Water Reclamation Facility Operations Specialist (Overnight Position & Hourly Differential Pay)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Water Reclamation Facility Operations Specialist (Overnight Position)

​Department: Water Reclamation

Reports to: Water Reclamation Superintendent

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Salary Grade: 13A

2026 Wage: $24.78 per hour

Hourly Shift Differential: $1.00 for all hours worked on regular 12-hour shift beginning at or after 7:00pm and ending at or before 7:00am.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing specialized duties in the operation of a water reclamation (wastewater treatment) facility. This position works alone.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

​Monitors plant for proper operation and to ensure compliance with all state and federal permit requirements.

Ensures compliance with safe work policies and procedures.

Performs equipment checks and process operations, reads, records and interprets data presented on the process instrumentation control system.

Collects samples; performs limited laboratory analyses to ensure that treatment facilities are operating efficiently; carries out corrective actions.

Responds to process control alarms and corrects problems or contacts appropriate personnel.

Performs custodial and security duties

Responds to after-hours emergencies, if needed.

Obtains South Dakota Wastewater Operator Certification and attends required training classes.

Responsible for security and oversight of the facilities to include monitoring and observation of trespassing, theft, or other criminal activity and reporting it at the time of observation.

Performs related duties as assigned.

​KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of basic water reclamation (wastewater treatment) operations, and equipment such as pumps, valves, piping, motors, air compressors and blowers.

Knowledge of computers, programmable logic controllers, automation control, SCADA and job-related software programs.

Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and biology.

Knowledge of safe work principles and practices.

Knowledge of department policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Skill in the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electronic equipment.

Skill in the operation of hand and power tools.

Skill in planning, organization, and decision-making.

Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Water Reclamation Superintendent assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include uniform plumbing and electrical codes, discharge permit requirements, state and federal environmental regulations and guidelines, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of related specialized duties. Changing environmental conditions contribute to the complexity of the position.

The purpose of this position is to monitor and coordinate the operations of a Water Reclamation Facility (wastewater treatment plant). Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations and to compliance with federal and state regulations.

CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, contractors, vendors, and members of the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.

The work is typically performed in a wastewater treatment plant. The work may also be performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts and contagious or infectious diseases. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.

The two week pay period involves one 36 hour week (three 12 hour shifts, 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM) and one 44 hour (three 12 hour shifts, 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM and one 8 hour shift, 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM). The 44 hour week includes four hours of overtime.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized technical or vocational training in the field of work.

Maturity to work alone and react quickly and competently when situations arise.

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota or the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class 1 Wastewater Operator Certification within 18 months of employment.

Upon certification an incumbent in this position may be designated Specialist II and placed at grade 14, Specialist III and placed at grade 15, or Specialist IV and placed at grade 16.

RESIDENCY

All new hires must reside within 40 miles of city limits unless specific approval of City Manager.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.

I understand that job duties, responsibilities, and assignments may change at any time based on the needs of the City and in accordance with applicable policies, contracts, ordinances, or collective bargaining agreements. I further acknowledge that I am able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

OPENING DATE: July 6, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.78 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25