Job Opportunity: Lead Operator

Location: Los Alamos Community Services District, Los Alamos, CA
Position Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: September 9, 2025

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The Los Alamos Community Services District is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Operator to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled professional who is passionate about public service, water systems, and community impact.

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Lead Operator

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

DEFINITION:

Under the direct supervision of the General Manager/Chief Plant Operator, performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and construction work involving the water and wastewater system facilities, performs water quality tasks and completes other related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This position is distinguished from the other operator grade series with the responsibility to maintain general control out in the field and while the General Manager/Chief Plant Operator is away from the office.  To carry out verbal and written directives from the General Manager/Chief Plant Operator and the ability to use sound judgment in the day-to-day operations to ensure that the District’s equipment and infrastructure are running as economically and efficiently as possible, ensuring there is little to no significant interruptions to service.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Performs the same functions and duties as an Operator Grade II

• Keeps the General Manager/Chief Plant Operator informed of all activity with the operation and maintenance of the District through verbal and written communications and promptly reports any problems with said operation and maintenance, customer complaints or concerns and any field operator issues or concerns that may arise.

• Oversees and has general charge while operating and maintaining the District’s water and sewer system while the General Manager/Chief Plant Operator is away from the office to keep the water and sewer system running smoothly.

• Ensures that written logs at the District’s facilities are maintained and filled out accurately and that equipment settings, SCADA setting, chemical pump settings and all other related settings are maintained to ensure safe delivery of water and sewer service to District customers.

• In conjunction with the General Manager/Chief Plant Operator, oversees and ensures that in-house laboratory analyses for samples, such as settable solids and Ph., are conducted weekly in accordance with the District’s QAQC (Quality Assurance Quality Control) standard operation procedures.

• Provides the General Manager/Chief Plant Operator with a list of supplies that are needed to keep the operations of the District running and has purchasing authority as needed, as well as provides recommendations for training or any safety related concerns.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Ability to read blue prints and to accurately interpret the District’s Standards and Specifications.

Basic tools, equipment, and practices utilized in maintenance and construction.

Proper handling and installation techniques of materials and supplies used in the course of Water and Wastewater Treatment and Water and Wastewater Distribution system.

Knowledge in proper sampling techniques and standard laboratory analysis methods.

Preventive and routine maintenance requirements of light and heavy equipment assigned.

Safe work practices.

Ability to:

Skillfully perform a variety of skilled construction, maintenance and water quality control tasks.

Properly and safely use a wide variety of light and heavy tools and water analysis apparatuses.

Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Must have at least five (5) years of experience working at a water and wastewater facility and must have current certification as issued by the California State Water Board in the following form:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

1. Additional technical training or certifications in water/wastewater systems are preferred.

2. Prior experience in utility maintenance, plumbing or construction-related work.

3. Knowledge of mechanical equipment.

4. Ability to operate heavy machinery and tools safely.

5. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

6. One (1) year of experience in construction or maintenance work.

7. Specialized training or related courses in water and wastewater.

8. Must have at least a Grade I in Water Treatment.

9. Must have at least a Grade I in Sewer Collection.

10. Must have at least a Grade II in Water Distribution.

11. Must have at least a Grade II in Wastewater Treatment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment, is required to:

1. Meet all conditions set forth in the Employee Handbook under Section II - Introduction to Employment, Subsection D. - Requirements for Employment.

2. Possess a valid and appropriate California Class C driver’s license and be insurable by the District’s vehicle insurance carrier.

3. Understanding working safety procedures, including OSHA regulations.

4. Minimum possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator certificate and a Grade I Water Treatment certificate as issued by the California State Water Board.

5. Minimum possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment certificate as issued by the California State Water Board.

6. Minimum possession of a Grade I Sewer Collection System certificate as issued by the California Water Environment Association.

7. Be available to respond to after-hours emergencies within thirty (30) minutes or less and be subject to on-call and stand by duty.

8. Be able to establish and maintain favorable interpersonal relations with co-workers, superiors (including District Directors) and District customers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift heavy equipment and materials regularly up to 25 lbs., frequently up to 50 lbs. and infrequently up to 75 lbs.; Kneeling, stooping, bending and squatting; close and distance vision; use of hands to finger, handle and feel objects, tools or controls; driving vehicles.

• Comfortable working in confined spaces, near wastewater and in outdoor environments.

• Ability to perform strenuous tasks, including bending, kneeling and climbing ladders.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY EQUIPMENT:

In general, it is necessary for the employee to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating special testing and analyzing equipment.  It is also imperative that the employee be able to maintain the mental capacity allowing the making of sound decisions following specific guidelines and the demonstration of intellectual capability to deal effectively with customers in person and on the phone and to make independent decisions to protect the customer’s health and sanitation and protect the District and other’s property in emergency situations.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a completed District application to:
Los Alamos Community Services District
Attn: Juan Ramon Gomez
jrgomez@losalamoscsd.com or mail it to: 82 St Joseph St, Los Alamos, CA 93463
805-344-4195

 

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