Utility Plant Operator (D, C, B, A)

City of Northglenn; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 53,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Life Insurance

Paid Family & Caregiver Leave

Job summary

City of Northglenn is seeking a certified Water Treatment Facility Operator for the Public Works Utilities Division. This full-time role operates a 14-million-gallon-per-day plant, monitors SCADA, conducts sampling, and ensures regulatory compliance to provide safe, clean water for the community.

The position requires a Colorado certification, a valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain CPR/First Aid and other credentials within six months.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• A Colorado Certified Water Professional (CWP) Water Treatment Operator certification at the time of hire or the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment. The City will provide training materials and cover the examination fee upon passing.
• First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain both within six months of employment. City-provided training and certification will be available.
• Two years of experience operating a water treatment facility, including experience with SCADA systems.
• College-level coursework in chemistry, mathematics, water quality, or a related field.
• Experience performing water treatment calculations, chemical dosage calculations, and laboratory testing procedures.
• Operators use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, SCADA, and other computer-based systems daily.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor a 14-million-gallon-per-day conventional water treatment facility, including chemical feed systems, flocculation, clarification, filtration, disinfection, finished-water storage, and solids-handling processes.
• Monitor plant conditions through SCADA, instrumentation, visual inspections, laboratory testing, and operational trends.
• Collect and analyze raw, settled, filtered, and finished-water samples.
• Operate pumps, valves, filters, chemical feeders, and other treatment equipment.
• Adjust chemical dosages, plant flow rates, and process equipment to maintain water quality, regulatory compliance, and reliable operations.
• Perform filter backwashes and monitor filter performance, turbidity, headloss, and loading rates.
• Calibrate and verify laboratory and online process instruments.
• Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance and identify equipment or process concerns.
• Maintain accurate operating records, laboratory results, regulatory documentation, electronic data, and shift logs.
• Respond appropriately to alarms, equipment failures, water-quality changes, and other abnormal operating conditions.
• Communicate plant conditions, operational changes, maintenance needs, and unresolved issues during shift transitions.
• Answer facility phone calls and respond professionally to internal and external inquiries.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SCADA

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About NorthglennThe City government’s support for community and economic development makes Northglenn a hub of safe neighborhoods and business activity. The quality of planning, development, services and volunteers creates a distinctive sense of community that is uncommon in many modern cities. Many of the original residents who lived in Northglenn when it incorporated in 1969 are still here.

Nature of Work The City government’s support for community and economic development makes Northglenn a hub of safe neighborhoods and business activity. The quality of planning, development, services and volunteers creates a distinctive sense of community that is uncommon in many modern cities. The community is connected by the well-planned Greenway Trail System. The over 35 miles of off-street walking and biking paths connect with larger trail systems that lead throughout the Denver metro area. Northglenn is only 15 minutes north of downtown Denver and all the events and attractions of a major metropolitan city. Go east on Interstate 70 and Denver International Airport is only 30 minutes away. Turn to the west and the majestic Rocky Mountains tower over the landscape and are a mere half hour away by car. The City of Northglenn is looking for an empowered and motivated individual to fill a Utility Plant Operator position at our Water Treatment Facility. This is a full-time position as a certified Water Treatment Facility Operator in the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department. The city’s Public Works Department is the ninth in the state and 182nd in the nation to receive accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA).

This voluntary process has taken over two years and required intense evaluation of 561 specific areas – everything from the department’s procedures to communication to culture. This has led to improved operating procedures, more efficiency and increased preparedness in case of an emergency.

This position upholds and models the City of Northglenn values, along with the guiding Public Works CARES principles:

Public Works CARES

• Communication: The cornerstone that supports collaboration and customer service excellence.
• Adaptability: We are always ready to respond to change and challenge.
• Respect: We bring integrity, honesty, and kindness to the workplace.
• Efficiency: We embrace training, innovation and teamwork to get the job done.
• Safety: Working safely ensures everyone goes home at the end of the day.

Position Highlights

• Compensation - Starting salary range will be commensurate with experience and current level of CDPHE Water Treatment Operator Certification as follows:
• Level "A" certification - $34.09 to $36.09 per hour - Full Range ends at $40.93 per hour
• Level "B" certification - $30.90 to $32.90 per hour- Full Range ends at $37.21 per hour
• Level "C" certification - $28 to $30 per hour - Full range ends at $32.78 per hour
• Level "D" certification/Trainee - $25.36 to $27.36 per hour - Full range ends at $29.80 per hour

Shifts

• Shift Operators: Works a rotating schedule of seven consecutive days followed by seven days off. Workweeks run Tuesday through Monday, with rotations alternating between day and night shifts. Typical shifts are approximately 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m. Shift Operators are required to work assigned weekends and holidays.
• Technical Operators (Tech Ops): Typically works Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with rotating afternoon coverage from 12:30–8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tech Ops are also responsible for covering shift work as necessary.
• Operators will typically rotate between Shift Operator and Technical Operator assignments throughout the year based on facility staffing and operational needs.
• This facility operates continuously and is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Benefit Highlights

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Competitive General Leave: (two personal days available immediately)
• 401A Retirement Plan: (8% contribution from the City, 12% from the Employee)
• Life Insurance: (One and a half times your annual salary up to $200,000. AD&D coverage in same amount)
• Paid Family & Caregiver Leave: Available after 6 months of employment for qualifying events. Receive up to 400 hours
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Recreation Center membership for you and your immediate family
• Bilingual Pay

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including offices, treatment areas, confined spaces, chemical handling and storage areas, and elevated facilities such as finished-water storage tanks. Employees must perform all duties safely and effectively while following established safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.

