Operator - Wastewater Treatment

copperascove; Copperas Cove (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

copperascove is looking for a wastewater treatment technician to manage and maintain operational responsibilities at their Copperas Cove facility. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, with Texas Class D Wastewater Certification required within a year of hire.

Ideal applicants will have experience in wastewater facilities and possess a strong mechanical background. The role includes maintaining mechanical systems, ensuring compliance with quality regulations, and responding to emergencies.

Safety adherence and teamwork are essential components of this position.

Qualifications

• Two years experience in a wastewater facility or equivalent.
• Current Texas Class C Wastewater Certification within three years of hire.
• Valid Texas driver’s license rated Class B CDL or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mechanical systems in good functional order.
• Monitor practices to optimize efficiency.
• Respond to plant emergencies and call-out requirements.

Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Ability to follow directions

Basic chemistry understanding

Education

High school diploma or GED

Texas Class D Wastewater Certification

Tools

Hand and power tools

Heavy equipment

Job description

DEFINITION / GENERAL PURPOSE:

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Works under the general supervision of the Chief Plant Operator Wastewater.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain mechanical systems in good functional order and operate the system to achieve the best treatment under existing plant loads.
• Understand each treatment unit process, monitoring practices, and adjustments used to optimize efficiency.
• Stay abreast of current operating and maintenance practices through short courses, training, and TCEQ Wastewater Certification.
• Subscribe to and regularly read technical journals related to wastewater treatment, especially those concerning O&M.
• Understand regulatory requirements for permitted effluent quality, reporting, analytics, emergency notifications, permit renewal, inspections, and local communications.
• Maintain accurate and legible records of operations and maintenance procedures.
• Use sound judgment in expenditure of operating funds.
• Consistently practice and enforce safety procedures.
• Perform other essential duties as required for successful department operation.
• Work well with others and maintain a good, pleasant attitude.
• Maintain regular and timely attendance.
• Respond to plant emergencies and call‑out requirements as directed.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

• Serve as a member of various employee committees, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Two (2) years experience in a wastewater facility or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current Texas Class D Wastewater Certification within one year of hire.
• Current Texas Class C Wastewater Certification within three years of hire (or within one year of TCEQ minimum experience, whichever occurs sooner).
• Maintain TCEQ Wastewater Certification for continued employment.
• Valid Texas driver’s license rated Class B CDL or ability to obtain within nine months of employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to follow directions.
• Will be required to work on call/night duty approximately every seven weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of hand and power tools, basic chemistry, mechanical equipment, and grounds maintenance equipment.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram instructions.
• Ability to solve problems in standardized situations with concrete variables.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of citizens, customers, or employees.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to effectively present information one‑on‑one or in small groups to customers, clients, and other employees.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform full range of physical efforts and maintain required standards.
• Ability to work under adverse and stressful conditions.
• Ability to report for duty as required.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job‑related tests may be required.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Motorized vehicles for mechanical testing, power and hand tools, heavy equipment (air tools, backhoe, etc.), electronic diagnostic equipment, personal computer, calculator, phone, mobile or portable radio.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequent use of hands to handle tools and controls; occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; frequent lifting of 25 pounds and occasional lifting of more than 100 pounds; close, color, and focusing vision required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work near moving mechanical parts and outdoor weather conditions; exposure to wet, humid, vibration, electrical shock; loud noise; hazards include exhaust, fumes, chemicals, dirt, moving equipment, falling objects, inclement weather, high voltage, pathogens, and debris from sewer.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.