Wastewater Treatment Operations Manager

The Wastewater Treatment Operations Manager will report to the facility manager and is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of an industrial wastewater treatment facility in Bakersfield, California. This role has direct accountability for day‑to‑day plant operations, regulatory compliance, staff leadership, and continuous improvement of treatment processes.
In addition, this position will play a critical role in supporting the expansion of the Bakersfield wastewater treatment facility, partnering closely with engineering, environmental, Emerging contaminants, and construction teams to ensure the expanded system is operationally sound, compliant, and seamlessly integrated into ongoing operations.
Essential Functions
Operations & Plant Management Lead daily operations of the 24/7 wastewater treatment facility to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant performance.
Oversee treatment processes including (as applicable) biological treatment, physical/chemical treatment, solids handling, and pretreatment systems.
Establish and monitor operating parameters, KPIs, and performance metrics to optimize system efficiency and cost control.
Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and reliability of equipment and infrastructure.
Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency response protocols. Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Stewardship Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including permits, discharge limits, and reporting requirements.
Serve as the primary site contact for regulatory agencies, inspections, audits, and permit renewals.
Oversee sampling, laboratory analysis, data integrity, and regulatory reporting.
Partner with EHS, legal, and corporate environmental teams to address compliance issues and corrective actions. Brownfield Expansion Support Act as the operations subject-matter expert for the expansion of the existing wastewater treatment facility.
Collaborate with engineering, environmental consultants, and project managers during design, construction, and commissioning phases.
Provide operational input on process design, equipment selection, redundancy, scalability, and maintainability.
Support startup, testing, validation, and transition of new assets into steady‑state operations.
Develop staffing plans, training materials, and SOPs for the expanded facility. Team Leadership & Development Lead, coach, and develop wastewater operators, technicians, and supervisors.
Ensure appropriate staffing, certification, training, and competency development.
Foster a strong safety culture with emphasis on safe work practices and hazard awareness.
Support performance management, scheduling, and workforce planning. Financial & Strategic Oversight Prepare and manage operating budgets, including utilities, chemicals, maintenance, and labor.
Identify and implement cost‑reduction and efficiency initiatives without compromising compliance or safety.
Support capital planning and spend
Partner with site and corporate leadership on strategic wastewater capacity planning and growth. Education & Essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
5+ years of progressive experience in wastewater treatment operations, including supervisory or management experience.
Hands on experience operating or managing industrial or municipal wastewater treatment systems.
Strong working knowledge of environmental regulations, permits, and compliance frameworks.
Familiarity with treating complex or variable waste streams. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting capital projects or expansions, particularly brownfield wastewater or industrial treatment facilities.
California wastewater operator certification(s) or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe. This role is based primarily at an industrial wastewater treatment facility. The work environment includes outdoor and indoor plant areas, with regular exposure to industrial equipment, treatment systems, chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions.
The Operations Manager will routinely access treatment basins, pump stations, laboratories, and construction areas, including during the brownfield expansion phase, which may involve active construction zones. The role requires the ability to walk, climb stairs or ladders, stand for extended periods, and occasionally lift or move materials consistent with facility operations.
Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times in designated areas.
Crystal Clean LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Crystal Clean expressly values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages the applications of individuals from diverse backgrounds, so that Crystal Clean reflects the communities and customers that we serve.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $123,000.00 -145,000.00 and includes benefits such as the following: Health, Dental and Vision insurance
Wellness Program
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement