Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (SUO*SCBA)

The City of Phoenix Water Services Department, one of the nation's largest potable water utilities, treats and delivers safe, reliable drinking water to 1.5 million customers across approximately 540 square miles. Phoenix Water Services also manages the sewer collection system and treats wastewater for 2.5 million residents in metropolitan Phoenix.

The Wastewater Treatment Division is currently seeking skilled Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will operate and maintain advanced wastewater treatment processes and equipment to support flow control, water processing, sludge management, effluent quality, well pumps, and booster stations. Responsibilities include both system operation and routine maintenance essential to sustaining efficient, high-quality plant performance. Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators serve as lead personnel, taking on complex operational and maintenance challenges while guiding team members and working independently with minimal supervision.

We are hiring for multiple positions at both the 23rd Avenue and 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Pay Range: $34.08 to $47.95 per hour.

Hiring Range: $34.08 to $41.42 per hour.

Pay Range Explanation:

• Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
• Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 255. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.

• Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
• Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
• Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
• When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.

Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page.

The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:

• for more details: Pension Information.
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Employer paid long-term disability.
• Free Bus/light rail pass.
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.

For more details, visit: Unit 002 Benefits

• Three years of skilled experience in operations and maintenance of a water/wastewater treatment plant, facility, or system including the repair of pumps, valves, and motors in an industrial setting.
• Possession of an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Wastewater Treatment Grade 3 certification at the time of application.
  • Appropriate certification must be maintained as a condition of employment in this classification.
  • If you possess certification from another state or jurisdiction, please contact the ADEQ (http://www.azdeq.gov) for Arizona Request for Operator Certification Reciprocity procedures and certification equivalency.
• Required to obtain and maintain annual (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) SCBA certification through training and annual physical examination per Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
• Required to respond to chemical emergency alarms wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators and SCBA.
• Working Conditions:
  • Requires working outside in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust
  • Requires walking for prolonged periods which may include walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces
  • Moving heavy objects (50 pounds or more) long distances may be required
  • Working irregular hours, second and/or third shifts, weekends, holidays, and evenings may be required.
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• These positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions,
• .
• The City job description can be found here.

The minimum qualifications listed above, plus experience in/with:

• SCADA.
• Process lab sampling.
• Activated sludge plants.
• Industrial pumps and equipment maintenance.

Recruitment closes October 13, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

• Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
If you are in need of computer resources,
• for free options.
Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance.
• for more information.
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• If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

Senior Utility Operator*SCBA, JC:50341, ID#63081, 069/29/2026, USM, RG, Benefits:002

Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.

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City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.