Wastewater Operator

City of Katy; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Katy is seeking a dependable Wastewater Operator to join our Public Works – Wastewater team. This role monitors, operates, and maintains the City's wastewater facilities to ensure safe, compliant operations under TCEQ regulations.

The ideal candidate has wastewater treatment experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to environmental and safety standards. Duties include sampling, reporting, and assisting with collection systems and lift stations in outdoor,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1 year wastewater treatment experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant equipment to verify proper operation and manage pumps.
• Coordinate with labs for sampling dates and chlorine/ammonia tests.
• Complete state-required paperwork and oversee Storm Water Prevention Plan.
• Assist with maintenance of collection systems, lift stations, and sewer lines.
• Respond as essential personnel during disasters per city policy.
• Adhere to safety policies and environmental requirements.

Skills

Written instructions

Oral instructions

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent plus 1 year wastewater treatment experience

Tools

Operator Class C license

Driver's License

Class B CDL may be required

Job description

Wastewater Operator – Public Works Department

The City of Katy is seeking a dependable and motivated Wastewater Operator to join our Public Works – Wastewater team. This essential position is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining the City’s wastewater treatment facilities to ensure safe, efficient operations and compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.

The ideal candidate will have experience in wastewater treatment operations, strong problem‑solving skills, and a commitment to maintaining high environmental and safety standards. Responsibilities include monitoring treatment plant equipment, conducting sampling and testing, coordinating with laboratories and contractors, completing regulatory reporting, and assisting with the maintenance of collection systems, lift stations, sewer lines, and related infrastructure.

This position is designated as critical infrastructure personnel and may be required to respond during emergencies, natural disasters, or catastrophic events to support the continuity of essential City services. The work is primarily performed outdoors in varying environmental conditions and requires physical stamina and the ability to safely operate in industrial settings.

If you are looking for an opportunity to serve your community while building a rewarding career in public utilities, we encourage you to apply and become part of the City of Katy team.

Job Description

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitors plant to verify equipment is functioning properly; maintains equipment; switches pumps; cleans blower filters; checks oil levels; organizes sludge removal with sludge hauling companies.
• Coordinates with labs for sample dates and frequency; conducts in‑house sampling to include chlorine and ammonia samples.
• Completes State required paperwork; oversees the Storm Water Prevention Plan.
• Assists with the maintenance and repair of collection systems, lift stations, sewer lines, and man holes.
• This position is considered Critical Personnel during a natural or manmade disaster and/or a catastrophic event. This position may be required to provide services or perform duties for the benefit of the public and the continuity of City operations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of this position.
• For purposes of business continuity, employees in this position are considered Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers, as defined by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

• High school diploma or equivalent; AND one (1) years of wastewater treatment experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge Of

• Department policies and procedures.
• Methods, materials, and procedures used in the repair and maintenance of wastewater treatment.
• City geography, limits, and streets.
• TCEQ regulations.
• Safety policies, procedures, regulations, and practices.

Skill In

• Following written and oral instructions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Identifying and correcting potential safety hazards.

License And Certification Requirements

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class C license.
• Valid State Driver’s License Required; Class B Commercial Driver’s license may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Majority of work is performed outdoors and throughout wastewater treatment areas. This position requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, and intense noises.

The City of Katy is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Amendments Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.