Lead Watewater Operator

CITY OF TOLLESON; Tolleson (AZ); On-site; USD 47,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tolleson is seeking a Lead Utility Operator to perform journey-level lead work, train staff, and oversee daily wastewater treatment plant operations. Responsibilities include inspections, assigning tasks, and maintaining records using CMMS and WIMS logs.

Ideal candidates will provide guidance, develop training, manage shift schedules, and participate in on-call rotations while ensuring compliance and safety across the facility.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED supplemented with college coursework or technical training and 3 years of progressively responsible experience.
• ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification or ability to obtain within six months from date of hire.
• Valid Arizona Driver's License required.
• Position requires working nights, evenings, and/or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Perform journey-level lead work training and mentoring operations staff.
• Provide guidance and direction to all operators in daily plant operations.
• Monitor inspections, assign tasks, develop and conduct training, and maintain accurate operational records.

Skills

Training

Leadership

Operations scheduling

Record keeping

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ADEQ Grade 3 Certification

Tools

CMMS

WIMS logs

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The City of Tolleson is seeking qualified individuals interested in joining our team as a Lead Utility Operator. The Lead Utility Operator is responsible for performing journey-level lead work that involves training and mentoring operations staff, provides guidance and direction to all operators in the daily operations of the treatment plant. Some examples of duties performed include operational compliance and appearance of the facility by closely monitoring operations, performing inspections, giving work assignments to operators, developing and conducting training, keeping accurate records of operational activities; preparing reports, shift schedules; scheduling projects, sample collection, evaluating work performance of operators and all other duties as assigned.

The Lead Utility Operator is also responsible for monitoring the health of the following, but not limited to, clarifiers, digesters, grit removal systems, trickling filters, aeration blowers, gas chlorination systems, chemical feed systems, belt presses, bar screens, and rotary drum thickeners. This position creates, reviews, and monitors daily work activities by using Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) and WIMS logs. This position also participates in a rotating on-call schedule. The incumbent may provide crew member performance feedback to the Wastewater Operations supervisor and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution, supplemented with college coursework or technical training and 3 years of progressively responsible experience in assigned area of responsibility; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience. Applicants must possess an ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months from date of hire. Valid Arizona Driver's License required. This position will require working nights, evenings, and/or weekends.

Additional Requirements

This position requires basic proficiency in laboratory testing methods and procedures, along with the ability to troubleshoot process control issues and mechanical equipment within a wastewater treatment environment. Applicants should be capable of performing mathematical computations, writing reports and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. The role also requires the ability to maintain respiratory program requirements for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Knowledge of

• Journey-level maintenance and repair principles, practices, and methods
• Journey-level process control
• Microscope experience and ability to identify microorganisms on slides
• Coordinating work assignments
• Safe operation of a vehicle
• Job-specific equipment
• Heavy equipment
• Safe working practices
• Basic mathematical concepts
• Modern office technology

Skills in

• Coordinating work assignments
• Operating heavy equipment
• Operating small hand and power tools
• Operating a vehicle
• Performing basic mathematical calculations
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and others to sufficiently convey informationand to receive work directions

Physical Requirements/Work Conditions

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Heavy: Exerting 50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, blood and other bodily fluids, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, travel and environmental conditions such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.

Full Salary Range: $33.88 - $47.43 Hourly

Salary for internal promotion Section 603.3.2 of Employee Handbook.

Applications reviewed weekly, with first review September 22, 2026

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation, if needed, by contacting Employee Resources at 623-474-4989.

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO