Water Pollution Control Plant Operator

Definition

Under general supervision performs work of routine difficulty operating a wastewater treatment plant facility; and performs related work as required.

Starting Pay | $23.95* per hour 6 months | $24.36* per hour

• Plus shift differential.

The city will provide and pay for Commercial Driver's License training upon hire.

The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefit package. The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2026 and starts on first day of employment.
The City also offers:

• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 6.5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to Teamsters)
• 13 paid holidays
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Examples Of Duties

Maintains proper flow of sewage through plant; monitors gauges and equipment, operates treatment plant equipment including pump, valves, and engines.

Takes sewage and sludge samples and performs some analysis, records gauge readings, checks temperatures, gas usage, amounts pumped, pressures, and processing times and records information on daily report sheets.

Checks and maintains the plant and grounds; cleans up work areas and floors; cleans; paints, cleans plant vehicles and inspects plant for unsafe conditions, such as malfunctioning parts, lack of oil, etc.

Operates large endloaders and dump trucks to remove solids from the treatment plant.

Performs minor preventive maintenance on equipment.

Engages positively in formal and informal exchange of knowledge and skills.

Operates treatment plant equipment including pumps, valves, engines, small hand tools, belt filter presses, rake drives, conveyors and augers.

Operates large endloaders, skid steers and dump trucks to remove solids from the treatment plant.

Able to use ladders provided to access equipment and tanks as needed.

Able to work in all kinds of weather (inside and outside).

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED and mechanical aptitude.

Must obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment a CDL Class B license with air brake endorsement. The city will provide and pay for Commercial Driver's License training upon hire.

Must be able to pass the City of Davenport's background check and prescribed physical.

Must reside in Iowa or Illinois within two (2) years of hire and maintain residency throughout the duration of employment.

Plant Operators will be required to obtain an Iowa Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification within the first year of employment. This certification is in lieu of termination if not acquired within first year of employment. Plant Operators hired after 7/1/11 must obtain within 4 years of hire and maintain throughout employment an Iowa Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification. Upon completion of the Grade II certification, Plant Operator will move to the pay grade of a Plant Operator Grade II. This Grade II certification is in lieu of termination if not acquired within four years of employment.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

The function and service requirements of sewage plant machinery and equipment.

Processes involved in the treatment and disposal of sewage and treatment of water.

The hazards of the work and safety precautions to be taken. The use of chemicals in the treatment of effluents and activated sludge.

Skill in :

Inspecting machinery and mechanical equipment and detecting flaws and defects in operation.

Working skill in:

Reading and interpreting from control gauges the operating status of plant equipment.

Keeping records and making reports.