Plant Operator I (X)

Career Opportunity

The city of Las Vegas is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Plant Operator I (X).  This position controls, monitors and adjusts processes and equipment utilized in wastewater and reuse water facilities. Inspects and tests systems and water samples, and initiates changes.

The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current and/ or future openings city-wide, which may include part-time or full-time positions.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Plant Operator I -- This is the entry level class in the Plant Operator series.  Performs limited or basic tasks under general supervision.

Plant Operator II -- This is the full journey level class within the Plant Operator series.  Employees perform a variety of both routine and complex tasks under limited supervision.

Supervision Received

Plant Operator I

Receives immediate supervision from the Plant Operations and Maintenance Supervisor and higher level management.  Receives functional and technical supervision from Sr. Plant Operators and Environmental System Technician IIIs.

Plant Operator II

Receives general supervision from the Plant Operations and Maintenance Supervisor and higher level management.  Receives functional and technical supervision from Sr. Plant Operators and Environmental Systems Technician IIIs.

A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The examination for this recruitment will be a written examination, weighted 100%, and will be used to place candidates on the eligible list.

WRITTEN TEST DATE:  June 1, 2026

Eligible List

You must score 70% or higher on the examination to be placed on the eligible list. The eligible list will remain in effect for a period of 6 months from the date of certification and may be extended for a period of up to 2 years.

Essential Functions

1. Control treatment assets and processes for city operated wastewater treatment facilities utilizing Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA); uses SCADA system to identify and resolve treatment issues; reviews status of equipment, operational set points and process variables to ensure proper treatment; may exercise independent judgment to make set point adjustments as required to meet all operational goals and NPDES permit compliance.
2. Operates wastewater treatment process and equipment including pumps, valves, blowers, compressors, scrubbers and various assets by computer, hand or mechanical means to regulate the flow of wastewater through various preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes.
3. Operates solids processing equipment to separate liquids from solids; operates feed pumps, centrifuge systems, solids conveyance and storage, chemical feed and other related equipment; may control flows to ensure maximum efficiency of plant equipment and treatment processes; monitors quality of solids, frequently samples and adjusts feed rates and chemical dosages to maintain acceptable quality.
4. Routinely inspects plant equipment and reports any abnormal situations or potential failures to supervisors; initiates work orders in a computerized maintenance management system for problems found; stops and starts equipment as required for operation and maintenance repairs; performs and follows all applicable lock out/tag out and specific energy control procedures.
5. Ensures compliance with digester gas system requirements, follows all guidelines and procedures related to digester gas generation, conveyance and gas handling equipment. Adheres to all safety requirements, attends required training and understands hazards associated with the generation and handling of methane biogas.
6. Takes samples of wastewater, reuse water, scum, grit, sludge and other materials and properly records chain of custody information for samples delivered to the laboratory; follows all proper sampling techniques and methods; may analyze samples for process control testing to determine efficiency of treatment processes.
7. Reviews and monitors laboratory and operational process testing data and may recommend and/or implement process changes as necessary; reads a variety of meters, gauges, charts and various instruments and documents required information.
8. Receives and assists in the unloading of bulk chemicals; reviews related paperwork and bill of lading; understands and follows safety data sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used; follows all acceptable safety protocols and procedures for the safe unloading of bulk chemicals; utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment.
9. Performs routine preventive maintenance of various equipment and facilities; may require the use of hand and power tools, supplies and materials to perform assigned preventative maintenance; may be required to exercise valves and rotate pumps to ensure equipment is functioning properly on a routine basis.
10. Performs record keeping functions such as; logging information regarding changes to plant operation, daily data entry into spreadsheets, results from process control testing, maintenance work performed and unusual operating conditions in a SCADA logbook; issues daily reports and shift briefing reports.
11. Investigate wastewater treatment facilities as needed for any odor complaints made and report any problems found to higher level staff.
12. Assist in confined space entries as needed or be part of a confined space entry team; effectively operate gas detectors, set up and operate various confined space entry equipment; follows all related safety procedures.
13. Operate equipment, including: golf carts, forklifts, aerial lifts, trash pumps, sump pumps, generators and other equipment as needed.
14. Drives vehicles to other city facilities to perform inspections; may transport goods, materials, tools or equipment as required.
     

