What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Operator position at City of Gunnison, CO?
The Position
The City of Gunnison is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Water/Wastewater team—whether you're new to the field or an experienced certified operator. In this essential role, you'll help operate and maintain the City’s water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems. Work ranges from system monitoring and sampling to equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and responding to customer inquiries and emergencies. You’ll have the opportunity to work outdoors in a hands-on, team-focused environment while building valuable technical skills that support the health and safety of our community.
We offer clear pathways for advancement across all operator levels, with training and support to help you earn and maintain CDPHE certifications and a Class B CDL. This position involves a variety of daily tasks, on-call rotations, heavy equipment operation, and cross-training across both water and wastewater operations. If you’re motivated, mechanically inclined, safety-minded, and ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and grow your career with the City of Gunnison.
This position is open until filled. The first review of applications is December 29, 2025.
Job Progression
Starting Salary Ranges
Worker $56,200-$69,267
Class “D” $59,200-$72,943
Class “C” $65,100-$80,300
Class “B” $71,700-$88,367
Class “A” $78,800-$97,200
The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit program which initially includes three weeks of paid vacation, twelve days of paid sick leave and thirteen paid holidays. 5% of the employee’s gross pay is matched by the City in a defined contribution retirement program. The City pays 75% of health insurance premiums for the employee and dependents, offers free access to doctors at any time via its Teledoc program, provides an Employee Assistance Program for free counseling, legal and financial assistance and offers a free membership to the City’s Community Center.
The Ideal Candidate
Required Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED, relevant water/wastewater certifications as per job progression requirements; strong communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Other Necessary Requirements: Must meet City residency requirements.
The Location
The City of Gunnison was recognized by Outdoor Magazine as one the "The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S.: 2016". Gunnison is known for its natural beauty and amazing year-round recreational opportunities. The Gunnison River is home to the country's largest Kokanee salmon run and the biggest concentration of trout in Colorado. Blue Mesa Reservoir is the state's largest body of water and is ideal for many recreational activities. Hartman Rocks, located approximately two miles south of the City, includes base area trail head facilities, and an 8,300-acre recreation area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Cattlemen’s Days PCRA rodeo takes place over a 10-day period in July. Ranked among the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in America, we are home to Gunnison Valley Hospital. Western State Colorado University is a four-year institution with outstanding programs, including a variety of graduate programs. The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, located in Gunnison, serves the community with air service on United during the summer and off-seasons and United, American, and Alaska during the winter. Gunnison is located within a short drive to three ski areas including Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Monarch Mountain. And our Gunnison Watershed School District provides quality education as well.
City park facilities are superb and offer an incredible 110 acres of park land/1000 people in relation to the national average of 10 acres/1000, featuring an NHL-sized indoor ice rink and Olympic-sized outdoor covered rink and a 45,000 square foot Community Center, with an indoor aquatics area, climbing wall and other recreation facilities.
How to Apply
Visit the City’s website at www.GunnisonCO.gov/HR or the Finance Department at 201 W. Virginia Ave. to apply.
Call (970) 641-8070 for more information.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $53,300.00 - $92,167.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $53,300 - $92,167