What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Operator III - W&L position at City of Columbia, MO?
The purpose of this job is to perform a variety of lead technical work to ensure the water treatment plant and constructed well fields operate in compliance with all regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description
- Ensures proper plant operation, adjusts water flow at water plant and pump stations, and maintains appropriate water level and pressure in towers and reservoirs per standard operating procedures.
- Monitors chemical feed, orders chemicals for treatment process, and ensues chemical composition of water meets regulations.
- Records data from meters, gauges, control panels and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
- Performs lab tests and records data.
- Wash filters and change chlorine containers.
- Cleans and maintains building and equipment.
- Provides training and guidance to others.
- Communicates with operators regarding shift transitions.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- No supervisory authority. Work does require providing guidance and training to others.
Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction
- Work requires regular interaction involving exchange and receipt of information.
- Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.
Fiscal Responsibility
- Position has no fiscal responsibility.
Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 3.5 years of related experience.
Licenses or Certifications
- Class A or B Water Operators’ certificate from Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
- Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position
Knowledge of:
- Standard practices, methods, tools, materials and equipment related to water treatment activities.
- Safety standards and precautions related to water treatment.
- State and federal standards and regulations related to the operation of a drinking water system.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
- Common business software applications such as Microsoft Office.
Skill in:
- Estimating time and materials needed to complete jobs.
- Organizing and maintaining attention to detail.
- Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
- Prioritizing tasks.
Ability to:
- Read gauges, flow meters, and level sensors.
- Sample and test water.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records.
- Prepare, write and present reports.
- Use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.
- Focus on tasks.
Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job
Work Environment
- Office or similar environment – Frequently/Often
- Outdoor environment – Frequently/Often
- Vehicle – Sometimes
- Shop Environment – Sometimes
Exposures
- Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) – Frequently/Often
- Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) – Frequently/Often
- Communicable diseases – Sometimes
- Moving mechanical parts – Frequently/Often
- Fumes or airborne particles – Frequently/Often
- Toxic or caustic chemicals/substances – Frequently/Often
- Loud noises (85 decibels) – Frequently/Often
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- This position involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards and majority of work is performed outside or with exposure to risk.
- Incumbents may be required to exert up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
- Incumbents required to feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb/balance, and operate mechanical equipment.
- Incumbents may be required to wear a respirator and/or self -contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Hours/Days
HOURS: 12 hour shifts/7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.; rotating schedule of 2 days on, 2 days off; 3 days on, 3 days off
Starting Salary
$25.82/hr-$31.75/hr; commensurate with training & experience
Pay Grade
108
Number of Positions Available
3
Deadline to Apply
10/06/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
HOURS: 12 hour shifts/7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.; rotating schedule of 2 days on, 2 days off; 3 days on, 3 days off
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
Salary : $26 - $32