Wastewater Operator I - 955

City of Columbia, MO; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Columbia, Missouri is seeking a wastewater technician to monitor the treatment plant, collect samples, and maintain equipment. The role includes data recording, plant cleaning, and basic maintenance.

A valid Missouri driver’s license and the ability to obtain a D-level wastewater operator certification within six months are required. Starting at approximately $23.26 per hour, the position involves outdoor work in varying environmental conditions and may require forklift operation and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Obtain a Missouri D level wastewater operator certification within 6 months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the treatment plant, observe operating conditions, and interpret meter readings.
• Sample wastewater and perform tests.
• Perform cleaning and janitorial duties throughout the plant.
• Record data from meters and control panels.
• Operate forklift or hand-truck to move materials and debris.
• Perform maintenance and repair tasks as assigned.

Skills

Wastewater knowledge

SCADA systems

Microsoft Office

Record keeping

Verbal and written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

City of Columbia, Missouri Career Opportunities

The purpose of this job is to perform a variety of tasks to ensure the proper treatment of wastewater. Monitors equipment and performs janitorial duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

• Monitors treatment plant, observes operating conditions, and interprets meter and gauge readings.
• Samples wastewater and performs tests.
• Performs cleaning and janitorial duties throughout plant.
• Records data from meters, gauges, and control panels.
• Conducts pressure washing of wastewater clarifiers and aeration basins.
• Operates forklift or hand-truck to move materials, supplies, equipment, and collected debris.
• Processes work and maintenance repair orders. Performs minor and preventative maintenance. Assists in major maintenance and repair activities.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory authority. Work may require providing guidance and training to others.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact

This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction

• Work requires regular interaction involving exchange and receipt of information.
• Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Position has no fiscal responsibility.

Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Licenses or Certifications

• Obtain a valid Missouri “D” level wastewater operator’s certification within 6 months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge of:

• Wastewater treatment and hydraulics practices and procedures.
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ( SCADA ) systems.
• Common business software applications such as Microsoft Office.

Skill in:

• Maintaining accurate records.
• Organizing and maintaining attention to detail.
• Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
• Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.

Ability to:

• Read meters, gauges, and level sensors.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Sample and test wastewater.
• Use and maintain hand and power tools.
• Recognize, analyze and solve a variety of problems.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job

Work Environment:

Office or similar indoor environment – Sometimes

Vehicle – Frequently/Often

Warehouse environment – Sometimes

Shop environment – Sometimes

Exposures:

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) – Frequently/Often

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) – Frequently/Often

Communicable diseases – Frequently/Often

Moving mechanical parts – Frequently/Often

Fumes or airborne particles – Frequently/Often

Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances -Frequently/Often

Loud noises (85+decibels such heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction) – Sometimes

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards and majority of work is performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Incumbents may be required to exert up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Incumbents required to feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb/balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.

Hours/Days

Starting Salary $23.26 per hour

Pay Grade

Pay Grade 107

Number of Positions Available

Number of Positions Available 2

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/21/2026

Open Until Filled No