Utility Operator, Operator I, Operator II

City of Soldotna; Soldotna (AK); On-site; USD 43,118 - 68,921; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Education benefits

Job summary

The City of Soldotna is seeking an Operator in the Utility Department. Roles include operating and maintaining the wastewater and water treatment plants and distribution systems, with an on-call rotation and shift work.

Positions range from Operator-13 to Operator-II-15 with DOE. Applicants must meet Alaska DEC certification milestones and hold a valid Alaska driver’s license. Benefits and regular full-time status are provided.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must obtain provisional Alaska DEC certification within 12 months for at least one utility facility type.
• Valid Alaska driver’s license with good driving record.
• Must achieve next level Alaska DEC certifications within 6 months of required hours.

Responsibilities

• Operate wastewater and water treatment plants to meet DEC permits and regulations.
• Operate distribution and collection systems; troubleshoot and perform repairs.
• Monitor equipment and prepare inventory/reports; assist with parts procurement.

Skills

Dependable

Problem solving

Positive attitude

Good communicator

Team player

Willingness to learn

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Summary

The City of Soldotna has an immediate opening for an Operator in the Utility Department. Operator- Range 13 $31.30-$43.83, or Operator I- Range 14 $33.17-$46.45, or Operator II- Range 15 $35.72-$50.03, DOE. This position is open until filled, with the first review of applicants on 07/30/2026. The Utility Operator is under the general direction and supervision of the Utility Department Manager; or his/her designee; the operator is responsible for regular and recurring responsibilities related to the operation and maintenance of Soldotna’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, Water Treatment, and the Distribution/Collection Systems. Work schedule includes Monday through Friday, some holidays, and an on-call rotation with some weekend work. A weekly work schedule will be prepared on an as needed basis and may include shift work. Shift work is defined as late night, early morning and/or week-end hours.

Detailed Work Activities

• Operates the wastewater and water treatment plants to meet the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Permits. Operates the distribution and collection systems to meet the State of Alaska DEC Regulations. Troubleshoots equipment and makes all necessary repairs. Informs Utility Manager of plant or system performance and any repairs that need to be made or equipment that is down for repairs.
• Operates collection, distribution, wells, and wastewater treatment plant equipment; including, but not limited to: incline screw pumps, belt filter press, screens, grit handling systems, flumes, clarifiers, aeration basins, blowers, chlorination equipment, ultraviolet disinfection system, aerobic digester, conveyor belts, dump trucks, vactor truck and stand-by power plants. Keeps all equipment clean and in operable condition. Participates in decisions for the procurement of parts and supplies needed for operations, repair and maintenance of equipment; assists with procedures for the custody and accounting for these assets; conducts periodic inventory and prepares inventory reports.
• Applies knowledge of the technical aspects of wastewater treatment plant systems, including primary treatment, secondary treatment, activated sludge, solids handling, disposal systems, disinfection systems, sampling/testing procedures and regulations. Stays abreast of new treatment technologies and methods and best available technology. Knowledge of federal and state regulations applicable to water, distribution, collection, and wastewater treatment systems. Utilizes knowledge of electrical, instrumentation, plumbing and mechanical systems as they relate to the water/wastewater industry. Uses gas and air monitoring equipment to ensure safe working environments.
• Preforms all tasks in a safe manner ensuring all safety policies and guidelines are followed.
• Operates computers including data input and retrieving information.
• Ability to use mathematical skills that apply to water and wastewater. Expected to read and apply written instruction and to work with limited or general supervision.
• Conducts private and public tours of the wastewater, wells, distribution, and collection systems.
• Performs other related work tasks as directed including ground maintenance of facilities. May be asked to work with other City departments as needed.
• Collects samples and performs the following laboratory analysis: pH, temperatures, chlorine residuals (DPD Method), total suspended solids (SM 2540 D), settleable solids, volatile solids, fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand (SM 5210 B). Logs all analysis and keeps accurate records. Interprets data for process control decision and inputs into a computer data base and understands and practices quality control.
• Ability to calculate the following: mean cell residence time, sludge volume index, detention time, BOD, F/M ratio, loading rates, gallons to pounds, mg/L to ug/L, chemical dosages and sludge age.
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.

