Surface Water Operator

Gfoat; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

On-site wellness

Life insurance

Job summary

The City of Sugar Land is seeking a full-time Surface Water Operator in the Utilities Department to operate a state-of-the-art membrane treatment plant, performing monitoring, testing, troubleshooting and system control. You will work closely with experienced operators and supervisors in a around-the-clock environment to ensure safe, reliable water service for the community.

This role offers growth within a vital public service, with a starting salary range of $51,022–$75,920 and a comprehensive

Qualifications

• Two years of surface water treatment or one year at Sugar Land plant.
• Valid Texas Driver License.
• Must possess a TCEQ surface water operator license (Class C/B/A depending on level).
• Municipal or government experience preferred.
• Able to operate in a 24-hour shift environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge for essential operations of the membrane treatment plant and facilities in accordance with state/federal regulations.
• Use SCADA to operate/monitor treatment, adjust chemicals per permits.
• Perform laboratory duties, maintain instruments, monitor quality control, collect samples and analysis.
• Enter sample analysis into daily log and ensure shift records are accurate.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process control problems.
• Monitor and adjust plant parameters to sustain quality and compliance.
• Perform preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, and tanks; clean and service areas.
• Regular on-site attendance is essential.
• Emergency duty as an essential employee during incidents.

Skills

SCADA monitoring

Laboratory testing

Troubleshooting

Operations & control

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

TCEQ Class C Surface Water Operator License

TCEQ Class B Surface Water Operator License

TCEQ Class A Water Operator License

Tools

SCADA software

Job description

The City of Sugar Land is seeking a full-time Surface Water Operator in the Utilities Department.

Join a critical operations team dedicated to protecting public health and delivering safe, reliable water service to the community.
This position plays a key role in the day-to-day operation of a state-of-the-art membrane treatment plant, supporting essential processes through hands‑on monitoring, testing, troubleshooting, and system control. Working closely with experienced operators and supervisors, you will gain valuable technical experience in a dynamic, around-the-clock environment. This role is ideal for individuals who are dependable, detail-oriented, and motivated to contribute to a 24-hour operation that truly makes a difference offering variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to grow within a vital public service.

Why Should You Join Our Team?

Our trailblazing culture focuses on our employees, our citizens and the services we provide to our community. We are a data-driven and innovative full-service municipality located approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston that invests in our team and offers real opportunities for career growth. We pay our Surface Water Operators a starting salary of $51,022 – $75,920 depending on your qualifications and experience. We also offer great benefits and perks available on your first day of employment, including: City-subsidized health benefits; life and disability insurance; a variety of voluntary benefits; a robust pension plan with TMRS to set you up for a fulfilling retirement; a down-to-earth casual environment and dress code; and a positive team-oriented culture stemming from a long-term commitment to innovation and inclusion.

Benefits At-A-Glance:

• City-subsidized Medical and Dental Insurance with a variety of plan options;
• City-paid Basic Life Insurance @ 1x your annual salary and Long-term Disability;
• Voluntary Vision, Supplemental Life Coverage (for you and your family), Aflac indemnity plans such as Accident, Cancer, Hospitalization and Critical Illness, Short Term Disability and pre-paid legal benefits through Legal Shield;
• 9 paid holidays and up to 3 floating holidays to use at your discretion;
• A generous vacation package with accruals starting on day 1;
• Paid sick leave;
• Paid Parental Leave;
• A robust pension plan with TMRS includes your 7% contribution with 2:1 match by the City;
• You won’t contribute to Social Security, but you can further your retirement income by contributing to a Deferred Compensation (457b) plan;
• Longevity pay for each month of service after your first 13 months of employment;
• On-site Wellness facilities and programming (mind, body spirit & financial preparedness); and
• Access to multiple mental health benefits and resources, including a robust EAP…

If we have your attention… Please. Continue. Reading!

Our City Mission:

WE ARE TRAILBLAZERS! Relentless in Our Pursuit of Good so that Our Employees, Residents, and Businesses Can Enjoy a Life Better than They Can Even Imagine.

Our Employee Values:

Our values ignite passion, drive, and a sense of purpose, fostering a thriving and successful organizational culture!

We follow the BLAZE Values:

• Bold: We encourage each other to be bold in our ideas, decisions, and actions. We embrace innovation and take risks to drive progress.
• Loyal: We are loyal to each other, the City and our Mission and Vision. We support each other to foster a cohesive and collaborative work environment. We celebrate our successes and address the challenges facing us, together.
• Adaptable: We are resilient because we adapt to changing landscapes and market dynamics. We are flexible and understand the need for work-life balance. We embrace new technologies and evolving trends.
• Zealous: We are committed to excellence in all endeavors. We encourage each other to strive for the highest standards of public service, quality, and performance. We hold ourselves, and each other, accountable for our words and actions.
• Empowered: We are empowered with the necessary resources, opportunities, and responsibilities to excel in our roles. We seek out opportunities for development and growth, and help others do the same. We are inclusive, we embrace our differences and recognize the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences.

We are TrailBLAZErs!

Examples Of Essential Duties:

Are we the right fit for YOU?

• Develop the knowledge and skill for the essential operations of the membrane treatment plant and facilities in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• Uses Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to assist with operating/monitoring treatment process, adjusts chemicals and treatment equipment in accordance with regulatory permits
• Performs laboratory duties, maintains instruments, monitors quality control, collects samples and conducts analysis
• Enters sample analysis into daily log and ensures accuracy of all shift records/reports on their shift
• Provides and accepts plant turnover to the preceding/on-coming operator team
• Troubleshoots equipment and process control problems
• Monitors and adjusts plant parameters to sustain quality and regulatory compliance
• Performs preventative maintenance on pumps, motors, and tanks. Clean and service all areas throughout the plant
• Regular on-site attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Required to work as an essential employee before, during and after an emergency or disaster, whether natural or acts of war.
• Stay abreast of, and comply with, all City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Assistant Director and/or their designee(s).

EducationHigh school diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience and Certifications by LevelOperator I

• Two (2) years of experience in surface water treatment plant operation and maintenance, or one (1) year of direct experience at the City of Sugar Land Surface Water Treatment Plant.
• Municipal or government experience preferred.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver License.
• Must possess a TCEQ Class C Surface Water Operator License.

Operator II

• Four (4) years of experience in surface water treatment plant operation and maintenance.
• Municipal or government experience preferred.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver License.
• Must possess a TCEQ Class B Surface Water Operator License.

Operator III

• Eight (8) years of experience in surface water treatment plant operation and maintenance.
• Municipal or government experience preferred.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver License.
• Must possess a TCEQ Class A Water Operator License.

Supplemental Information:

The citizens of Sugar Land depend on City employees before, during and after an emergency or disaster to provide or restore essential public services for the health, safety and quality of life for our community. In the event of a wide scale emergency that could impact our community, all employees must be ready to assist in managing the crisis and will be considered essential for the continuity of governmental operations.

Our success is achieved by the courage to do things differently and accept that failure will occur on the path to innovation.

The City of Sugar Land is an equal Opportunity employer.