Wastewater Operator I-II-III (depending on qualifications)

Wastewater Operator I, II or III

The first review of applications taking place on July 16, 2026, and then weekly thereafter until the posting closes. We are seeking a highly motivated professional to fill the position of Wastewater Operator I, II or III. The Town of Cave Creek has an exciting opportunity for a professional to manage and protect the public wastewater system while offering the opportunity for professional growth in a unique and rewarding work environment.

The Wastewater Operator reports to the Wastewater Supervisor. The primary function of a Wastewater Operator is to operate the wastewater treatment plant and maintain the collection system. Other duties include but are not limited to, conduct minor plant and equipment maintenance, perform laboratory analysis to determine optimum process changes, and general housekeeping. Additionally, the Wastewater Operator is responsible for keeping log books, lab books, lab reports, daily total reports, inspection reports, backwash logs and updating various databases.

The individual selected must be able to operate and monitor wastewater treatment plant and collection systems using SCADA computer systems, conduct visual plant inspections, monitor plant operations and processes, have the ability to work with and around treatment chemicals in a safe manner, detect problems to ensure proper operation and make process decisions as deemed appropriate. Additionally, we train new employees in all aspects of the operation and maintenance of our treatment plant to ensure the safest workplace possible.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities and works under the general direction of the Wastewater Supervisor. This position will normally have a 40-hour per week work schedule, coordinated with the Supervisor, but will also be required to be part of the on-call rotation for the division and respond to emergency call-backs.

FLSA: Non-Exempt. Placement into the appropriate salary range is dependent on direct experience, certifications/education, internal equity, and/or budget. Shift work, weekends, and standby, may be required. Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Cave Creek provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Examples of Duties

Essential functions and responsibilities include:

• Operating wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, collection system and reclaimed water systems, including interpreting computer information from the SCADA system or manually.
• Collect routine samples and perform a variety of laboratory tests, document results, and take appropriate actions.
• Perform general plant maintenance duties including general housekeeping and providing assistance to maintenance staff.
• Perform record keeping including keeping log books, lab books, daily total reports, inspection reports and maintenance records.
• Must be able to work seasonal shift schedule, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Standby and call-back duties required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned; may be called upon to assist other divisions within the Town.
• Coordinates and oversees contractors performing maintenance work.
• Must be a team player.

Typical Qualifications

Candidates for a Level I Operator must possess the following requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 0-2 years or more of experience in the field of wastewater treatment or collections.
• Must possess and maintain an unrestricted Arizona Driver's license.
• Must obtain an ADEQ Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must obtain an ADEQ Grade 1 Wastewater Collections certification within 1 year of hire.
• Pay range for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I is $26.80 - $46.69.

Candidates for a Level II Operator must possess the following requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 1-3 years or more of experience in the field of wastewater treatment or collections.
• Must possess and maintain an unrestricted Arizona Driver's license.
• Must possess an ADEQ Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification at the time of hire. Must obtain an ADEQ Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must also obtain an ADEQ Grade 1 Wastewater Collections Operator certification within 6 months of hire.
• Pay range for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II is $28.68- $43.64.

Candidates for a Level III Operator must possess the following requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2-4 years or more of experience in the field of wastewater treatment or collections.
• Must possess an ADEQ Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification and an ADEQ Grade 1 Wastewater Collections Operator certification at the time of hire.
• Must obtain an ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification and an ADEQ Grade 2 Wastewater Collections Operator certification within 1 year of hire.
• Pay range for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III is $30.69 - $46.69.

All levels should have the following knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of how to monitor, evaluate and adjust treatment processes to include the adjustment of chemical feed rates, flow rates, tank levels, and pressure readings.
• Understanding of Local, State and Federal regulations and water quality standards.
• Knowledge of facility operation to include operating and maintenance of all equipment, including general knowledge of electrical, hydraulic and mechanical principles.
• Knowledge of security, safety, emergency plans and procedures to recognize and respond to unsafe working conditions.

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Prioritizing workload and making adjustments as needed.
• Providing common sense solutions for complex issues.
• Building positive working relationships with all organizational levels.
• Ability to work with math problems, numbers, measurements and equations.
• Using various computer software including Microsoft Office and CMMS software.

Physical demands and working conditions include:

• Operating a motor vehicle, mechanical equipment with moving parts, exposure to dirt, noise, dust, pollen, odors, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, hazardous materials, confined spaces, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease, pathogenic substances, or other threatening environments.
• Work will require climbing portable ladders and entering confined spaces.
• Operators work varied shifts requiring the availability to work days, evenings, nights, and weekends on a rotating schedule.
• Work type ranges from heavy manual labor (sometimes for extended periods of time) to desk work.
• Work environment includes exposure to dirt, noise, dust, pollen, odors, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, hazardous materials, confined spaces, machinery, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease, pathogenic substances, or explosives.
• Walking: Significant distances outside, on all types of surfaces flat and uneven, climbing in and out of trenches and confined spaces.
• Standing/Sitting : Majority of the work will be accomplished in a standing position.
• Stooping/Bending/Reaching: Sufficient physical flexibility, stamina, and balance to safely perform the typical operation and maintenance tasks including bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, working on ladders, walking over rough terrain, and frequent lifting or moving up to 75 pounds.
• Hearing/Speech: Must be able to perceive and understand vocal communication and convey information verbally via the telephone and in person. Capability to understand verbal instructions, to discern audible warning or emergency alarms including vehicle backup warnings, and to discern color-coded alarms and equipment indicators.
• Reading/Writing: Ability to comprehend equipment manuals, vendor information and permits. Ability to maintain daily logs and prepare general written reports and e-mails, etc.
• Math: Ability to deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, measurement, and unit conversions.
• Vision: Adequate to perform essential functions.
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Sufficient to operate a variety of equipment pertaining to the job.
• Manual Dexterity: Sufficient to adjust equipment and operate hand tools.