Wastewater Operations and Maintenance Technician III

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County Regional Wastewater Department is hiring three Operations and Maintenance Technicians III to operate and maintain wastewater treatment equipment and systems. The role involves monitoring operations, performing preventive maintenance, adjusting equipment, analyzing samples, and supporting plant processes.

Required: High school diploma or GED, ADEQ Grade 3 wastewater operator certification, and at least 3 years in a similar facility, plus a valid Arizona driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Operator certification required; other state certifications must be converted within 3 months of hire.
• At least 3 years of experience operating an advanced wastewater facility, with 2 years at Grade 3 or 4.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pumps, motors, blowers, chemical feed equipment, sludge equipment, and basic laboratory equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and system adjustments to ensure continuous treatment operations.
• Collect and analyze wastewater samples in the field and laboratory; record and report results.
• Interpret metering and process control readings; adjust equipment and machinery as needed.
• Troubleshoot equipment and processes, including solids, gas, service water, and side streams.

Education

High school diploma or GED

ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Operator certification

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Overview

Pima County Regional Wastewater Department is hiring three Operations and Maintenance Technicians III to operate and maintain wastewater treatment equipment and systems. The role involves monitoring operations, performing preventive maintenance, adjusting equipment, analyzing samples, and supporting plant processes.

Essential Functions / Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor pumps, motors, blowers, chemical feed equipment, sludge equipment, and basic laboratory equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and system adjustments to ensure continuous treatment operations.
• Collect and analyze wastewater samples in the field and laboratory; record and report results.
• Interpret metering and process control readings; adjust equipment and machinery as needed.
• Troubleshoot equipment and processes, including solids, gas, service water, and side streams.
• Provide process control recommendations to management based on observations and laboratory data.
• Assist in preparing daily, weekly, and monthly plant highlight reports.
• Assist in data table/spreadsheet creation and modification.
• Perform QA/QC on laboratory processes and data.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work environment.
• Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and confined space protocols.
• Use Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Assist with training of new staff and conducting facility tours.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 3 (or higher) Wastewater Treatment System Operator certification.
• At least 3 years of experience operating an advanced wastewater/water facility, with 2 years as an operator at a Grade 3 or 4 facility.
• Documentation of qualifying education and experience in the application’s “Education” and “Work Experience” sections.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience performing preventive maintenance in a water/wastewater facility.
• Additional ADEQ certifications in Collections, Water Treatment, or Water Distribution.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with SCADA or comparable control system software.
• Minimum 2 years as an O&M Technician with Pima County Wastewater Reclamation Department.
• Minimum 2 years of experience conducting on‑job training (OJT) for facility personnel.

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid Arizona driver license required at application and presenting on appointment.
• Valid ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment System Operator certification required; other state certifications must be converted within 3 months of hire.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

All positions require sufficient body flexibility, mobility, stamina, and balance for:

• Standing, walking, sitting, grasping, and manipulating objects.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, climbing stairs, and ladders.
• Regular or occasional crawling, kneeling, squatting.
• Raising arms and operating controls.
• Lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds and pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds.
• Donning and doffing fall protection for confined space entry.
• Corrected or sufficient vision and hearing to read manuals, gauges, and communicate in person, over radio, and by phone.

Working Conditions

• On‑call rotations may be required.
• Operating machinery, powered equipment, and motor vehicles.
• Outdoor work in inclement weather, hot conditions, and exposure to waterborne pathogens.
• Hazardous materials, gases, wet/slippery surfaces, odors, fumes, humidity, dust, traffic hazards, venomous pests, uneven surfaces, and electric arc flash potential.

EEO Information

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other protected characteristic.