Plant Operator - Water Treatment Plant

City of Manhattan, Kansas; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Boot, clothing & vehicle allowances

City cell phone

Paid holidays

Job summary

City of Manhattan, Kansas seeks a Regular, Non-Exempt Water/Wastewater Plant Operator to join the night shift. You will monitor, sample, test, and record treatment process data, while operating SCADA and ensuring safe, compliant plant operation.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and preferred experience in water/wastewater environments. Starting pay is listed with a robust benefits package and rotating weekend requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in the water or wastewater utility environment preferred.
• Safety training including Hazardous Communication, Lockout/Tagout, and CPR/First Aid.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and monitor process equipment, take samples and adjust as needed.
• Operate SCADA systems and record data accurately.
• Perform routine plant inspections and coordinate maintenance with staff.
• Obtain samples, run lab tests, and adjust treatment processes as required.
• Maintain records and monitor water availability and tower levels.
• Assist with routine preventive maintenance and respond to after-hours issues.

Skills

Water/wastewater experience

Safety training

Education

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

16-Week Water/Wastewater Course or equivalent training

Hazardous Communication, Lockout/Tagout, CPR/First Aid training

Job description

Regular, Non-Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $19.06 - $22.87/hour, DOQ

Closing Date: October 15, 2026

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, Midnight - 8:00AM

Description

Under the general direction of the Water/Wastewater Operations Supervisor and Wastewater Treatment Superintendent, participates in the daily activities of the Water/Wastewater Plant operations completing the sampling, laboratory testing, reading, and recording of treatment process information and general operation.

Essential Functions

Inspects and monitors process equipment, takes samples, and makes necessary adjustments.

• Assures successful plant operation and maintenance of the water/wastewater treatment processes through the comprehension of various sources of information and interpret technical data.
• Operates Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Performs visual and routine inspections of the treatment plant buildings, equipment, and treatment process without SCADA.
• Obtains process control samples, performs process control laboratory tests, records data, and uses test results to ascertain needed changes in water/wastewater treatment processes.
• Checks all equipment for proper operation and reports all malfunctions or other concerns to the appropriate Superintendent, Plant Operations Manager, other Plant Operators, or Plant Maintenances staff.
• Reads and records information to maintain proper recordkeeping and monitors water availability throughout the City by monitoring CADA system, regulating and setting flow and pumping levels.
• Monitors water tower levels to maintain an adequate supply of water.
• Assists plant maintenance staff with routine servicing and preventive maintenance of plant equipment, sometimes in confined spaces and at heights from ladders and scaffolding, in accordance with maintenance schedules.
• Reports issues and concerns that occur outside of normal business hours to the Water/Wastewater Treatment Superintendent, or other on-call personnel.

Performs Janitorial And Grounds Maintenance Duties As Required

• Provides snow and ice removal at Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant sidewalks and driveways.
• Performs janitorial duties as required.

Performs Additional Duties As Required

• Attends meetings and training.
• Acts as a main communication point for outside people and groups; answers questions and resolves issues. Takes afterhours and emergency phone calls from the public for water/sewer issues and reports them to the water/sewer on-call personnel.
• Manages stress brought about by interacting with potentially irate and/or defensive customers.
• Prepares reports.
• Performs work on a shift-work basis with some weekend and holiday schedules required.
• Provides passive security at the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant by contacting law enforcement or other appropriate emergency responder, and the Water/Wastewater Treatment Superintendent if there are suspicious activities or unauthorized person(s) within the secured perimeter of the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Controls access to the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant by locking and unlocking the front access gate.
• Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Education And Experience

• One (1) year of experience working within the water or wastewater utility environment.
• Completion of 16-Week Course Water/Wastewater Treatment Course or other Specialized Training.
• Safety and Emergency Training: Hazardous Communication Training; Lockout/Tagout Training; and CPR/First Aid Training.

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.