Plant Operator I - Public Works

Unified Government of Wyandotte County; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS is seeking a Plant Operator I to support daily operations of the wastewater treatment facility. You will monitor processes, control flow, and ensure compliance with NPDES permits.

Ideal candidates are hands-on team players who can perform routine maintenance, maintain grounds, operate a variety of equipment, and document operations with work order software and tablets while following safety policies.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; 1+ years in wastewater facility operation preferred.
• Any equivalent education/experience to perform essential duties.
• Commercial learner's permit within 3 months; Class B CDL with tanker endorsement within six months.
• Class 1 KDHE Operations certification within three years of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment processes and effluent.
• Manually or remotely operate valves and gates to regulate treatment.
• Operate vehicles and equipment including tanker trucks and forklifts.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance and general housekeeping of plant equipment, buildings, vehicles, and grounds.
• Maintain facility grounds including mowing, trimming, watering, and landscaping.
• Operate chainsaws to remove tree branches and limbs as needed.
• Monitor chemical inventory levels and report reordering needs.
• Document maintenance activities using work order software and enter data.
• Follow established safety policies and procedures to protect personnel and equipment.

Skills

Hands-on

Team player

Education

High School diploma or GED

Class B commercial driver's license with tanker endorsement

KDHE Operations certification

Tools

Work order software

Computer/Tablet data entry

Job description

Job Description

As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer criminal history background check, physical examination and drug screen. All employees must also submit proof of identity and employment eligibility.

The KCK Environmental Services Division is seeking a Plant Operator I to support the daily operations and maintenance of its wastewater treatment facility. This position assists in controlling wastewater flow and treatment processes to ensure compliance with all applicable National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on team player who is comfortable operating equipment, performing routine maintenance, maintaining facility grounds, and communicating operational updates to leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment processes, including the flow and treatment of wastewater, sludge, and effluent.
• Manually or remotely operate valves and gates, and other equipment to regulate treatment processes.
• Operate vehicles and equipment as needed, including tanker trucks, forklifts, scissor lifts, skid steers, and other machinery.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance, custodial duties, and general housekeeping of plant equipment, buildings, vehicles, and grounds.
• Maintain facility grounds by mowing grass, trimming shrubs, watering and fertilizing plants, and performing other landscaping duties.
• Operate chainsaws and hand saws to remove tree branches and limbs as needed.
• Monitor chemical inventory levels and quantities and report supply needs for reordering.
• Communicate plant operating conditions, equipment concerns, and other facility‑related issues to Plant Operator II, Plant Operator III, or a supervisor.
• Use work order software to document maintenance activities and track work history, parts, and associated costs.
• Use computers and tablets to enter operational data and maintain accurate records.
• Clear snow and ice from walkways, driveways, parking lots, and other areas as necessary.
• Follow established safety policies and procedures to protect personnel, equipment, and facility operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED (required), 1 or more years of experience in operation of a wastewater treatment facility (preferred).
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above.
• Must have a commercial learner's permit within 3 months; Class B commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement within six months.
• Must have a Class 1 KDHE Operations certification within three years of hire date.

Salary Range

$26.02/hr.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values an inclusive workforce.

Company: Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS