
• Participate in the preparation and administration of the assigned budget, including submitting budget recommendations for key costs associated with the operation of the plant such as chemical ordering, capital project planning, and cost accounting.
• Train staff in work and safety procedures.
• Recognize, correct or report unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.
• Interpret results of standard chemical and physical tests of water and related materials.
• Participate in a variety of special projects; work with outside contractors coordinate work activities and ensure work quality conforms to standards
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Oversee maintenance and accuracy of written records of operations and work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Incorporate strategic plans and goals into daily operations and decision making.
• Work in a high-performing team atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and City-wide committees to enhance the provision of all City services.
• Be available for standby assignments and to work through emergencies as required. Must be willing to work out-of-doors in all-weather conditions and with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and conditions.
• Work in a water treatment plant and laboratory setting, to lift and carry materials weighing up to fifty pounds and to use specialized test equipment, hand and power tools and instrumentation.
• Work in confined spaces around machines and to climb and descend ladders.
• Read printed materials, charts, gauges and a computer screen.
• Hear and speak to converse in person.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay informed on new trends and innovations in the field of water treatment plant operation and maintenance.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from high school, and successful completion of training required by the California State Water Resources Control Board for T5 certification,

and
Three years of experience operating and performing maintenance on facilities and equipment in a Grade IV level potable water treatment plant.

One year of lead or supervisory experience is highly desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• A T5 certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Live Scan Fingerprinting - DOJ
• Pre-employment Physical

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our

Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

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