Director of Water Systems

California Hot Springs Resort is seeking a hands-on water systems operator to take ownership of our hot springs water infrastructure - from finishing construction-phase design refinement through to long-term daily operation.

This is a full-time, on-site role reporting directly to our Owner/CEO, responsible for a working geothermal water system that is still being finalized. We are building one of California’s most unique regenerative hot springs resorts. You’ll partner in the final engineering decisions, then own operation of the system once the resort opens within the year.

Apply directly through our HR system for faster response: https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/california-hot-springs-director-of-water-systems-f12780b1-35e7-4da9-a904-fddb45a54e66

System scope:

• 13 natural hot pools, approximately 128°F at source, chemical-free through flow-through design
• Advanced ozone and UV system in the largest pool
• 200,000 gallons of water production daily
• Naturally alkaline water (pH 9.2), low TDS, no scaling issues, and drinkable at the source
• Remote sensor monitoring across the system
• Geothermal heating serving 48 guest units, the lodge, and restaurant

Core Responsibilities:

System Operation

• Operate and maintain hot water circulation systems across all pools
• Monitor temperature, mineral scaling, flow rates, and water chemistry
• Oversee filtration, pumps, valves, and heat exchange systems
• Develop and run preventative maintenance protocols
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues as they arise

Design & Build-Out

• Review existing infrastructure design in detail, alongside the Owner/CEO and General Contractor
• Identify improvements, simplifications, or efficiency gains before systems are finalized
• Partner on remaining capital improvement decisions
• Contribute to future expansion planning

Compliance & Stewardship

• Maintain familiarity with applicable California water quality and regulatory requirements
• Support development of long-term water stewardship strategy for the resort
• Work within our regenerative, chemical-free operating philosophy - our water is naturally alkaline, low-TDS, and drinkable at the source, with no scaling issues to manage

• Hands-on mechanical aptitude (pumps, valves, filtration, plumbing systems)
• Water engineering background (Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or related field) - or equivalent hands-on operating experience
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic ability
• Comfort working independently in a rural environment
• Willingness to work toward any California water/pool operator certifications relevant to our system, with resort support, * Experience with system design or capital improvement projects, not just maintenance
• Experience with hot springs, geothermal, mineral, or other thermal water systems
• Loves water: scientifically, spiritually, practically
• Detail-oriented and compliance-focused
• Mechanically skilled and hands-on
• Creative systems thinker
• Comfortable wearing multiple hats
• Interested in long-term stewardship, not just operations
• Curious and willing to deeply understand an unconventional system

This role is both operator and partner, someone who sees infrastructure as living design and wants to help build a resilient, regenerative model for small-scale water systems.

Pulled from the full job description

• Paid housing
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discount, * Salary: $75,000-$90,000, commensurate with certification level and experience
• On-site housing included (equivalent to $20k-$30k annual value)
• Employee-rate dining at lodge.
• Full access to world-class mineral hot springs
• Health plan available
• Opportunity to shape and co-develop a unique water system

Why This Role Is Unique

This isn’t a standard facilities-maintenance job. You’re joining before the system is finished - which means real input into how it’s built, not just how it’s run. Long term, this is stewardship of a living water system at one of California’s most unusual hot springs properties.

We’re looking for someone who sees infrastructure as more than plumbing: mechanically skilled, detail-oriented, a creative systems thinker, and a lover of water - scientifically and personally. If you want to build something and then care for it for years, this is that role.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off