Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Dusty Garcia

Tucson,AZ

Summary

Dynamic Facilities Plant Operator with extensive experience at Jacobs Engineering, excelling in wastewater treatment operations and regulatory compliance. Proven track record in process optimization and team leadership, enhancing plant efficiency through advanced troubleshooting and effective training. Skilled in SCADA monitoring and committed to safety protocols, ensuring operational excellence in high-pressure environments.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Facilities Plant Operator III

Jacobs Engineering
Tucson, AZ
08.2022 - Current
  • Monitored all operations of a 38 MGD-capacity activated sludge wastewater treatment facility.
  • Executed advanced troubleshooting for mechanical and process systems, significantly boosting plant efficiency.
  • Led training sessions for junior and mid-level operators, emphasizing safety protocols during shift transitions.
  • Managed collection and analysis of samples while interpreting lab results to refine process controls.
  • Maintained compliance with regulations by accurately recording data and submitting required documentation.
  • Performed preventive and corrective maintenance on critical equipment, including pumps and chemical feed systems.
  • Contributed to facility upgrades, focusing on capital project planning and SCADA enhancements.
  • Inspected flow rates and water quality metrics to ensure effective UV disinfection processes for deionized water systems.

Industrial Pretreatment Wastewater Operator

Tesla
Freemont, CA
02.2020 - 07.2022
  • Conducted routine and non-routine sampling across treatment stages for ICP analysis of wastewater and sludge.
  • Operated Inductively Coupled Plasma systems to quantify trace metals in compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Prepared samples for analysis by following EPA methods, ensuring accurate acid preservation and filtration.
  • Interpreted ICP results to assess compliance with NPDES permits, maintaining records for regulatory reporting.
  • Collaborated with compliance teams to identify exceedances and implement necessary corrective measures.
  • Supported sludge management efforts through biosolid analyses for safe disposal or land application.
  • Contributed data from ICP analyses to comprehensive environmental reports submitted to regulatory agencies.
  • Troubleshot high metal concentrations in plant processes by working closely with operations staff.

Lead Wastewater Operator

Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department
Tucson, AZ
03.2015 - 01.2020
  • Managed operations of complex wastewater treatment processes, handling capacities of 50 million gallons daily.
  • Leveraged SCADA and CMMS systems for efficient tracking of operational data and alarm management.
  • Conducted thorough analyses of wastewater and sludge samples while adhering to QA/QC standards.
  • Performed essential maintenance on pumps and valves to ensure optimal system performance.
  • Utilized diagnostic techniques including trend analysis for operational issue resolution.
  • Ensured compliance with safety protocols during confined-space work activities across plant operations.
  • Guided junior staff through mentorship programs while coordinating responses during process upsets.
  • Facilitated the installation and commissioning of upgraded systems following major facility enhancements.
  • Assisted with chemical deliveries and transfers, ensuring safe handling and proper storage of sodium hypochlorite, polymers, Sodium Bisulfite and other treatment agents.

Crash and Salvage Crew Leader

U.S. Navy
Bremerton, WA
07.2003 - 05.2008
  • Operated and maintained critical mechanical systems and high-powered equipment under strict protocols—experience directly applicable to advanced wastewater treatment systems, including pumps, valves, compressors, and chemical feed systems.
  • Directed the movement and coordination of large equipment in confined and hazardous environments, supporting safe, compliant process operations, and complex valving schemes.
  • Performed preventative and corrective maintenance on mission-critical infrastructure, demonstrating expertise in troubleshooting, diagnosing mechanical/electrical failures, and restoring systems with minimal downtime—essential for Class IV plant performance.
  • Responded to emergency situations involving hazardous materials, fuel spills, and fire suppression—skills directly aligned with wastewater emergency response, confined space safety, and HAZMAT containment procedures.
  • Maintained detailed operational logs, inspection records, and maintenance documentation in compliance with Navy protocols—transferable to state and federal wastewater reporting standards (e.g., NPDES, ADEQ, EPA).
  • Conducted safety briefings and actively contributed to operational risk management—mirroring plant-wide safety culture and regulatory requirements (OSHA, PPE, lockout/tagout, SCBA use).
  • Supported the training of junior personnel and collaborated across departments, reflecting leadership readiness in shift supervision, SOP enforcement, and compliance audits.
  • Experienced in coordinating logistics, fluid transfer systems, and process flow—skills used to manage sludge dewatering operations, secondary treatment stages, and UV/chlorine disinfection systems.
  • Proven ability to work in high-pressure, fast-paced environments while ensuring strict adherence to technical procedures, operational integrity, and environmental regulations.

Education

Associate of Science - Environmental Hydrology And Water

Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ
05-2014

Skills

  • Wastewater treatment operations
  • SCADA and PLC monitoring
  • Regulatory compliance and reporting
  • Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Process optimization and data analysis
  • Laboratory sampling and analysis
  • Chemical handling and dosing
  • Leadership and team coordination
  • Safety procedures and confined space entry

Certification

· Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment

· Grade 1 Water Distribution

· CPR/First Aid

Arc flash (NFPA 70E) trained

Timeline

Facilities Plant Operator III

Jacobs Engineering
08.2022 - Current

Industrial Pretreatment Wastewater Operator

Tesla
02.2020 - 07.2022

Lead Wastewater Operator

Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department
03.2015 - 01.2020

Crash and Salvage Crew Leader

U.S. Navy
07.2003 - 05.2008

Associate of Science - Environmental Hydrology And Water

Pima Community College

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