Process Engineer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position:

Under general supervision or direction, performs a wide variety of complex engineering duties involving domestic water treatment and wastewater treatment, including treatment process management, project management, operational and compliance review, inspection and analysis of plant operations, and implementation of process improvements. Serves as a technical resource and advisor to assigned plant systems, and projects/programs; researches problems and conducts engineering-related studies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Process Engineer classification recognizes positions that provide highly specialized, responsible functions related to the District’s treatment plants. The position has administrative responsibility and technical expertise in the area of long and short-range planning of the District’s water and wastewater facilities and over general collection and distribution systems. Incumbents serve as project manager and/or Operations’ technical lead on specified projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides training and mentoring for Operations staff and other District staff on treatment processes and practices. Regularly monitors performance and provides coaching on treatment process improvement and development to Operations staff.

Identifies opportunities to improve the District’s treatment process management practices, ensuring consistency in methodologies, practices, documentation, and department strategies and priorities.

Develops and performs optimization studies and efforts relating to the physical, chemical, and biological streams in domestic water treatment and wastewater treatment, solids management, and odor control.

Participates in the creation and implementation of the Operations department policies, plans, and strategies related to facility operations. Monitors, tracks, and documents performance of treatment processes and distribution systems. Utilizes and directs outside consulting resources in the development and application of processes and technologies to achieve and sustain regulatory compliance, process efficiency, quality, and innovation.

Assists Operations staff in troubleshooting process problems to optimize processes.

Inspects, diagnoses, develops, and executes corrective or improvement plans for treatment processes, including operational and maintenance issues.

Assists field operations staff in troubleshooting process problems to optimize processes and participates in the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) improvement program by attending design and commissioning meetings and providing written and verbal feedback.

Serves as a technical resource and advisor on assigned projects, programs, and systems.

Participates in and leads root cause analysis and incident investigations involving treatment process upsets, failures, and safety incidents. Develops reports/presentations to share learnings.

Monitors and maintains performance programs, reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) for advanced treatment processes, including but not limited to reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, nanofiltration (NF), and microfiltration (MF) facilities. Uses data to monitor and optimize system performance and progression towards cleaning, service, or replacement setpoints.

Coordinates with Technical Services/Engineering staff with CIP as assigned by attending design and commissioning meetings, and providing written and verbal feedback as assigned.

Assists in bi-annual Operations budget preparation for process chemicals, managing service, and chemical contracts. This includes, but is not limited to, preparing a variety of technical reports, and delivering presentations.

Develops, implements, and maintains a comprehensive and responsive process control program for District facilities. Develops, implements and maintains process control orders for each District treatment facility. Utilizes best and appropriate practices for process control and management of treatment processes. Effectively utilize KPIs, laboratory results, and online monitoring to identify and isolate treatment problems.

Collaborates with Operations managers and staff regarding the performance of treatment processes. Develops and refines approaches to evaluate and measure system performance, ensuring it meets annual production goals, chemical use targets, regulatory compliance objectives, and overall system resilience.

Works across multiple departments to implement organizational improvements, cultural change, and overall process improvements related to treatment systems operation and reliability.

Assists in investigating equipment failures to derive understanding, learning, and recommend action to correct and prevent.

Prepares reports for internal use and presentations to advisory committees, senior staff, and Board of Directors. Provides status reports on maintenance activity and KPIs as needed.

Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training. Conduct visual safety inspections and report findings to Safety office as appropriate.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering or a related field. A master's degree in engineering is highly desirable.

Experience: Seven (7) years of engineering experience is required, preferably with a public agency. Experience working as a Process Engineer at a medium to large wastewater facility or water treatment facility is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.

A Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of California is desired but not required.

Knowledge of :

• Thorough knowledge of theory, principles, practices, and techniques of science and engineering as they apply to large, complex potable/recycled water systems, either through formal training or related experience.
• Knowledge of water and/or wastewater characteristics and process analysis.

Ability to:

• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management. Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with outside professionals and vendors.
• Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures, and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
• Understanding of advanced principles and mathematical reasoning and the ability to successfully apply that knowledge to solve scientific and engineering problems.
• Highly proficient in MS Office suite software and capable of performing advanced spreadsheet and database functions. Proficient with computer scheduling software (e.g., MS Project), geospatial program (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS), and computer-based cost estimating.
• Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
• Ability to use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Spark Hire Assessment : As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conductedthrough Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.
Oral Interview Examination : will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Eligible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidays plus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 2/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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