Plant Operator (B) - Sewer Treatment

The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.

Distinguishing Features of Work

Make a meaningful impact every day by helping protect public health and the environment as a Plant Operator focused on the wastewater treatment process and equipment with the City of Wichita. This hands-on role is vital to maintaining efficient wastewater treatment operations across our city. As a Plant Operator, you’ll play a critical role in operating and maintaining pumps, boilers, and other essential equipment that ensure Wichita’s sewer systems remain clean, compliant, and continuously operational.

This position combines mechanical skill, operational monitoring, and routine maintenance tasks to support the safe and effective treatment of wastewater. Your work directly contributes to environmental sustainability and public service excellence. If you are mechanically inclined, safety-minded, and looking for a role where your efforts are essential and appreciated, this is your opportunity to step into a high-impact career that makes a real difference in the community.

Workdays and Hours -2nd Shift - Wednesday - Sunday - 4:00PM to 12:00AM

Bargaining Unit: Service Employee's International (SEIU)

• Employees within the department of division shall be given first consideration**
• Posting may close at any time **
  
  

Examples of Work Performed

• Operates large sewage pumps, automatic rakes, centrifugal sludge pumps, air compressors and sludge drags.
• Operates and maintains low-pressure steam boilers.
• Regulates flow and monitors treatment processes.
• Performs routine chemical analyses and records results.
• Inspects equipment and machinery.
• Skims grease off settling tanks and operates shredders and grinding machines.
• Reads meters, gauges and thermometers, and assists in the maintenance of plant equipment.
• Oils, greases, waters, and wipes machinery and participates in keeping the plant clean.
• May supervise or advise other employees.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
  
  

Requirements of Work

• Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of pumps and other equipment used in a treatment plant.
• Knowledge of proper methods of oiling removable mechanical parts.
• Ability to work independently without continuous supervision.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to carry bulky loads weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to read and interpret technical repair manuals.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and to bend, twist and reach as necessary to repair equipment.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to chemicals and fluids commonly used in airborne environmental nuisances associated with machine exhaust, open grounds, and machinery noise (with the use of ear plugs).
• Ability to work outdoors when inclement weather conditions are present.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to chemicals and fluids commonly used in treatment of sewage.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights up to 35 feet above ground level and in confined spaces up to 25 feet below ground level.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and pavement, up to five miles daily.
• Ability to enter and exit manholes through 3' x 3' openings.
• Ability to correctly wear a face mask for self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, and representatives of outside agencies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
  
  

Experience and Training

Required Experience And Training

• Three (3) years of experience performing mechanical maintenance tasks including operating pumps, compressors, or fluid treatment equipment in an industrial, municipal, or utility setting.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.
  
  

Preferred Experience And Training

• Completion of vocational or technical training specifically in wastewater treatment, plant operations, or mechanical systems.
• Three (3) years of full-time experience operating and maintaining equipment in a wastewater treatment facility.
• Possession of a valid Wastewater Operator Certification issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
  
  

Please note that this position is part of a random drug testing pool, and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, including drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

CITY OF WICHITA

Full-time Employee Benefits

• VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.
• HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.
• SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.
• HEALTH INSURANCE – UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.
• DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered – Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.
• LIFE INSURANCE – Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.
• SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE – Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE– The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.
• VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT – Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.
• RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.
• FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS – Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.
• LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE – This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.
• MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES
  
  

Deferred Compensation Investment Program

Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)

Bereavement Pay

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund

Voluntary Shared Leave Program

Training Programs

Longevity Pay

Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Injury Leave (on-job injury)

Community Volunteer Events

01

I have following years of experience performing mechanical maintenance tasks including operating pumps, compressors, or fluid treatment equipment in an industrial, municipal, or utility setting.

• less than 1 year of experience
• 1-2 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 6 years of experience
• I do not have any experience performing mechanical maintenance tasks including operating pumps, compressors, or fluid treatment equipment in an industrial, municipal, or utility setting.
  
  

02

I have Vocational degree or technical training specifically in wastewater treatment, plant operations, or mechanical systems.

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

I have the following years of experience operating and maintaining equipment in a wastewater treatment facility.

• less than 1 year of experience
• 1 -2 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• I do not have any experience operating and maintaining equipment in a wastewater treatment facility.
  
  

04

What class of Wastewater Operator Certification do you currently hold, as issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)?

• Class 1
• Class 2
• Class 3
• Class 4
• I do not have a KDHE Wastewater Operator Certification
  
  

05

This position requires ability to work in inclement weather conditions, including but not limited to, rain, snow, ice, sleet, heat, and humidity. I am willing and able to perform this job requirement.

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

I Have a Valid Driver's License

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question