
Wastewater Assistant Project Manager - Santa Cruz, CA
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At a glance
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Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
The Wastewater Assistant Project Manager supports the Project Manager with day-to-day operations, contract administration, planning, performance tracking, client communications, and project objectives at the Soquel Creek Advanced Water Production Facility. The role supervises maintenance staff, supports operations and laboratory teams, and helps ensure regulatory and project objectives are met. It also contributes to reporting, budgeting, procurement, contractor management, and staff development.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
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.
As a Wastewater Assistant Project Manager, based in Santa Cruz, CA, you support the Project Manager in directing day-to-day project operations and is expected to acquire a solid understanding of all aspects of the project and its management. They will assist the Project Manager with contract administration, annual planning, performance tracking, client communications, and the implementation of project objectives.
Placing safety as the highest priority, the candidate must be able to demonstrate good judgement and independently make personnel, maintenance, and operational decisions to meet regulatory and project objectives. The successful candidate will be expected to learn and apply company and industry best practices while mentoring and developing subordinate staff through coaching, training, and leading by example. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills are essential during both routine operations and emergency situations. A successful candidate will be able to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, the client, and any external resources.
In a supervisory capacity, the candidate will be in direct charge of the maintenance staff ensuring adequate staffing and meeting the project’s preventive and reactive maintenance needs. The candidate will also support operations and laboratory teams as necessary and will need to maintain availability for after-hours and emergency needs. The candidate will assist in preparing monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
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.
#ourjacobs #bia #omfs #challengeaccepted
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Place safety above all else, follows safe work practices and actively promoting a strong safety culture among team members
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Solve unique challenges associated with one of the most sophisticated facilities in the industry
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Lead a dynamic and motivated team in a way that makes challenging work rewarding and fun. Participate in the training and development of associates into future company leaders
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Demonstrate good judgement and discretion in the execution of day-to-day duties and interactions with colleagues, supporting a productive and professional work atmosphere
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Apply critical and creative thinking to optimize processes and bring innovative solutions to challenging problems
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Analyze operations and maintenance procedures, process telemetry, and performance metrics to make informed decisions and process changes, ensuring full compliance with all permits
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Maintain the project’s Computerized Maintenance Management System, ensuring it remains accurate and up-to-date and that work orders are issued and completed in a timely manner
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Assist with planning, organizing, operation, maintenance, modification, and improvement of the Soquel Creek Advanced Water Production Facility (SCAWPF)
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Maintain accurate records and preparing reports required by the client, regulatory agencies, the company and Project Manager
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Assist in the development and tracking of operating budgets and provide support in procurement and contractor management
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Communicate effectively and professionally, both written and verbally, maintaining effective working relationships with employees, the client, consultants and the general public
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Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
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Understanding of the technical aspects of advanced water production with all of the following: ozone treatment, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and UVAOP.
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Demonstrated interpersonal relations and personnel management skills
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Ability to read and interpret technical documentation including standard operating procedures, O&M manuals, engineering drawings and schematics
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Proficient use of computer software including but not limited to SCADA, HachWIMS, Maintenance Connection, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
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Possess a valid driver’s license
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Ability to obtain and maintain a State of California AWTO3 certification by December 31, 2027.
Ideally, You'll Also Have:
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High school diploma or GED
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Associates or Bachelor’s degree in water/wastewater treatment, engineering, environmental science, or a related field
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Several years of experience with advanced SCADA systems
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Experience with ozone, membranes and advanced oxidation
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Willingness to interact with the larger professional field in Santa Cruz.
Working Conditions:
Safety is a core value at Jacobs. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services
Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.
How this job compares
Set against the 14,843 open Project Management jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 14, 2026.
- Pay
- This postingNot listed
- California median$125–190K/yr991 salary ranges
- California median$28–34/hr86 hourly ranges
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 1,253 open Project Management jobs in California and 14,843 across the US. 5% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 5 years of experience; Project Management postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years at the median (12,224 postings).
- Education
- 5,787 of the 14,843 open Project Management jobs (39%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 14, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.
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