Wastewater Operator

cityofjerome; Jerome (ID); On-site; USD 27,345 - 34,178; Full time

Job summary

City of Jerome is seeking a wastewater technician to operate and monitor treatment systems, collect samples, and ensure compliance with regulations. The role supports daily plant operations and requires the ability to respond quickly to service needs.

The candidate must hold a Wastewater I License (and Collections I or obtain within 12 months) and a valid Idaho CDL Class B or obtain within 6 months. High school diploma or GED is required, with prior wastewater or maintenance experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year wastewater facility or semi-skilled maintenance experience.
• Wastewater I License at time of hire.
• Collections I License or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Idaho Commercial Driver's License Class B or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and operates wastewater plant equipment and processes.
• Collects samples and analyzes influents/effluents; records results and data.
• Operates and monitors primary/secondary digesters, pumps, and equipment.
• Performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
• Exchanges work orders with maintenance staff and ensures safety compliance.

Skills

English literacy

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Wastewater I License

Collections I License

Idaho CDL Class B

Job description

Rate of Pay: $19.85 - $24.81
Status: Until filled. First review June 16, 2026

General Statement of Duties

The City of Jerome is a dynamic organization which positively affects our citizens every day. Every position within the City is expected to be a leader within our organization, as well as in our community. Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the everyday operations and some emergency operations within the Wastewater Department. Works on varied shifts including a rotating Emergency Response Operator (ERO) with Call Back status and must be able to respond within an hour to any service area.

Supervision Received

Works under the immediate supervision of the Wastewater Operations Supervisor and/or Wastewater Superintendent.

Supervision Exercised

None

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only) Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Maintains and operates plant equipment and processes related to wastewater treatment systems.

• Samples and analyzes influents and effluents as prescribed by analytical procedures established by supervisors and regulating agencies. Records test results and other pertinent data to identify variations in flow and water quality, and makes appropriate changes.
• Maintains accurate records of process and lab results to ensure sample protocol and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures proper operation and control of assigned process area. Operates, monitors, and controls primary and secondary digesters, thickeners, classifiers, transfer pumps, gas boilers, bar screens, clarifiers, sludge pumps, blowers, aerators, control panels, sludge thickening and sludge de-watering equipment.
• Uses equipment to evaluate plant mechanical operations to ensure automated systems are operating correctly, intervening as necessary.
• Operates and adjusts controls on equipment, through use of systems to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
• Inspects equipment and monitors operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements, detects malfunctions, and takes corrective action to ensure effective operation.
• Performs preventative maintenance. Conducts routine inspections and troubleshoots equipment failures and identifies maintenance needs.
• Initiates work orders and coordinates with maintenance staff on all repair and maintenance issues. Performs minor repairs of equipment as necessary to maintain operation.
• Generates corrective maintenance work orders on equipment and machinery.
• Adheres to and complies with all state, federal, and local regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to safe work practices and all operation and maintenance duties.
• All other duties as assigned.

Professionalism & Communication

• Attends department meetings and communicates regularly with the Supervisors and co-workers.
• Maintains a professional and courteous demeanor at all times.
• Provides timely, respectful and thorough customer service.
• Communicates daily with cross-functional teams regarding issues, events, and updates.
• Maintains a proper professional image and generates positive public image.
• Expected to be a leader within the organization as well as in our community.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions) and be able to carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. Some vocational training and mechanical aptitude preferred, with the ability to read, interpret and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles and other equipment.
• Must have ability to operate Computer Maintenance Management System (software).
• Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn and independently perform assigned duties and meet or exceed production and quality goals.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
• Working knowledge of city collection system network, line and manhole locations; hazards and precautions associated with trench work and sewer line construction;
• Basic hand and power tools required to install and maintain pipe line; traffic control layout; operation and maintenance of sewer cleaning and televising equipment; typical water and sewer line problems;
• Working knowledge of tools and equipment required to lay and repair sewer lines;
• Working knowledge in use and care of required tools and equipment; city policies and procedures; laws, ordinances and regulations governing wastewater collection.
• Some knowledge of basic bacteriology; basic automotive mechanics; hydraulics.

Acceptable Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and;
• One (1) years’ experience in wastewater facility or experience with semi-skilled maintenance or construction tasks or;
• An equivalent combination of experience, knowledge, skill and ability to meet the demands and requirements of the position.

Special Qualifications

• Must possess a Wastewater I License at time of hire.
• Must have Collections I License at time of hire or ability to acquire in 12 months of hire.
• Must possess at least a valid Idaho Commercial driver’s license Class B or be able to obtain within 6 month.
• Must be 18 years of age.

Essential Physical Abilities

• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. In the course of lifting, the employee may frequently be required to bend or squat.
• The employee will be expected to preform work from an elevated position including climbing and working from ladders.
• The Employee will be expected to work in confined spaces and must be able to wear appropriate equipment including belts and harnesses. The employee also must possess sufficient physical and mental ability to withstand a confined environment.
• Employee may frequently be exposed to untreated wastewater (containing human waste). Employee must not have physical or mental barriers to performing these tasks; also employees will be requested to receive Hepatitis combination vaccinations for their protection.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must prove adequate dexterity to: manipulate, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and smell.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in outside weather conditions. The employee works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period.

The Essential Physical Abilities described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skill required of all personnel so classified. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.