Wastewater Operator

Description

The Wastewater Operator operates, monitors, maintains, and repairs equipment and processes at the City's Wastewater Treatment Facility to ensure the safe and efficient treatment of wastewater in compliance with Iowa DNR, EPA, and other regulatory requirements. This position performs preventative and corrective maintenance, monitors treatment processes, collects operational and laboratory data, responds to plant emergencies, and supports reliable wastewater services that protect public health and the environment. The position also assists with lift station operations, emergency response, and other Public Works functions as operational needs require.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate, monitor, inspect, and control wastewater treatment processes, equipment, pumps, valves, lift stations, and related systems to maintain efficient plant operations.
• Monitor facility operations, recognize abnormal operating conditions, and communicate concerns to the appropriate supervisor or Grade 3 licensed operator for review and determination of appropriate operational adjustments.
• Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and routine servicing of treatment plant equipment, mechanical systems, electrical components, buildings, vehicles, and associated infrastructure.
• Collect samples, perform laboratory testing, record operational data, monitor process performance, and maintain accurate operational logs, maintenance records, and regulatory documentation.
• Monitor plant control systems, gauges, meters, SCADA equipment, and treatment processes; identify abnormal operating conditions and make appropriate operational adjustments.
• Conduct routine inspections of treatment facilities and lift stations to identify equipment failures, safety concerns, maintenance needs, or process deficiencies.
• Responds to emergency call-outs, equipment failures, weather events, power outages, lift station alarms, and other operational emergencies, including participation in rotating on-call assignments.
• Operate City vehicles, heavy equipment, pumps, generators, laboratory equipment, and specialized wastewater treatment equipment while performing assigned duties.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable safety standards, environmental regulations, City policies, DNR and EPA permit requirements, and assist other Public Works divisions as operational needs require.
  ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
  • Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
  • Maintains effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, and the public.
  • Complies with City policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Completes required training and safety requirements.
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, lift stations, biological treatment systems, pumps, valves, motors, laboratory procedures, and plant operations.
  
  
  • Knowledge of EPA, Iowa DNR, OSHA, confined space entry, lockout/tagout, hazardous materials handling, and wastewater safety regulations.
  
  
  • Skilled in operating treatment plant equipment, SCADA systems, laboratory equipment, vehicles, pumps, generators, and maintenance tools.
  
  
  • Ability to inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain wastewater treatment equipment and related infrastructure.
  
  
  • Ability to interpret operational data, laboratory results, equipment manuals, process diagrams, and technical documents.
  
  
  • Ability to maintain accurate operational logs, maintenance records, laboratory reports, and regulatory documentation.
  
  
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, regulators, and the public.
  
  
  • Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, work independently with minimal supervision, and respond effectively during emergency situations.
  
  
  • Ability to safely perform physically demanding work in confined spaces and varying weather conditions while maintaining situational awareness.
  
  
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while supporting continuous process improvement and regulatory compliance.
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  
  
  • One (1) to three (3) years of experience in wastewater treatment, industrial operations, mechanical maintenance, utilities, or a closely related field preferred.
  
  
  • Ability to maintain required continuing education and regulatory certifications.
  • Ability to respond to emergency call-ins within 30 minutes in accordance with City residency requirement.
  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience operating wastewater treatment facilities or industrial process systems.
  
  
  • Experience with SCADA systems and computerized treatment controls.
  
  
  • Mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, plumbing, or pump maintenance experience.
  
  
  • CDL or ability to obtain one.
  LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • Valid Iowa Driver's License.
  • Iowa Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the timeframe established by the City.
  PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Frequently lifts, carries, pushes, and pulls materials, tools, and equipment exceeding 50 pounds.
  • Performs physically demanding work involving standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, and repetitive motion.
  • Works outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, and wind.
  • Regular exposure to odors, dust, dirt, fumes, noise, traffic hazards, moving machinery, and other environmental conditions.
  • Requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to established safety procedures.
  • Regular exposure to machinery, moving equipment, vibration, traffic hazards, and construction-related risks.
  • Subject to emergency response assignments, snow removal operations, overtime, weekend work, and holiday work as operational needs require.