Lead Operator

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the delivery of our operations and maintenance services, you'll make it simpler and more seamless for our municipal clients to operate safely and efficiently, empowering communities to focus on what matters most to them – people.

Jacobs is searching for a dynamic
Lead Operator (Shift Lead)
to join our team in
El Segundo, CA
. In this role, you'll provide support to day-to-day operations, maintenance, and repairs of the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (its processes, Satellite Facilities, including the Hyperion Pump Station) under the general direction of the Operations Supervisor. You may be assigned to a particular shift to take a leadership and supervisory role. You'll ensure the Shift Operators follow all safety instructions and use the required PPE at all times as well as ensure treatment processes operate in compliance with state and federal regulations through routine monitoring and adjustment of plant manuals and computerized control systems. You'll identify and diagnose problems, maintain records, reports, log sheets and the proper storage thereof.

Part of their responsibilities include the updating and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Collaborates with and supports Operations/Maintenance staff, Laboratory staff, Engineering staff, and the administrative staff to perform related responsibilities. Maintains courteous and effective relationships with and supports, as necessary the client, plant visitors, vendors, contractors, and co-workers. Performs related work as required. Daily inspection of the site.

Principal Areas of Responsibility
The Lead Operator will perform, train, and direct the work of other operators in the following areas

• Equipment and process control adjustments.
• Isolate equipment and processes.
• Interface with plant computer control system as necessary to perform operations and maintenance duties.
• Operates valves, pumps, and gates manually through local control center.
• Observes variations in operating conditions, records meter, sensor and gauge readings.
• Collect lab samples, perform field analysis, and record results; conducts inspections and collect samples for system operations.
• Monitor and perform visual inspection of mechanical and electrical equipment and control systems.
• Monitors and adjust chemical feed rates as necessary.
• Maintains documentation such as round sheets, log entries, and cleaning log sheets.
• Maintains logbook and transfer sheet.
• Display and communicate to crew members maintenance activity report.
• Display and communicate with crew members process control orders, and ensure they are properly applied.
• Always ensures sufficient chemical quantities and oversees chemical ordering process.
• Staff scheduling, review and submit written timesheets for the crew members
• Take part in weekly conference calls with team leads, operations supervisor and Chief Plant Operator.
• Perform predictive, preventive and corrective equipment and process maintenance and repair work as necessary.
• Maintain good and safe working conditions in all facilities, office building, vehicles, and equipment.
• Maintain, update and enforce operators rounds schedule.
• Keep the operation control room notice board updated.
• Develop spreadsheets for tracking daily, weekly and monthly O&M functions and data.
• Produce verbal and written technical and administrative reports on daily, weekly and monthly progress of O&M functions.
• Cleaning of the MF and Reverse Osmosis units.
• Oversee and document confined space entries.
• Oversee and document LOTO program.
• Schedule and develop safe work plans for tank dewatering and maintenance for both JACOBS and outside contractor's tanks.
• Respond to or coordinate responses to wastewater system emergencies.
• Responsible for general housekeeping of job sites, work areas and other areas as assigned.
• Provide input during regular operations meetings into the formulation of the plan of operations based upon daily process characteristics and efficiencies.
• Offer input and make recommendations regarding capital improvements, and facility efficiency improvements.
• Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of the asset management system.
• Ensure that all safety regulations and policies are adhered to by all employees at or visiting the satellite facilities.
• Ensure training needs assessments (TNA's) are created for new employees and reviews completed for existing employees. (May train Operators, OITs and assigned helpers).
• Safety training benchmarks to be maintained for all operations employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Bring your team-focus, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, and we'll help you grow what drives you – and deliver the world's most challenging Operations Management projects, together.

Here's what you'll need

• Five (5) years' experience in wastewater/water treatment operations and maintenance. A college degree with a major in science or engineering may be substituted for up two years of experience (AA one year, BS two years)
• SWRCB Grade III or higher Wastewater Certification as required by facility being operated
• Valid CA Driver's License is required with no major infractions
• Ability to step in perform the work and duties of an Operator on a particular shift (e.g. board operation, field sampling, rounds and operations).
• Ability to direct the work of other Operators under your assigned supervision.
• Ability to be available for standby duty and emergencies as needed.
• Ability to write and type reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals and/or SOPs.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as chemical dosing, flow calculations, pipe or tank capacity.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and factual variables.
• Proficient in MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, Hansen and other software used in plant operations.

Ideally, You'll Also Have

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• Associate's degree in related field is preferred

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

The work area can involve a working environment indoors, as well as, outdoors which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, pathogens and various chemicals. Safety is of the utmost importance. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.

Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination when preparing reports and using a computer keyboard, have vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents and operate office equipment, have hearing in the normal range with or without correction. In an 8-hour time period must be able to transport self across the facility, ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, wear and use appropriate safety equipment.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs or ladders or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must periodically lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision as well as the ability to distinguish color and shades. Technical dexterity is required in performing chemical and instrumental analytical procedures.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be exposed to odors, silica, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, greases, oils, electrical energy, solvents and vibrations. The employee may work on slippery/uneven surfaces, around machinery with moving parts, moving objects/vehicles, and ladder/scaffolding, below ground and may be exposed to water and other liquid materials.

The employee will be expected to follow the H&S Manual guidelines and wear the appropriate PPE as instructed.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off (allocated plans start date 17 days per calendar year), seven paid holidays, one floating holiday, and caregiver leave and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $83,200.00 to $110,000.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on June 23, 2025. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.