Wastewater Plant Operator

Public Works-Wastewater

Default

FT Employee

$21.41/ hour

365-082126

08/21/2026

Job Description

The objective of the Wastewater Plant Operator is to monitor and operate the wastewater treatment plant(s) in accordance with applicable regulations and permit requirements and to ensure safe and efficient operation of machines and equipment facilitate flow and treatment of wastewater and monitor effectiveness of treatment. Duties also include insuring proper maintenance of lift stations and other appurtenances in the collection system as required to maintain efficient operation of the wastewater collection system.

Job Responsibilities

The duties described below are indicative of what the Wastewater Plant Operator may be asked to perform; duties may be changed with or without notice:

• Ensuring that scheduled maintenance and repairs are performed according to operating manuals.
• Overseeing inspections; diagnosis and repairs of pumps and motors.
• Collecting bacteriological water samples for testing.
• Overseeing the collection of samples and perform tests.
• Analyzing changes to flow and loading rates and making treatment adjustments as necessary.
• Researching and recommend methods for cost-effective repair and maintenance.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation for the city; TCEQ and other agencies.
• Assisting in the purchasing of supplies and equipment.
• Completing employee evaluation instruments and assisting in employee development.
• Assisting and informing co-workers with information on the safe handling of equipment.
• Adhering to and informing co-workers of all safety rules regarding confined space and trenching.
• Ensuring that the City’s equipment is safely operated and all driving laws are obeyed.
• Learning new techniques and methodologies related to the Plant Operator position.
• Cross-trains in other areas of the City; as appropriate.

Qualifications
Education and/or Experience
REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience or training in wastewater treatment.
• Texas Class “C” driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Minimum of one (1) year supervisory experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience operating an Activated Sludge Treatment Plant.

PREFERRED

• Two (2) years’ experience in maintenance; operation; or construction of a wastewater system.
• One (1) year experience basic computer skills.
• TCEQ Class “B” or Class ”C” Wastewater Operator License.

Please note; that if hired without a Class “B” or Wastewater Operator License; then one must be obtained within the following timeframes:

• TCEQ Class “B” or class “C” Wastewater Operator License (if hired without; must be obtained within two (2) years).

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to take control of situations; dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
• Must be available for on call duty.
• Ability to prepare performance evaluations and make recommendations regarding unsatisfactory employees.
• Ability to create work schedules prioritizes work; schedule time-off; and adjusts schedules due to employee absences.
• Ability to comprehend; retain and apply city and state policies and legislation; i.e. city ordinances; procedure manuals; etc.
• Ability to operate or oversee the operation of various types of equipment: hand tools; chain saw; mowers and weed-eaters.

REASONING ABILITIES

• Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Ability to think quickly; maintain self-control and adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to use good judgement and effectively problem-solve.
• Ability to respond to complaints and grievances posed by the public.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff; supervisor; and the public.
• Ability to communicate in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to read City policies and procedures; written instructions; general correspondence; MSDS sheets; safety manuals; traffic signs and warning labels.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to calculate basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to calculate simple linear measurement; wiring measurements.

Physical and Work Environment
The physical environment and the work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

• Facial hair must be maintained to properly wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); full and half-piece air purifying respirators and other job-specific safety equipment; and to pass a SCBA fit test throughout employment.
• The duties of this job may include physical activities such as; kneeling; crouching; standing; walking; pushing; pulling; lifting; grasping; feeling; talking; hearing/listening; seeing/observing; bending/twisting; and performing repetitive motions.
• The duties of this job may require lifting of objects weighing approximately 50 lbs. frequently.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close; distance; and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment may include some or all of the following:

• Inside and outside environment.
• Repetitive activities (performance of the same physically demanding activity).
• Dirty environment (situations in which workers or their clothing can become dirty; greasy).
• May work in an area of intense or continuous noise.
• May come in contact with hazardous materials.