Wastewater Lead Operator - Oklahoma City, OK

About the role

At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted to 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 – people. As a Lead Wastewater Operator based in Oklahoma City, OK, you’ll join a collaborative team ensuring that our clients can deliver their services uninterrupted. You’ll perform a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant, leading weekly meetings, directing, assigning and training team members. This role oversees daily operations of a wastewater treatment plant, including monitoring equipment, adjusting treatment processes based on data analysis, leading a team of operators, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and performing maintenance tasks while actively identifying and resolving operational issues – essentially acting as a working supervisor with advanced knowledge of wastewater treatment procedures and equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive understanding of wastewater treatment processes, including primary, secondary, and tertiary stages, as well as knowledge of relevant equipment like pumps, filters, and aeration systems.
• Proficiency in performing basic wastewater analysis tests like pH, dissolved oxygen, solids content, and chemical analysis.
• Experience in supervising and training staff, effectively communicating expectations and resolving conflicts.
• Ability to diagnose operational issues, troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, and implement corrective actions.
• Knowledge of local and federal environmental regulations related to wastewater treatment.
• Familiarity with data management systems and reporting software.
• Regular travel by motor vehicle to client sites, project locations, and other work-related destinations; a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required. Telematics & Dash Cameras are used in fleet vehicles; new hires must sign a Telematics acknowledgement.

Requirements

• State of Oklahoma Level B Wastewater Operator License required or ability to obtain through reciprocity within 6 months of hire.
• Three (3) plus years of experience in operating water/wastewater treatment plants.
• Experience leading teams and assigning work.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, shift work and on-call duty as required.
• Possess a valid driver’s license with no major infractions.
• Proficient in the use of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and to enter data into a maintenance management system.
• Proficient in the use of plant SCADA systems and software.

Qualifications

• State of Oklahoma Level A Wastewater Operator License (preferred).
• Six (6) years of experience operating water/wastewater treatment plants (preferred).
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools employed in the general operation of engines, pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment; general maintenance work; safe work practices; principles and methods of biological and chemical sewage analyses, effects and problems of industrial waste in water/wastewater treatment processes, principles of supervision.
• Knowledge of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, data management systems and ability to operate plant PLC’s and SCADA systems.

Skills

• Wastewater treatment process control (primary, secondary, tertiary)
• Laboratory analysis: pH, dissolved oxygen, solids, chemical testing
• Equipment operation: pumps, filters, aeration systems, valves, motors
• SCADA and PLC systems operation
• Data management and reporting software
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Maintenance management systems
• Team leadership, training, and conflict resolution
• Regulatory compliance (local and federal environmental regulations)
• Troubleshooting and corrective action implementation

Working conditions

Safety is a core value at Jacobs. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety-sensitive labor or services. The role requires regular travel by motor vehicle to client sites and project locations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (allocated plans start at 17 days per calendar year)
• Seven paid holidays
• Caregiver leave
• Ability to purchase company stock at a discount
• Legally mandated benefits

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $58,300.00 to $75,800.00; 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.

Schedule

• Full-time, onsite at a Jacobs Workplace
• Weekends, holidays, shift work, and on-call duty as required

Job posted on October 19, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.