Lead Watewater Operator

Sowela; Tolleson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Tolleson seeks a Lead Utility Operator to perform journey-level lead work, train staff, and direct daily wastewater plant operations. Duties include monitoring equipment, assigning tasks, and maintaining records while ensuring compliance and safety.

You will use CMMS and WIMS logs, participate in rotating on-call shifts, and assist the Wastewater Operations supervisor. ADEQ certification or the ability to obtain it within six months is required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED plus college coursework or 3 years related experience.
• ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Valid Arizona Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Train and mentor operations staff; provide guidance to all operators.
• Inspect and monitor plant operations; assign work; schedule projects and sample collection.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and develop training; evaluate operator performance.

Skills

ADEQ Grade 3 Certification

Valid Arizona Driver's License

CMMS

WIMS logs

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CMMS

WIMS

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

Additional Application Information

It is important that your application shows all relevant work experience and education. Work experience must be noted on the application. Applicants may be rejected if not fully complete. Your resume may not be substituted as an application.

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

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO