The Opportunity
We are building one of California’s most unique regenerative hot springs resorts. Our 13 mineral pools operate chemical-free through flow-through design, our largest pool is supported by advanced ozone and UV systems. Our campus includes geothermal heating for 50 guest units and the lodge, a small public water utility, wastewater treatment plant, and an expanding retreat center and residential village.
We are seeking a capable, hands-on infrastructure leader to steward and scale our integrated water and thermal systems.
This is not a corporate utility position. It is an opportunity to take ownership of a living, high-performance water ecosystem and grow with a mission-driven, expanding campus.
Authority & Reporting
This role reports directly to ownership and holds full operational authority over all water and thermal infrastructure systems on the property.
The Scope
This role oversees three integrated systems:
1. Small Public Water Utility (30 Connections)
- Serve as Operator of Record for the Class D public water system (D1 required).
- Management of artesian hot springs, distribution network and back-up public well.
- Oversight of storage, delivery, and regulatory sampling/reporting.
- Maintain full compliance and documentation transparency.
This is a stable system with no filtration plant and decades of operational history.
2. Wastewater Treatment & Evaporation Ponds
- Multi-stage system with aeration and recirculation.
- Inspection in accordance with SOPs, and preventative maintenance.
- Coordination with contracted certified wastewater operator.
Note: The contracted certified wastewater operator retains regulatory authority; this role oversees daily operations and coordination.
3. Resort Water & Thermal Systems
Aquatics
- 13 flow-through mineral pools.
- Ozone and UV system filtration for the largest pool.
- 2 Pump rooms, manifolds with automated temperature and flow control and circulation systems.
Thermal
- Geothermal heating infrastructure for guest units and lodge.
- Numerous heat pumps for cooling.
- Distribution loops, sensors, automation, and valves.
Infrastructure
- Diagnose and repair pumps, valves, hydraulics, and mechanical systems.
- Identify efficiency improvements and resilience upgrades.
- Participate in planning for resort expansion.
What This Role Is
- Primary guardian of water infrastructure.
- Mechanical systems problem-solver.
- Infrastructure leader for a growing campus.
- On-site authority for water and thermal operations.
- Long-term anchor for expansion.
What This Role Is Not
- A desk-based management position.
- A bureaucratic municipal utility job.
- A complex chemical filtration plant operation.
This is hands-on, mechanical, and strategic.
Responsibilities
- Serve as Operator of Record (D1) for the public water system.
- Oversee regulatory sampling and reporting (with staff and administrative support).
- Lead geothermal heating and cooling optimization.
- Maintain and troubleshoot pumps, repair pressure lines, maintain screens, heat systems, and hydraulic networks.
- Run preventative maintenance independently.
- Lead and mentor a small water team responsible for pool cleaning and maintenance.
- Participate in infrastructure planning as the campus expands.
- Provide on-call response for critical system events (on-site housing provided for this purpose).
- Manage equipment, processes (including lab outsourcing) and lead all efforts around reporting requirements.
Success in This Role Looks Like:
- 100% regulatory compliance.
- Zero unplanned system shutdowns.
- Consistent mineral pool clarity and flow.
- Improved thermal efficiency year-over-year.
- Calm, competent leadership during expansion.
Qualifications
- Certification: California D1 certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
- Mechanical Mastery: Strong aptitude with pumps, hydraulics, and HVAC/heat pump systems.
- Problem Solver: Calm under pressure; able to troubleshoot unconventional systems.
- Organizational Master: The ability to prioritize, minimize downtime, triage, coordinate staff and resources on hand.
- Leadership: Experience guiding a small team with clarity and high standards.
- Lifestyle Fit: Comfortable living on-site as part of a community of land and water stewards in our small rural mountain town of exquisite beauty.
Bonus: Wastewater certification and/or Certified Pool Operator (CPO) experience.
Compensation & Lifestyle
- $75,000 – $90,000 base salary.
- On-site housing included (equivalent to $20k-$30k annual value).
- Employee-rate dining at lodge.
- Full access to world-class mineral hot springs.
- Long-term leadership growth opportunity as campus and residential village expand.