Wastewater Facility Operations & Maintenance Helper

Water Otter Job Board; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Wastewater Reclamation Authority is seeking an Operations & Maintenance Helper to support the day-to-day operation and upkeep of our wastewater facilities. You will assist in maintenance, inspections, and basic repairs under supervision, ensuring safety and reliability of systems.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent, solid semi-skilled maintenance experience, and valid Iowa driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Considerable semi-skilled labor experience in repair and maintenance of stationary equipment at a water, wastewater, or manufacturing facility.
• Background check and drug screen required after offer.

Responsibilities

• Assist in day-to-day operations and maintenance of wastewater facility and assets.
• Assist staff with lubrication and maintenance of stationary equipment.
• Observe meters and gauges and assist with adjustments under supervision.
• Record operating data and maintain logs using paper forms and computers.
• Maintain cleanliness of facilities and assets; perform custodial duties as needed.
• Assist with painting and sand/spong blasting prep for equipment.
• Support snow removal and grounds maintenance using hand tools and machinery.
• Operate equipment such as walk-behind loaders, forklifts, and WRA vehicles as assigned.

Skills

Semi-skilled labor experience

Valid Iowa driver's license

Wastewater Operator license (Grade I)

Background check clearance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

General Statement of Duties

Under general supervision, performs semi-skilled and skilled work to assist in the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Reclamation Authority's buildings, structures, and assets. The work is performed under the supervision of an assigned supervisor. The nature of the work performed requires that employees in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Class Specifications | Wastewater Facility Operations & Maintenance Helper | Class Spec Details

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from high school or equivalent; and
• Considerable semi-skilled labor experience in repair and maintenance of stationary equipment at a water, wastewater, or manufacturing facility.

Required Special Qualifications

• Possession of a valid State of Iowa driver's license.
• Possession of a State of Iowa Grade I Wastewater Operator license within two (2) years of appointment. Failure to attain and maintain required licenses will result in termination of employment.
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer background check, physical examination and drug screen.

NOTE: If you possess an out-of-state license, you must submit a certified driving record by the application deadline. Failure to submit all required documentation may cause application disqualification.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Assists in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant facility, as assigned.
• Assists designated staff as needed with the general greasing and lubrication duties on stationary equipment.
• Observes meters and gages and, under direction, makes adjustments to equipment.
• Assists designated staff as needed with recording data concerning operating hours, temperatures, pressures and fuel consumption and maintaining operating logs utilizing paper forms and personal computers.
• Maintains general cleanliness of WRF/WRA facilities; structures, buildings and assets.
• Cleans tanks, structures or equipment using confined space entry procedures.
• Assists designated staff as needed with performing routine minor corrective and preventative maintenance and repairs to WRF/WRA structures, buildings and assets.
• Trims and mows grass and performs other general grounds maintenance using hand tools and motor driven equipment.
• Participates in snow removal activities from sidewalks, walkways, and paved areas within the facility using hand tools and motor driven equipment.
• Operates equipment including: a walk behind skid loader, forklift, WRA vehicle, and other equipment of a similar nature.
• Performs custodial work and gate keeping duties.
• Assists designated staff as needed with sand blasting or sponge blasting equipment in preparation for painting.
• Assists with painting of process equipment and buildings.
• Performs duties of similar nature or level as assigned.
• Observes all required safe work practices and behaviors.

Closing Date/Time: 10/19/2026 4:00 PM Central