Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Salary: $41,506.00 - $61,927.00 Annually
Location : Columbia County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2026-56839
Department: Department of Transportation
Division: TR Columbia Co
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 97310
Position Number: 00192250
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: J1
Pay Group: ST04
Bureau / Division Code: 00080310
Bureau / Division: Transportation - Columbia County Maintenance Organization
Worksite Address: Columbia County Interstate Roadside Rest
Worksite Address: RSR 37 & 38, I-80 Mifflin Township
City: Mifflinville, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 18631
Contact Name: Amber Lehman
Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
Are you ready to take on a hands-on role that keeps essential public facilities running safely and smoothly? Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and make a real difference each day. This role supports safe and reliable facilities that serve travelers across the state. You will be part of a team that values responsibility, skill, and steady hands-on work. Apply today to step into a career where your efforts directly support public service and community well-being!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on operating and maintaining wastewater treatment systems and performing related facility upkeep. Your work supports safe, efficient, and well-maintained public areas. As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Facility Maintenance: Carry out skilled and semi skilled tasks such as repairing plumbing fixtures, installing electrical components, and maintaining buildings
• Grounds Care: Operate mowing, trimming, and cutting equipment to keep outdoor areas clean and safe
• System Operation: Operate, test, and maintain sewage treatment and public water systems following required procedures
• Equipment Use: Select and use appropriate hand and power tools for assigned projects
• Documentation: Complete MV-614 forms accurately to support proper recordkeeping
• Environmental Practices: Apply environmentally sound procedures and participate in required training

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position may require working irregular shifts.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $41,506.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) program and certification as a wastewater treatment plant operator for any class and type of plant; or
• Possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator for any class and type of plant.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the Class D, Subclass 1.
• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

• You must obtain the Electronic Discharge Monitoring Reporter (EDMR) Certification within the six-month probationary period.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Experience operating, maintaining, testing, and logging data on an extended aeration sewage treatment plant and public water works plant.
• Possession of a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a water treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the Class Dc, Subclass 7, 8, 12.
• Experience working as a Class Dc, Subclass 7, 8, 12 water operator for a Non-Community, Transient GWUDI Public Water system.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01



Special Requirement - Do you possess a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than a Class D, Subclass 1?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please list your certificate number(s) and expiration date(s). If you answered "No", please type N/A in the text box below.
03



Special Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

04


If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
05


Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee program and possess certification as a wastewater treatment plant operator for any class and type of plant?

• Yes
• No

06


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07



Preferred Qualification - Do you possess a valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a water treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than a Class Dc, Subclass 7, 8, 12?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please list your certificate number(s) and expiration date(s). If you answered "No", please type N/A in the text box below.
09



Preferred Qualification - Do you have experience operating, maintaining, testing, and logging data on an extended aeration sewage treatment plant and public water works plant?

• Yes
• No

10


Please list the dates and employers where you gained your experience. (Type N/A, if not applicable.)
11



Preferred Qualification - Do you have experience working as a Class Dc, Subclass 7, 8, 12 water operator for a Non-Community, Transient GWUDI Public Water system?

• Yes
• No

12


Please list the dates and employers where you gained your experience. (Type N/A, if not applicable.)
Required Question