DWM Watershed Plant Operator (RM Clayton)

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlanta is seeking an experienced Water Treatment Operator to ensure safe drinking water for the Atlanta area. The role involves operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting the treatment facility with minimal supervision.

Candidates must have a high school diploma, 3 years in a drinking water plant, and a Class I Water license, plus a Georgia driver’s license. Typical duties include sampling, maintenance, and on-call shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 3 years of drinking water plant experience.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license and a Class I Water license are required.
• Knowledge of drinking water regulations and safety practices.
• Able to operate and troubleshoot water treatment plant equipment.

Responsibilities

• Performs sampling, monitoring, and testing to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintains and repairs plant equipment; calibrates instruments as needed.
• Conducts weekly plant checks and operates plant processes safely.
• Documents malfunctions and safety issues; handles inventory and deliveries.
• Works rotating shifts and responds to emergencies as required.

Skills

Water plant operations

Equipment troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Regulatory knowledge

Laboratory procedures

Effective communication

Problem solving

Equipment calibration

Outdoor work

Reading drawings

Vehicle operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Three years drinking water plant experience

Valid Georgia driver's license

Class I Water license

Tools

Composite samplers

Lab test equipment

Field calibration tools

Job description

Salary range

$51,035 - $82,014

General Description and Classification Standards

Provides continuous, economical, and maintains EPA compliance of the drinking water for the citizens of the Atlanta area. Operates, monitors, maintains, and trouble-shoots the water treatment facility and its processes in an effort to prevent violations and to keep the water safe. This is an experienced, skilled or technical level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position or specialty with limited guidance or review. This level would be considered an influential level for operations and attainable by any incumbents in a work group who possessed the required minimum qualifications and demonstrates the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance. Could be the only position in this specialty in a work group or could be part of a general or specialized work team.

Job Description

Posting expires: October 18, 2026

Salary range: $51,035 - $82,014

General Description and Classification Standards

Provides continuous, economical, and maintains EPA compliance of the drinking water for the citizens of the Atlanta area. Operates, monitors, maintains, and trouble-shoots the water treatment facility and its processes in an effort to prevent violations and to keep the water safe. This is an experienced, skilled or technical level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position or specialty with limited guidance or review. This level would be considered an influential level for operations and attainable by any incumbents in a work group who possessed the required minimum qualifications and demonstrates the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance. Could be the only position in this specialty in a work group or could be part of a general or specialized work team.

Supervision Received

Works under minimal supervision. May assist in training, orienting, or observing lower-level associate, apprentice, or semi-skilled employee in the group.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs all aspects of sampling, monitoring and testing required to maintain compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations governing the water treatment process, and storm water and sludge management.
• Assists in the performance of regular and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on all plant equipment and machinery; calibrates equipment as necessary.
• Conducts the necessary weekly checks of the treatment plant on a rotating basis.
• Performs daily visual walkthrough to resolve any issues, report any new issues, and make adjustments if needed.
• Checks equipment to ensure correct operation feed, dosages, calibrations necessary to properly operate facilities and systems.
• Initiates emergency procedures, when conditions warrant, to ensure personnel safety and to prevent damage to plant and equipment.
• Documents and reports any malfunctions or unsafe conditions.
• Monitors inventory and checks in and stores chemical deliveries.
• Completes required daily paperwork and data entry.
• Performs all work in conformance to Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations.
• Serves on call to respond to emergencies and breakdowns at the plant and pump stations.
• Trains individuals of proper procedures in maintaining the City's water facilities.
• Completes educational programs to remain informed on current industry standards.
• Employees in this position may be required to work rotating shifts and/or stand-by service to address operational needs and emergencies as required.
• May be required to work extended periods away from the normal reporting location.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the operation, methods and procedures of a drinking water treatment plant.
• Knowledge of the machinery and process used for drinking water treatment and pumping stations.
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment and the ability to diagnose and correct equipment malfunction.
• Knowledge of basic machinery preventive maintenance and repair.
• Knowledge of State and Federal regulations governing drinking water and worker’s safety.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of chemistry terminology.
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skill in solving complex problems independently.
• Skill in operating composite samplers, and various lab test equipment.
• Ability to work and make routine decisions on the operation of the plant processes and equipment.
• Ability to treat the water in a safe, effective manner.
• Ability to work outdoors in any kind of weather.
• Ability to read and understand design drawings and plans.
• Ability to operate safely a company vehicle and pick-up truck.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience – High school diploma, or equivalent. Three (3) years of work experience in a drinking water plant or a related area.
• Licensures and Certifications – Valid State of Georgia driver’s license; Class I Water license .(REQUIRED)

Preferred Requirements – Supervisory Experience. Forklift Certification.

Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.