What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Plant Operator (D/C/B) position at City of Bastrop (TX)?
Are you looking for a meaningful career that helps protect public health, the environment, and essential community infrastructure? We are seeking a dependable, motivated, and safety-conscious professional to join our team as a Wastewater Treatment Operator.
This position plays a critical role in the operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment and collection systems. The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on work, problem-solving, and working both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic utility operations environment.
If you are interested in a stable career with opportunities for growth, technical skill development, and public service impact, we encourage you to apply.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under general supervision of the Chief Wastewater Plant Operator, the Wastewater Plant Operator performs a variety of technical and operational duties related to the City's wastewater treatment and collection systems. Employees in this class hold certifications in wastewater treatment operations and are responsible for monitoring and performing a variety of technical and facility operational duties with considerable independence. Responsibilities include monitoring plant operations, collecting and testing wastewater samples to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, recording and reporting information compiled by the SCADA computer system, calibrating, trouble shooting and repairing electronic controls as needed. Work is subject to review during and upon completion. Position functions in a lead capacity as directed. Performs related work as directed.
This role also provides support to other operations personnel as well as related departmental efforts in the collection, distribution and treatment of the City's water and wastewater collection systems as needed. Operators are expected to work with considerable independence while supporting departmental operations and emergency response efforts.
This is an on-site position requiring regular attendance at treatment facilities and field locations. Remote work is not available.
SALARYStarting salary for the Wastewater Plant Operator is commensurate based on certification and experience as follows:
- Plant Operator D $21.13 - $25.12
- Plant Operator C $23.28 - $27.67
- Plant Operator B $25.66 - $30.50
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Plant Operations & Monitoring:
- Monitor and control wastewater treatment plant processes and equipment as directed.
- Collect wastewater samples daily and perform routine laboratory tests and analysis.
- Collect and process period effluent samples and samples from a variety of plant processes for consultant laboratory analysis.
- Monitor SCADA systems, adjust and record data from computers, gauges, meters, control panels and equipment to ensure proper system operation.
- Operate and maintain pumps, motors, online analyzers, valves, various treatment plant systems and components, and related equipment.
- Record shift operational data, maintain daily logbooks and/or data sheets, and assist with regulatory reporting requirements.
- Document daily facility/plant activities, enter data into the computer as directed.
Maintenance & Technical Support:
- Inspect, clean, calibrate, monitor, perform routine preventative maintenance, maintain treatment plant equipment and instrumentation.
- Perform routine facility and plant preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and assist with repairs on wastewater collection systems and lift stations including cleaning blockages, repairing leaks, and sample testing.
- Support water treatment and distribution operations performing relief duties and operating as needed.
- Assist with installation and repair of water and wastewater lines, manholes, services, taps, meters, and related collections and distribution system projects.
- Respond to operational emergencies.
Team Support & Compliance
- Support and assist other operations personnel in proper operational methods, techniques and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Maintain accurate operational and maintenance records for regulatory reporting.
- Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to emergency situations.
- Work rotating weekend shifts as a relief operator.
- Provide general administrative support and other related work as directed.
- Perform related work as directed.
- Work schedule is Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Must be available for on-call rotations and weekends shifts, holidays, special events, meetings, special operational needs, and after-hours emergency situations as required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education, Training, Licenses/Certifications:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in wastewater plant operations or a related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Working knowledge of wastewater collection and treatment systems preferred.
- One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in the field to include proficiency in operation and control of activated sludge treatment methods; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Texas Wastewater Treatment Operator “Class D” Certification or must obtain within twelve (12) months of employment.
- Valid Texas driver license with an acceptable driving record to maintained throughout employment required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Considerable knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operations and facility equipment maintenance requirements.
- Considerable knowledge of records maintenance principles and practices.
- Working knowledge of distribution and collection principles of water and wastewater systems distribution and collections principles, and water and sewer line plumbing and construction techniques.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of workplace safety precautions, occupational hazards, and environmental compliance standards associated with wastewater treatment facility operations.
- Considerable knowledge of operation and control of aeration treatment methods.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, pumps, motors, meters, gauges, and laboratory equipment.
- Skill in the operation of treatment plant equipment, i.e., injectors, pumps, measuring devices, valves, lab equipment.
- Ability to monitor, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare operational reports.
- Ability to maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulatory practices, and to ensure compliance in such.
- Ability to identify operational deficiencies and perform maintenance, repair, and calibration on plant instrumentation, a variety of mechanical equipment and related devices, components, and systems.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide; calculate decimals and percentages; utilize algebraic and geometric principles.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with supervisors, staff, other departments, and the general public with whom the position interacts.
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
The position involves both indoor and outdoor work in varying environmental conditions. Duties may include:
- Working in extreme heat, cold, rain, and confined spaces.
- Exposure to strong and/or toxic chemicals, wastewater, odors, and biological hazards that can cause illness.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and manual labor.
- Lifting and carrying equipment and materials up to 50 pounds regularly, and occasionally heavier (100 pounds or over) items.
- Some tasks require minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop or office equipment; may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
- Some tasks involve the operation of vehicles, office, shop, or hand tools in which manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are important ingredients of safe and/or productive operations.
- Stable and rewarding public service career
- Opportunities for training, certification, and advancement
- Competitive benefits
- Hands-on technical experience in essential utility operations
- Collaborative team environment
- Meaningful work that directly supports the community and environment
**Employment is contingent on passing post-offer, pre-employment drug testing/physical, and criminal background investigation. **
The City of Bastrop is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO) and values diversity in its workforce. As an EEO employer, the City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary : $21 - $34