Senior Wastewater Plant Operator (Level IV)

City of Portales; Portales (NM); On-site; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Portales, New Mexico, is seeking a Wastewater Operator IV to oversee advanced treatment operations at the Portales Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated reuse systems. This safety-sensitive role requires strong regulatory knowledge and hands-on leadership in a 40-hour workweek with on-call rotation.

You will monitor process controls, supervise staff, ensure compliance with NMED and city policies, and respond to emergencies while maintaining detailed logs and records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; at least 18 years of age.
• Active NM Level 4 Wastewater certification at hire and throughout employment, including renewal training.
• Experience operating an activated-sludge wastewater treatment facility.
• Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to interpret laboratory results, flow data, trends; diagnose problems and take corrective actions.
• Proficiency with SCADA, spreadsheets, reporting systems; lead and train staff.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor Aero-Mod activated-sludge process and related systems.
• Provide supervisory direction per applicable standards and NMAC requirements.
• Review data and adjust operations to meet permits; document actions.
• Collect samples, maintain lab coordination, chain of custody and reporting.
• Prepare logs, compliance reports, and incident records; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Lead and train lower-level operators; coordinate certification development.

Skills

Wastewater operation

SCADA experience

Data interpretation

Staff training

Regulatory knowledge

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

NM Level 4 certification

College coursework / wastewater training

Tools

Aero-Mod

Job description

The City of Portales, New Mexico, is seeking a Wastewater Operator IV to oversee advanced treatment operations at the Portales Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated reuse systems. This safety-sensitive role requires strong regulatory knowledge and hands-on leadership in a 40-hour workweek with on-call rotation.

You will monitor process controls, supervise staff, ensure compliance with NMED and city policies, and respond to emergencies while maintaining detailed logs and records.