Wastewater Operator

Job Summary

The Water / Wastewater Operator III is an advanced journey‑level position responsible for leading the skilled operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment and related facilities. The role works with minimal supervision, performs complex process control and troubleshooting, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides day‑to‑day technical guidance to less experienced operators.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently operates water / wastewater treatment equipment (screening equipment, lift stations, equalization tanks, chemical pumps, DAF, clarifiers, filters, anaerobic digesters, aerobic basins, ultrafilters, reverse osmosis, pumps, valves, blowers, and other water / wastewater equipment) to meet quality, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor, interpret, and respond to SCADA/HMI data, gauges, meters, and lab results; diagnose abnormal conditions and make advanced process adjustments to optimize performance and maintain compliance.
• Start, stop, and adjust pumps, motors, blowers, chemical feed systems, valves, and gates to control flows, pressures, levels, and treatment processes across the system.
• Collect and analyze water and wastewater samples; perform and interpret routine and specialized tests (e.g., pH, chlorine residual, turbidity, DO, TSS, BOD/COD as applicable) and make process control decisions based on results.
• Perform and lead skilled preventive and corrective maintenance on treatment and system equipment, including pumps, valves, filters, clarifiers, screens, compressors, and basic instrumentation; coordinate major repairs with maintenance staff or contractors.
• Maintain detailed operating logs, electronic records, and reports related to flows, test results, chemical usage, equipment performance, and system events for internal and regulatory purposes.
• Lead or assist in responding to alarms, emergencies, and system upsets (e.g., power failures, main breaks, overflows, storm events), implementing contingency procedures and coordinating with supervisors and field crews.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and use of treatment chemicals; verify that safety practices and PPE requirements are followed by all personnel in and around treatment facilities.
• Provide day‑to‑day direction, informal supervision, and training for Operator I and II staff, demonstrating proper procedures and safe work practices and reviewing work quality.
• Participate in the development and updating of standard operating procedures, forms, and best practices; recommend and help implement process and reliability improvements.
• May act as designated operator‑in‑charge as allowed by certification and local regulations.
• Any other duties or projects as assigned by management.
  
  

Education And Experience

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)

• High school diploma or GED required; additional technical coursework in water/wastewater, environmental science, or industrial technology preferred.
• Typically four to six or more years of progressively responsible experience in water and/or wastewater treatment operations, including demonstrated journey level capability.
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of an advanced/journey‑level Water and/or Wastewater Operator certification (for example, Class III or equivalent), as required by state or local regulations.
• Valid driver’s license
• HAZWOPER or similar training is a plus.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and regulatory requirements, including how plant operations affect water quality and environmental compliance.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and perform skilled maintenance on pumps, valves, blowers, filters, clarifiers, and related systems.
• Ability to interpret SCADA trends, lab results, and equipment performance indicators and to make independent process control decisions.
• Thorough understanding of safety practices, including confined space entry, lockout/tagout, chemical handling, fall protection, and traffic/work zone safety.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, drawings, O&M manuals, and written procedures, and to assist with documentation updates.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to lead by example, coach junior staff, and work collaboratively with operations, maintenance, engineering, and regulatory personnel.
• Demonstrated reliability, sound judgment, and ability to prioritize and coordinate work in a 24/7 operating environment, including during abnormal and emergency conditions.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work performed in water and wastewater treatment plants, pump/lift stations, and field environments, with exposure to noise, odors, chemicals, moving machinery, and varying weather conditions.
• Regular standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, kneeling, and lifting materials and equipment within established weight limits.
• May be required to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and respond to after-hours call outs.