Wastewater Plant Operator

Certified Wastewater Plant Operator (Levels 2–4)

Our Public Works Department is seeking qualified and safety-focused Certified Wastewater Plant Operators (Levels 2–4) to support the operation, maintenance, and process control functions of a municipal wastewater treatment facility.

This position plays a critical role in protecting public health, environmental compliance, and utility operations by ensuring wastewater treatment systems operate safely, efficiently, and in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Operators perform a variety of technically skilled duties related to wastewater treatment processes, equipment monitoring, preventative maintenance, process adjustments, operational troubleshooting, and facility inspections. The treatment facility includes systems such as activated sludge processing, anaerobic digestion, screening, clarification, solids handling, and UV disinfection.

The ideal candidate brings strong process control knowledge, hands-on operational experience, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced utility operations environment. This role requires accurate recordkeeping, strong situational awareness, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

This is an excellent opportunity for wastewater professionals seeking meaningful work supporting critical public infrastructure and essential municipal services.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment plant systems and equipment
• Perform process control adjustments to maintain treatment efficiency and regulatory compliance
• Monitor pumps, motors, blowers, clarifiers, digesters, UV systems, and related treatment equipment
• Conduct facility inspections, system checks, sampling, and operational testing
• Maintain accurate logs, operational records, maintenance reports, and compliance documentation
• Troubleshoot operational issues and assist with corrective actions and repairs
• Perform preventative maintenance and coordinate equipment servicing activities
• Monitor treatment processes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and discharge permits
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, equipment failures, and operational issues as needed
• Support plant cleanliness, safety, and operational readiness
• Work collaboratively with operations, maintenance, laboratory, and utility staff
• Participate in on-call rotations, emergency response, overtime assignments, and operational coverage as required
• Follow all safety procedures, confined space requirements, and hazardous material handling protocols
• Perform additional duties and assignments as needed to support utility operations and wastewater treatment processes

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered qualifying.

General Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid First Aid/CPR certification

Wastewater Plant Operator 2

• Level 2 Wastewater Operator Certification upon hire or equivalent Operator-in-Training (OIT) certification
• Minimum of one (1) year of wastewater plant operations experience with process control responsibilities

Wastewater Plant Operator 3

• Level 3 Wastewater Operator Certification upon hire or equivalent OIT certification
• Minimum of two (2) years of wastewater plant operations experience with process control responsibilities

Wastewater Plant Operator 4

• Level 4 Wastewater Operator Certification upon hire
• Minimum of two (2) years of increasingly responsible wastewater plant operations experience with advanced process control responsibilities

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong wastewater treatment process knowledge and operational troubleshooting skills
• Experience with process control and treatment optimization
• Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, and compliance documentation
• Mechanical aptitude and preventative maintenance experience
• Strong safety awareness and emergency response readiness
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions
• Commitment to teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Strong understanding of environmental compliance and utility operations

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed primarily within municipal wastewater treatment facilities and utility operations environments.

Position responsibilities may include:

• Working around wastewater systems, pumps, motors, chemicals, and treatment equipment
• Exposure to dust, fumes, hazardous materials, chemicals, and elevated noise levels
• Working in confined spaces and outdoor conditions
• Standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting equipment or materials up to 50 pounds
• Responding to emergencies, alarms, overtime assignments, and 24-hour operational call-back situations
• Performing physically demanding work in varying weather and operational conditions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

A competitive salary and comprehensive municipal benefits package will be offered commensurate with certification level, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan participation
• Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave
• Deferred compensation opportunities
• Tuition assistance and professional development support
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Long-term disability and supplemental insurance options
• Flexible scheduling opportunities based on operational needs

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided throughout the application and employment process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Candidates whose experience may not align perfectly with every qualification are still encouraged to apply.