Operator-In-Training

Cities & Places At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Operator in Training (OIT) Job Description

Our People & Places Solutions business – reinforces our drive to improve the lives of people everywhere and epitomizes the “why” of what we do – the tremendous positive impact and value our solutions bring to our communities and society as a whole. From facilities delivering life-saving therapies and ensuring clean water to enabling the connection of people through all modes of transportation and providing access to technology – we’re integrating a multitude of these solution elements to build the smart environments of tomorrow.
Start your Jacobs career with a company that inspires and empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow.

Your Impact:

At Jacobs, we challenge what's currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the delivery of our operations and maintenance services, you’ll make it simpler and more seamless for our municipal clients to operate safely and efficiently, empowering communities to focus on what matters most to them –people.

As an Operator-in-Training, you’ll join a collaborative team ensuring that our clients can deliver their services – uninterrupted.  

Based in Liberal, KS, you’ll have the opportunity to perform a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant including maintenance of equipment and quality control testing. You’ll contribute to the success of our program with efficient preventive maintenance and effective solutions to challenges that may arise in municipal facilities. You’ll operate treatment facilities to control flow and processing of water/wastewater, sludge, and effluent, observe variations in operating conditions, and interpret meter and gauge readings. You’ll also collect samples, maintain shift logs and perform other duties as required. Most importantly, you’ll take action to ensure the safety, health and well-being of you and your team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of a water/wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift.   This position typically holds or is working on first level water/wastewater treatment certification.
• Learns and gains skills involving the maintenance of equipment and servicing work in the plant.
• Operates treatment facilities to control flow and processing of water/wastewater, sludge, and effluent.
• Operates valves and gates either manually or by remote control, starts and stops pumps, engines and generators to control and adjust flow and treatment processes.
• Monitors gauges, meters, and control panels.
• Observes and reports abnormalities to supervisor.
• Maintains shift log and records meter and gauge readings.
• Collects samples and performs routine laboratory tests and analyses.
• Performs routine maintenance functions and custodial duties.
• Needs to be able to work alone as well as with others.
• Needs to be a self-starter.
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with those contacted during work.
• Performs other duties as required.
• May be requested to work different shift to fill in.

** Will required to get a class I wastewater certification within 24 months (If offered in the area)

Here's what you'll need

Here’s what you’ll need

• High school diploma or GED (will need that for wastewater certification)
• Possess a valid driver’s license with no major infractions. 
• Basic understanding of computer software including Microsoft Office Suite and ability to enter data into a maintenance management system and Google sheets and Kansas Wastewater Class I certification in 24 months if the test is offered on this side of the state.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools employed in the general operations of engines, pumps, and related equipment; general maintenance work; safe work practices; basic biological and chemical principles.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Safety is a core value at Jacobs. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services. Due to the nature of the job passing a Fitness for Duty testing is required to ensure candidates for this position are physically and functionally fit to perform the essential physical work functions of this safety sensitive position without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. 

The work area can involve a working environment indoors as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required.  Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, pathogens and various chemicals.   The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.  

Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to work on equipment, have vision sufficient to service equipment, have hearing in the normal range with or without correction.  In an 8-hour shift must be able to transport self across the facility ,  ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, push a push-type mower; wear and use appropriate safety equipment. 

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

561,600.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

561,600.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off (allocated plans start date 17 days per calendar year), seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $561,600.00 to $561,600.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on June 29, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Liberal	Kansas	United States
Lawrence	Kansas	United States