Wastewater Operator I / Apprentice

City of Somerton; Somerton (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Somerton is seeking a Wastewater Operator I to support the Public Works Department. Under close supervision, you will operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment processes, monitor plant equipment, and ensure safe, compliant operation.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and one year of related experience. The role may involve rotating shifts and on-call duties to maintain continuous operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year experience in the water or wastewater field; ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of operation principles.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, maintains and operates plant equipment and processes related to water or wastewater treatment systems on an assigned shift.
• Performs inspection and maintenance of equipment and components; adheres to quality standards and safety regulations.
• Assists with day-to-day operation to meet regulations for potable water or wastewater treatment.
• Samples and analyzes influents/effluents and reads data trends to identify variations.
• Maintains clean work areas and supports public relations with citizens and City staff.

Skills

Safety procedures

Mathematical calculations

Equipment inspection

Reading gauges

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Windows Office

Field maintenance tools

Job description

This position is open until filled. The first review of applications will be September 17, 2026. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are not received by the initial review date, applications will be reviewed every eight (8) days thereafter until a sufficient pool of qualified applicants has been established. Subsequent review dates may be canceled if a qualified candidate is selected.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Wastewater Operator I position may be considered for employment as a Wastewater Operator Apprentice, if otherwise qualified. Employees hired at the Apprentice level will be compensated according to the established Wastewater Operator Apprentice pay range.

Summary

Under close supervision, performs basic labor tasks to maintain streets, storm sewers, traffic signs and pavement markings for the Public Works Department; operates vehicles, equipment, and tools in accordance with all safety regulations.

Essential Functions

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:

• Under immediate supervision of experienced operations personnel maintains and operates plant equipment and processes related to water or wastewater treatment systems on an assigned shift. Prioritizes activities between the different treatment facilities and systems, including the operation of valves, gates, pumps and machinery.
• Performs inspection and maintenance of equipment and components in the operation of the water or wastewater treatment facilities; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.
• Assists with the operation of assigned treatment facility to maintain day to day operation necessary to meet all required Local, State and Federal regulations pertaining to the production of potable water or the treatment of sanitary wastewater.
• Samples and analyzes influents/effluents, source water/product water, feed water and permeate to detect quality variations, interpret results, reading sheets, process test, computerized data and information trends to identify variations in flow and water quality and make appropriate changes.
• Observes variations in operating conditions, and interprets meter and gauge readings; reports operating anomalies to supervisor. Assists senior level technicians and mechanics to resolve operational problems.
• Cleans and maintains plant work areas, tools and equipment; collects samples as directed.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Educations, Training and Experience Guidelines

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• One (1) year experience in the water or wastewater field; and the ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of the principals involved in the operation of water or wastewater treatment plants.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Tools and equipment used in the operation of water or wastewater treatment plants.
• State and Federal laws and regulations governing water or wastewater treatment plant operations.

Water

• Laboratory practices required to properly evaluate treatment processes, such as DO, pH, jar test, CL2 residual, turbidity, color, hardness, TSS, TDS, Chemical/physical processes used in water such as coagulation, flocculation, settling, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.
• Basic operational practices and principles of conventional water treatment processes with some knowledge of advanced water treatment processes such as membrane filtration plants.
• Experience in mechanical and electrical trouble shooting.
• OSHA guidelines related to large treatment facilities.
• Microsoft Windows Office products.

Wastewater

• Laboratory practices required to properly evaluate treatment processes, such as BOD, DO, pH, jar test, CL2 residual, turbidity, COD, color, TSS, TDS, fecal coliforms and total coliforms.
• Chemical/physical and biological processes used in wastewater treatment processes, such as coagulation, flocculation, settling, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection and activated sludge.
• Experience in mechanical and electrical trouble shooting.
• OSHA guidelines related to large treatment facilities.
• Microsoft Windows Office products.

Skill in:

• Using and maintaining tools and equipment to perform maintenance and repair work.
• Determine processing requirements; sample the influent and effluent at various stages of processing and identify problems and ensure proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
• Determine processing requirements; sample the influent and effluent at various stages of processing and identify problems and ensure proper and efficient operation of the treatment plant.
• Complete mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to equipment.
• Following safe work practices, and verbal and written instructions.
• Inspecting and monitoring machinery and equipment to verify compliance with prescribed operating conditions and safety standards,
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements

• A valid U.S. Driver's license is required.
• Must possess a Grade I Operator Certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) within the discipline of Water or Wastewater.
• Must complete the guidelines established within the Public Works Department Apprenticeship Program within 12 months hire.
• Arizona State Commercial Driver’s License may be required.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

Work is performed on location at City water or wastewater treatment plants with moderate physical requirements, and strength sufficient to lift and move items weighing up to fifty pounds; may be exposed to safety hazards including extreme weather conditions i.e. excessive heat and cold, dangerous gases, dangerous chemicals, biological hazards, confined spaces and dangerous tools and equipment.

Additional Requirements

This position may require working rotating shifts, rotating on-call schedule, including weekends and holidays.