DWM Watershed Plant Operator (South River)

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Atlanta is seeking an experienced wastewater facility operator to monitor, operate, and troubleshoot the water reclamation center and associated pump stations, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations. The role supports emergency response and on-call coverage to prevent violations and protect water quality.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, 3 years of wastewater plant experience, and relevant licenses.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of wastewater plant operation and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to read and understand design drawings and plans.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and operate vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Perform sampling, monitoring and testing to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Assist in maintenance and repair of plant equipment; conduct daily checks on a rotating basis.
• Respond to emergencies and outages at the water reclamation center and pump stations, on call as needed.
• Train staff and interns on proper procedures for operation and safety.

Skills

Wastewater operations

Reading drawings

Education

High school diploma / GED

3 years wastewater experience

Tools

Forklift Certification

Class B CDL desirable

Job description

Posting expires: October 12, 2026

General Description And Classification Standards

JOB DESCRIPTION

Posting expires: October 12, 2026

General Description And Classification Standards

Provides continuous, economical, and maintains EPA compliance with the wastewater treatment processes for the citizens of the Atlanta area. Operate, monitor, maintain, and trouble-shoot the wastewater treatment facility and its processes in an effort to prevent violations and to keep the receiving waters safe. This is an experienced, skilled or technical level position, capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position 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 possesses the required minimum qualifications and demonstrates the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance. Could be the only position in this specialty 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 associates, apprentices, or semi-skilled employees in the group.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Performs all aspects of sampling, monitoring and testing required to maintain compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations governing the wastewater treatment processes, stormwater, and sludge management.
• May assist in the performance of regularly scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on all plant equipment and machinery. Conducts the necessary daily checks of the treatment plant on a rotating basis. Performs all work in conformance to Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations
• On call to respond to emergencies and breakdowns at the water reclamation center and/or pump stations.
• Trains individuals of proper procedures in operating and maintaining the City's water reclamation centers and/or pump stations.

Expectations of Hours of Service, Emergency and Stand-by Service

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.

Decision Making

Follows standardized procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.

Leadership Provided

Provides guidance and training as required to lower level, interns, temporary employees, etc.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of the operation, methods and procedures of a wastewater treatment plant; knowledge of the machinery and process used for wastewater 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 wastewater 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 wastewater 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 a company vehicle and pick-up truck.

Qualifications

Class I - Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• 3 years of work experience in a wastewater plant or a related area.

Preferred Education & Experience

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• 3 years of experience in a wastewater plant or a related area, supervisory experience desirable.

Licensures and Certifications

• Valid State of Georgia Driver’s License required.
• Class I Wastewater License required.
• Forklift Certification and/or Class B CDL desirable.

Class II - Minimum Qualifications – Education And Experience

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• 1 - 2 years of work experience in a wastewater plant or a related area.

Preferred Education & Experience

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• 1 - 2 years of work experience in a wastewater plant or a related area.

Licensures and Certifications

• Valid State of Georgia Driver’s License required.
• Class II Wastewater License required.
• Forklift Certification and/or Class B CDL desirable.

Class III - Minimum Qualifications – Education And Experience

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• 1 year of work experience in a wastewater plant or a related area.

Preferred Education & Experience

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• 1 year of work experience in a wastewater plant or a related area.

Licensures and Certifications

• Valid State of Georgia Driver’s License required.
• Class III Wastewater License required.
• Forklift Certification and/or Class B CDL desirable.

Trainee – Minimum Qualifications – Education And Experience

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

No Experience Required

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)

Preferred Education & Experience

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)

Work experience in wastewater plant or a related field.

Licensures and Certifications

Valid State of Georgia Driver’s License required.

Must obtained a Class III License one year of employment required.

Forklift Certification and/or Class B CDL desirable.

Essential Capabilities And Work Environment

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