Plant Operator A

Denver Water; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer contributions

Pension plan

Generous PTO and comprehensive health,

Job summary

Denver Water is seeking a Water Treatment Technician to operate and maintain potable and recycled water treatment facilities under general supervision. The role involves managing plant operations, adjusting processes, and ensuring consistent water quality in line with regulatory standards.

You will monitor processes via SCADA, perform laboratory analyses, calibrate equipment, and uphold strict safety practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities for the position.

Responsibilities

• Operate multiple treatment plants and monitor the process using SCADA; maintain compliance with Federal and State regulations and Denver Water quality goals.
• Perform laboratory tests, calibrate equipment, compare to online readings, and maintain records.
• May serve as shift ORC at a single treatment plant and perform safety-related duties and inspections.

Job description

• Minimum of two years of related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

• At time of hire: must possess a valid State of Colorado Water Operator Class A certification.
• Will be required to obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class ‘R’ Colorado driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record at time of hire.

Safety Sensitive Requirements

• This is a safety sensitive job where an employee’s direct action/inaction may lead to immediate harm to self, team, or the public and/or will have significant risk to the mission of Denver Water. To promote the safety, employees in this job must possess English proficiency adequate to effectively communicate with customers and coworkers, including proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Respiratory Protection Testing

• This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician.

An offer of employment may be contingent upon satisfactory results of a post-offer drug test and alcohol. Denver Water tests for the following: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strength test may also be conducted due to the physical requirements of the position. This strength test may include lifting, pushing, and pulling various amounts of weight as well as crouching, squatting, and lifting one’s own body weight from various positions. If the position is deemed safety-sensitive or requires a CDL , you will be placed on the random drug and alcohol testing list , which means you may be tested if your name is selected while employed at Denver Water.

Applicants for employment at Denver Water must be authorized to work in the U.S. Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Job Description

Position Summary

*Applications from this recruitment may be considered for future Water Treatment Technician full-time and Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions. LTE positions are project/program based and typically have a predetermined expected end date.

Working for Denver Water offers a rewarding and comprehensive employment experience marked by exceptional benefits and a strong organizational culture. Employees enjoy a robust 401(k) plan with employer contributions, a secure pension fund to support long-term financial well-being, and high-quality benefits that include a generous PTO package as well as medical, dental, and vision coverage.

At the heart of Denver Water’s workplace are its core values: vision, integrity, passion, excellence, and respect. These principles guide every aspect of the organization, fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the community and the future of water sustainability.

Under general supervision, perform a variety of duties essential to the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants (potable and recycled). Use physical, biological, and chemical water treatment techniques to produce finished water that meets Federal and State regulatory requirements and Denver Water’s water quality goals. May fill in or cross train for asset management as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate multiple treatment plants including related subsystems. Monitor the treatment process from the SCADA operating network; monitor various treatment processes including, but not limited to coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and corrosion control treatment. Monitor raw water and downstream finished water quality. Capable of making all process decisions for facility operations to maintain compliance with Federal and State regulations and maintaining all Denver Water Quality Goals and Targets.
• Additionally, monitor water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process, calibrate laboratory equipment, compare to on-line instrumentation readings, and maintain records.
• May serve as shift ORC at a single treatment plant.
• Monitor systems for alarms, adjust, and provide appropriate response .
• Operate and maintain chlorination equipment for pre-treatment, filtration, and disinfection systems. Maintain Risk Management Program (RMP) compliance through training, proper use of PPE and annual mandatory inspection, repair and replacement of chlorination equipment and instrumentation. Must complete initial 40-hour RMP training and meet annual 8-hour RMP training requirements.
• Perform calibration of chemical feed equipment. Order chemicals and take delivery of bulk chemicals.
• Perform facility inspections of treatment processes, equipment, instrumentation, storage tanks and grounds. Make visual inspections of facility processes, equipment, instrumentation, and facility grounds.
• Perform complex plant start-ups and shutdowns, including emergency shutdowns.
• Assess project risks and develop job hazard analysis (JHA) and adhere to Denver Water’s safety
• practices and policies.
• May assist in training new technicians. May create and/or update SOPs and other training
• documents .
• Must be able to perform safety sensitive functions.
• Perform related duties as required .
• May be required to perform on-call duty, work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as directed, and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Operate and maintain solids handling systems.
• Provide appropriate first response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials. Wear respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required .

The following disciplines fall under this job description:

• Class A Plant Operator: Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties necessary to operate treatment facilities and related structures. Uses physical, chemical, and biological conventional and advanced treatment techniques in combination with SCADA operating technology to provide an adequate supply of safe, high-quality water that meets regulatory requirements and Denver Water internal water quality goals. Performs process control laboratory analyses. Provides routine metrics and data analytics. Comply with safety practices and policies.

Contact Us

Denver Water is committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number is received. Denver Water reserves the right to either close or extend a posting.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on all Denver Water properties .

Denver Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to building a culturally diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, People of Color, veterans, and people with disabilities.