The physical demands described below represent those required to perform the essential functions of the position. Employees must be able to communicate effectively and perform active work that includes prolonged standing and walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. The position also requires the ability to occasionally lift or move objects weighing more than 50 pounds.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor a 14-million-gallon-per-day conventional water treatment facility, including chemical feed systems, flocculation, clarification, filtration, disinfection, finished-water storage, and solids-handling processes.
• Monitor plant conditions through SCADA, instrumentation, visual inspections, laboratory testing, and operational trends.
• Collect and analyze raw, settled, filtered, and finished-water samples.
• Operate pumps, valves, filters, chemical feeders, and other treatment equipment.
• Adjust chemical dosages, plant flow rates, and process equipment to maintain water quality, regulatory compliance, and reliable operations.
• Perform filter backwashes and monitor filter performance, turbidity, headloss, and loading rates.
• Calibrate and verify laboratory and online process instruments.
• Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance and identify equipment or process concerns.
• Maintain accurate operating records, laboratory results, regulatory documentation, electronic data, and shift logs.
• Respond appropriately to alarms, equipment failures, water-quality changes, and other abnormal operating conditions.
• Communicate plant conditions, operational changes, maintenance needs, and unresolved issues during shift transitions.
• Answer facility phone calls and respond professionally to internal and external inquiries.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Although many daily duties are routine, operators are trusted and empowered to make sound operational decisions necessary to protect water quality, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure continuity of operations. Operators must use good judgment and critical thinking to recognize changing plant conditions, respond appropriately, and communicate concerns promptly. The successful candidate will follow established procedures while taking ownership of their work, exercising appropriate initiative, and contributing ideas that improve safety, treatment performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Operators work under the direction of the Chief Plant Operator but must be capable of working independently and confidently during assigned shifts. Our facility promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and operator empowerment. Team members are encouraged to ask questions, continue developing their technical skills, support one another, and actively participate in improving plant operations.

Education and Experience

Qualified Candidates Must Possess

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• A Colorado Certified Water Professional (CWP) Water Treatment Operator certification at the time of hire or the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment. The City will provide training materials and cover the examination fee upon passing.
• First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain both within six months of employment. City-provided training and certification will be available.

The Following Qualifications Are Preferred

• Two years of experience operating a water treatment facility, including experience with SCADA systems.
• College-level coursework in chemistry, mathematics, water quality, or a related field.
• Experience performing water treatment calculations, chemical dosage calculations, and laboratory testing procedures.

Operators use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, SCADA, and other computer-based systems daily. Training on facility-specific systems will be provided as needed.

Supplemental Information

The successful candidate will be required to undergo to a pre-employment background, physical and drug screen.

Benefits Vary Depending on the Status of the Position Details of the City of Northglenn's benefits program can be viewed here.

Description & Benefits Regular Full-Time Employee works in a position that is classified as 40 hours per week. Eligible for full benefit package including medical, dental, life and LTD insurance; pension and general leave and optional benefits.

Regular Part-Time 30+ Employee works in a position that is classified as 30+ hours per week. City pays contribution toward employee only medical and dental insurance. Employee can pay the difference to cover spouse and/or children. Life & LTD insurance coverage is provided. Employee participates in the City's pension plan and the City contributes to the plan. Employee accrues general leave on a pro-rated basis and optional benefits.

Regular Part-Time 20+ Employee works in a position that is classified as 20+ hours per week but less than 30 hours. City pays contribution toward employee only medical insurance. Employee accrues general leave on a pro-rated basis and the City pays 3.75% toward deferred compensation and optional benefits.

Regular Part-Time (less than 20 hours/wk) Employee works is a position that is classified as less than 20 hours per week.

Part-Time (No Benefits) Employee works in a position that is classified as a "no benefit" position (i.e., Fitness Instructor, Scorekeeper, Substitute Lifeguard). Employee is not eligible for benefits and pays 7.5% toward deferred compensation.

Seasonal/Temporary Employee works in a position that is classified as a short-term position, is not eligible for benefits and pays 7.5% toward deferred compensation.

Have you completed high school or obtained a GED?

• Yes
• No

How much experience do you have in Water Plant/Waste Water Operations?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3 years
• 4+ years

Do you currently have a State of Colorado Level A, B, C or D water certification?

• Yes
• No

Are you willing to work shift work, which will include working nights, weekends, and holidays?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question