Desired Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Dependable
• Good problem solver
• Have a positive attitude
• Good communicator
• Team player
• Have a willingness to learn

Qualifications

Operator (Range 13) - High School diploma or GED is required. Must be able to obtain a provisional certification from the State of Alaska DEC in at least one of the four utility facility types within 12 months from date of hire. Must have a valid Alaska driver’s license. Must have and maintain a good driving record.

Must achieve the next level certifications from the State of Alaska DEC for operation of Treatment, Distribution, Collection, and Wastewater Treatment, within 6 months of acquiring the required hours of operation and education. This requirement continues until Operator reaches the level of the facilities they are operating.

Operator I (Range 14) – Having met all of the requirements for Operator and obtaining Level I certifications from the State of Alaska DEC for one of the utility facility types; Wastewater Treatment, Water Treatment, Distribution, or Collection. Must have a valid Alaska driver’s license. Must have and maintain a good driving record.

A candidate with an equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, may be considered.

Must achieve the next level certifications from the State of Alaska DEC for operation of Treatment, Distribution, Collection, and Wastewater Treatment, within 6 months of acquiring the required hours of operation and education. This requirement continues until Operator reaches the level of the facilities they are operating.

Operator II (Range 15) - Having met all of the requirement for Operator I and obtaining one (1) of the following from the State of Alaska DEC: Level III Wastewater Collection, Level II Water Distribution or Level III Wastewater Treatment certification.

A candidate with an equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, may be considered.

Must have a valid Class B Alaska Commercial Driver’s License.

As a condition of employment with the City of Soldotna, applicable regulations require the City to verify through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse that the applicant’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is not in a prohibited status. Applicants with prior violations may be deemed ineligible for employment; unless they provide satisfactory documentation demonstrating successful completion of the Department of Transportation’s Return-to-Duty process. Additionally, any offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant receiving a negative result on a pre-employment drug test.

Must have and maintain a good driving record.

Must achieve the next level certifications from the State of Alaska DEC for operation of Treatment, Distribution, Collection, and Wastewater Treatment, within 6 months of acquiring the required hours of operation and education. This requirement continues until Operator reaches the level of the facilities they are operating.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in water/wastewater treatment plants, in the field, and in an office setting. Position involves frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Temperatures will range from -45 degrees to 110 F. Employee may be exposed to significant levels of noise and vibration while operating equipment. The use of chemicals such as chlorine, petroleum products, and salt is common. At times, employee may be required to make repairs in confined spaces. Safety equipment and training is provided to complete all jobs safely as well as for the safety of the employee

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Soldotna is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.

Regular full-time Employee Benefits

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit or defined contributions plan based upon employee eligibility upon hire. Regular full-time employees participate in PERS in lieu of Social Security.
• Option to enroll in a Deferred Compensation plan
• Employer matching program

Insurance Benefits

• Health Insurance coverage 31 days after hire
• Employee and dependent care available
• The City covers 90% of premium costs for employee coverage and 80% of the premium for family coverage.
• The City offers deductible reimbursement assistance through an HRA.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid basic life coverage for regular full-time employees with supplemental coverage available for employees
• Option to purchase supplemental insurance with Aflac

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave accrual rate starting at 15hrs per month with an accrual rate increase based on longevity
• Twelve paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave program
• Free or discounted access to many Parks & Recreation amenities
• Wellness reimbursement program
• Education benefits

Step Increases

• Regular employees serve a six-month probationary period (police officers serve one year). After completing the six-month probationary period (or six months of service for police officers) with a favorable evaluation, regular employees will be eligible for a step increase. Step increases are given annually thereafter based on a favorable evaluation.