Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Engineer Whittier

Salary : $113,664.00 - $166,200.00 Annually
Location : Whittier, CA
Job Type: Open to all
Job Number: LA-386-25E
Department: Wastewater - Water Reclamation Plants
Opening Date: 12/23/2025

JOB POSTING
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS
invites applications for the position of:

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Engineer
POSTING #LA-386-25E
The Sanitation Districts is currently recruiting for a Water Reclamation Plants Operations Engineer. The position is within our Wastewater Management Department, supporting the Water Reclamation Plants Section, and is based at our in Whittier.
OUR MISSION
The Sanitation Districts protect public health and the environment through innovative and cost-effective wastewater and solid waste management, and in doing so convert waste into resources such as recycled water, energy and recycled materials.

JOB SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of a Supervising Engineer, the incumbents will plan and conduct civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation projects related to the operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Plants; develop and recommend engineering solutions for the plant; interact with other District departments and sections, regulatory agencies, utilities, contractors, and the public; perform duties to ensure compliance with permits and regulatory requirements; and maintain effective operation and maintenance of the plants.

Incumbents will be required to become proficient in applying various asset management and reliability strategies to mitigate the risk of mechanical and electrical system failures. These strategies include reliability-centered maintenance, process and preventative maintenance assessments and recommendations, development of inspection and training programs, review/update of facility drawings, review/update of operations & maintenance manuals, criticality and condition assessments, and root cause failure analyses. Duties include developing programs and reports to document facilities and equipment, analyzing the efficiency of operations/maintenance practices, preparing and reviewing design calculations and contract drawings/specifications for proposed projects, and making recommendations for improvements related to operational, maintenance, reliability, and life-cycle costs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess a valid California Class C driver's license -AND-

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE II LEVEL:

• Option 1: A bachelor's degree and a master's degree both in a pertinent engineering discipline from an accredited and recognized college or university
• Option 2: A bachelor's degree from an accredited and recognized college or university in a related science with an Engineer-In-Training Certificate and a master's degree from an accredited and recognized college or university in a pertinent engineering discipline
• Option 3: Two (2) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE III LEVEL:

• Option 1: Two (2) years of experience as an Engineering Associate II
• Option 2: Four (4) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university.

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER LEVEL:

• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer with the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
• AND:
• Option 1: Six (6) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university
• Option 2: A master's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university -AND- Three (3) years of professional engineering experience
• Option 3: A PhD in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university -AND- two (2) years of professional engineering experience

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer with the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
• Three (3) years of professional engineering experience

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The competitive selection process for ALL LEVELS may include:

Knowledge of:

• Professional engineering principles and practices related to wastewater or water treatment processes
• Hydraulic analysis and sizing/selection of pumps
• Large-scale engineering construction projects related to wastewater or the water industry
• Process optimization
• Asset management and reliability-centered maintenance
• Project management methods
• Contract administration
• Regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment plants

Ability to:

• Design and evaluate wastewater engineering projects
• Analyze engineering problems and develop appropriate solutions
• Prepare, review, check, and interpret engineering plans and specifications
• Provide construction support and work with plant staff to minimize impact to current operations
• Plan, organize, and monitor the effectiveness of the work of consultants and vendors
• Coordinate and administer a variety of civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation projects related to the operation and maintenance of the water reclamation plants
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Districts' staff, regulatory agencies, consultants, and vendors
• Manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Prepare and coordinate the development of comprehensive reports

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NOTES:

• A 9/80 work schedule is available. This position is not eligible for telework or working-from-home policies.
• The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related reference check, DMV report, and a drug test.
• Candidates who have completed their required college or university coursework outside the United States must provide a comprehensive evaluation of their foreign transcripts and degrees upon selection for this position.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• This posting will remain open until the vacancy is filled and is subject to closure without notice. To ensure your application is considered, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.
• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of December 29, 2025.
• The selection process will consist of an interview weighted at 100% and will be the same for all qualified applicants.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.

TO APPLY:
Please apply online at within this application period. By using the online application system, you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received for this position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application. Check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process, as notifications may be sent via email. Please verify that your registered email address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery, addinfo@ to your contact list.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Luz Avila at .

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourages people with disabilities and individuals from historically marginalized communities to apply.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts converts waste into resources, please visit the following video:
RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered "classic" members. For "classic" members, the Districts pay the "employee share." Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.
• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.
HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2026, the Districts contribute $2,417.99 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.
• DENTAL: Districts paid. Employees can choose from prepaid and indemnity dental plans. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage. The indemnity dental plan will has an annual in network maximum of $1,750, and an out of network maximum of $1,000.
• VISION: Employee paid.
• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.
• SICK LEAVE: Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.
• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here:
NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated January 2, 2026
01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02

List your current and valid professional registrations. If you do not possess any professional registrations, indicate "N/A."
03

Please select how many years of experience you have working in a professional engineering role.

• No experience.
• Less than two (2) years of experience.
• Two (2) years to less than five (5) years of experience.
• More than five (5) years of experience.

04

Please identify the organization(s) where you gained the experience described in the previous question, the respective dates of employment, and your role within the organization. Employers listed must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.)
05

Which of the following software systems do you have experience with? (Please select all that apply)

• SCADA
• Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View software
• Logix-based PLC hardware families
• OSIsoft Pi System Data Enterprise
• None of the above

06

Please provide a detailed explanation of your experience with the software you selected in the previous question, including specific tasks, projects, or functions you have performed.
07

Please describe your operations and/or engineering experience with large facilities, such as wastewater treatment facilities, advanced treatment processes, and/or pumping plant facility replacement. If no experience, indicate "N/A."
Required Question