Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, I, II, III - Wastewater Treatment

City of Abilene, Texas; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Abilene, Texas seeks a Treatment Plant Operator Trainee to learn chemical dosing, lab testing, SCADA monitoring and daily plant operations at the wastewater treatment facility. The role emphasizes safety, recordkeeping, and compliance with state and federal regulations under supervision.

As you gain experience, you may advance to Operator I, II, and III with increasing responsibility and license requirements, contributing to reliable wastewater treatment and accurate reporting for the

Qualifications

• Experience with chemical dosing calculations and chemical handling.
• Familiarity with laboratory tests and monitoring wastewater quality.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and logs per policy.

Responsibilities

• Calculates dosages for chemicals and monitors chemical feed pumps.
• Performs laboratory tests and records results for wastewater quality.
• Operates SCADA systems and basic plant equipment for process control.
• Maintains plant records, journals and inventories; assists in preventive maintenance.
• Reads wastewater discharge and supports on-call after hours emergencies.

Skills

Chemical dosing calculations

SCADA monitoring

Laboratory testing

Recordkeeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA systems

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Description

Posted Monday, September 14, 2026 at 6:00 AM

General Description

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Division Manager to perform activities pertaining to the operation of a Wastewater Treatment plant. The entry level trainee position focuses on learning and understanding how to perform a variety of chemical dosing calculations, chemical analysis, lift station management, electronic and manual record keeping as well as treatment plant process control activities to produce wastewater compliant with State of Texas and Federal Regulations.

Treatment Plant Operator I & II

Performs a variety of chemical analysis, lift station management, and treatment plant process control activities to produce wastewater compliant with State of Texas and Federal Regulations.

• Calculates dosages for various chemicals, and the purpose for which the chemicals are used.
• Controls and monitor treatment plant chemical feed pumps and various types of equipment to treat and disinfect wastewater.
• Performs and records the results of various laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, chlorine residual, temperature and other related tests.
• Assesses and interprets data from laboratory tests to improve and maintain wastewater quality.
• Backwashes filters using both manual and automatic sequences.
• Performs efficient plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and recordkeeping procedures.
• Standardizes laboratory equipment and adjust chemical feeders for optimal wastewater treatment.
• Maintains plant records, including operations logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compiles both paper and electronic copies of reports as required by department policy.
• Monitors SCADA Systems, pumps, chemical feeders, laboratory equipment, meters and gauges to determine status of various functions of the plant; perform equipment and laboratory preventive maintenance duties.
• Reads, calculates, and records wastewater discharge on an hourly and daily basis.
• Assists in performing minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.
• Checks motors and pumps for excessive vibrations, noise and temperatures; reports problems to appropriate personnel.
• Operates a vehicle on a daily basis.
• Controls and monitors treatment plant chemicals, machines, and equipment to properly treat wastewater.
• Performs and records the results of various laboratory tests to assess wastewater quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, such as, chlorine residual, temperature and other related tests.
• Removes solids from treatment units and backwashes filters as needed.
• Maintains the efficiency of plant and laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, pumps, filters, and machinery, testing, quality control, and record-keeping procedures.
• Calibrates laboratory equipment and adjusts chemical feeders for optimal wastewater treatment.
• Reads, calculates, and records wastewater discharge hourly/daily basis.
• Performs minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment as needed.
• Reads and records chemical usage; fills chemical feeders; mixes chemicals; changes reagents.
• Checks motors and pumps for excessive noise and temperature variations; reports problems to appropriate personnel.
• Performs grounds maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed.
• May be required to work on call after hours to respond to emergencies.

Treatment Plant Operator III

• Oversees that the plant is operating efficiently; maintain records; prepare reports regarding the operation of the plant and quality of the plant product; suggest methods of improving plant efficiency.
• Troubleshoots and recommends corrective action towards a resolution of maintenance or operation problems.
• Assists with conducting chemical and bacteriological analysis of treatment plant products using quality control data analysis data of plant product.
• Based on the analysis of information from meter readings, gauges and other control/measuring devices, makes required adjustments.
• Maintains effective communication and working relationships with employees, governmental officials, and the public.
• Performs process control laboratory analysis.
• Maintains and enters process control as well as other data into the appropriate computer systems.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervisory responsibilities; however, the Treatment Plant Operator I, II and III will assist with training the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee.

Other Job Related Duties

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• State and Federal requirements, rules and regulations for Wastewater Treatment.
• Safe chemical handling practices.
• Basic algebra and general math skills.
• Methods, materials, practices, equipment, and facilities involved in Wastewater Treatment.
• Workplace occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill To

• Operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and systems.
• Use and maintain a variety of tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair activities.
• Visually, physically, and audibly identify anomalies associated with pumps and motors.
• Make logical decisions based on available and/or acquired data through SCADA and computer systems.
• Operate basic computer equipment.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather.

Ability To

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Read, write and understand the English language and follow written and oral instructions.
• Physically perform duties related to building and grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed-eating, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

• Experience: This is an entry-level position. No previous experience is required.
• Education/Training: A high school diploma or GED is required.
• License or Certificate: A Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
• A TCEQ Class D Wastewater Operators License within 24 months of employment is required.

Treatment Plant Operator I

• Experience: One (1) year of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.
• License or Certificate: A TCEQ Class C Wastewater Operators License is required.

Treatment Plant Operator II

• Experience: Three (3) years of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.
• License or Certificate: A TCEQ Class B Wastewater Operators License is required.

Treatment Plant Operator III

• Experience: Six (6) years of experience in a Wastewater treatment plant is required.
• License or Certificate: A TCEQ Class A Wastewater Operators License is required.

Special Requirements

• All state licensed personnel must pass a State of Texas Criminal background check. The State of Texas has the authority to grant or deny the required license.
• Ability to report to work in various types of weather as required.
• Work a variable shift schedule with the potential for short notice schedule changes.
• Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confined work spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
• ___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
• ___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
• _X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
• ___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
• ___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes For How Often:

• N = No
• E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
• A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

• _E_ Standing
• _M_ Sitting
• _E_ Walking
• _M_ Lifting
• _M_ Carrying
• _M_ Pushing/Pulling
• _M_ Overhead Work
• _M_ Fine Dexterity
• _M_ Kneeling
• _M_ Crouching
• _I__ Crawling
• _M_ Bending
• _M_ Twisting
• _M_ Climbing
• _I_ Balancing
• _E_ Vision
• _E_ Hearing
• _E_ Talking

___ Other: _____________________

Job Details

• Job Family Treatment Plant Operator - Wastewater Treatment
• Job Function 13. SANITATION AND SEWAGE
• Pay Type Hourly
• Hiring Min Rate 18.83 USD
• Hiring Max Rate 30.23 USD
• Location: Wastewater Collection, 701 E Hwy 80, Abilene, Texas, United States of America