Marginal Functions

1. May assist or conduct tours of the facility and operations; explains the wastewater treatment liquid and solids process.
2. Assists in maintaining the security of wastewater treatment and related facilities.
3. Assists with general facility housekeeping and maintaining a neat and orderly work area.
4. May assist co-workers by helping lift or hold items. May provide other basic assistance when requested.
5. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Plant Operator I

Experience

One year of experience operating piping, valves and controls in a process or manufacturing environment.   

OR

Possession of a valid state of Nevada Restricted Grade I (formerly known as Operator in Training) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate on the date of application.

Training

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

License or Certificate

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license on the date of application, and maintenance thereafter.

Must obtain a state of Nevada Restricted Grade I (formerly known as Operator in Training) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate within six months of the date of appointment.

Condition of Continued Employment

Possession of a state of Nevada Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification within 12 months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Plant Operator II

In addition to the qualifications for the Plant Operator I:

Experience

Two years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations. 

Training

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

License or Certificate

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license on the date of application, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession of Forklift Certificate from the city of Las Vegas within 6 months of the date of initial appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession of an appropriate city of Las Vegas aerial lift certification within 6 months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession and maintenance of a valid state of Nevada Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator certification, or equivalent, on the date of application.  Reciprocity for the state of Nevada (if applicable) must be obtained by the date of appointment.

Possession of a state of Nevada Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator certification within 12 months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Special Requirements

Certain city functions operate on a 24 hour per day, seven day per week schedule, and may require support on any shift.  May be required to respond to calls for assistance during any shift.

Plant Operator I

Knowledge of

Basic knowledge of pumps, valves, motors, and control systems. 
Basic principles of hydraulics.
Pump capabilities to regulate water flow.
Basic troubleshooting.
Basic mathematical calculations.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Current computer hardware and common applications at a basic level, such as word processing, spreadsheet and database.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skills in

Learning wastewater treatment plant functions through the use of the SCADA and complex computer control systems.
Learning the principles and regulations of the treatment and distribution of reuse water.
Learning chlorine formulas and testing techniques.
Performing less complex wastewater treatment operations.
Learning to operate a variety of wastewater treatment equipment in a safe and effective manner.
Learning to recognize improper pump operation through visual or auditory inspection.
Learning to perform preventive and corrective maintenance on facility equipment.
Learning to calculate chemical needs of wastewater based on analysis results.
Reading and writing English at a level necessary to perform essential functions.
Working in confined spaces.  
Understanding and following oral and written instructions.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Competencies

Core Workforce Competencies

Professionalism – Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.

Effective Communication – Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.

Customer Focus – Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.

Adaptability – Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.

Problem Solving – Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.

Productive Partnerships – Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.

Technical and Safety Expertise – Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.

 

Plant Operator II

In addition to the qualifications for the Plant Operator I

Knowledge of

Operations, services and activities of a wastewater treatment program.
Principles and regulations of the treatment and distribution of reuse water.
Methods and techniques of pump regulation.
Principles of hydraulics.
Chlorine formulas and testing techniques.
Chemical and chemical feeders.
Mathematical calculations.
Common applications at an intermediate level, including word processing, spreadsheet and database.

Skills in

Performing complex wastewater treatment operations.
Performing preventive and corrective maintenance on facility equipment.
Calculating chemical needs of wastewater based on analysis results.
Operating a variety of wastewater treatment equipment in a safe and effective manner.
Recognizing improper wastewater treatment equipment operation through visual or auditory inspection.
Preparing clear and concise reports.
Working independently with minimal supervision.
Advanced troubleshooting skills.