Wastewater Plant Operator

City of Mission Texas; Florida; On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mission Texas is looking for a Wastewater Plant Operator who will be responsible for operating and maintaining the city’s wastewater system. Duties include monitoring pumps and other equipment, testing water samples, and performing minor repairs. The operator will work closely with the Sewage Plant Supervisor, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and efficient operations.

Qualified candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent and must obtain required certifications. The position offers a dynamic environment, with both indoor and outdoor work in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Class D certification required within a training period.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor equipment such as pumps and chlorine equipment hourly.
• Test water samples and record results.
• Maintain wastewater plant equipment and grounds.

Skills

Communication skills in English

Follow work schedules

Produce work to standards

Clean and reassemble equipment

Use hand tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Class D certification

Class C license within 2 years

Tools

Colorimeter

Backhoe

Impact tools

Job description

Wastewater Plant Operator

• Classification: Non-Exempt Trainee
• Department: Public Works
• Division: Wastewater Plant
• Supervisor: Wastewater Plant Supervisor
• Effective Date: 08/21/2008

Job Summary

Individual works under close supervision of the Sewage Plant Supervisor and is responsible for properly operating and maintaining the city’s wastewater system. Duties include tending pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, vacuum filters, and other equipment used to decontaminate wastewater by settling, aeration, and sludge digestion. The operator removes obstructions, adjusts valves, observes temperature gauges, reads flow meters, collects samples, makes process reports, performs minor repairs, and checks pumps and water samples. No supervisory responsibilities; work shift hours.

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D).
• Oral and written communication skills in English at least 9th‑grade level.
• Class D certification by the Texas National Resource Commission required upon completion of a training period.
• Class C license to be achieved within 2 years of employment; up to two attempts allowed.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment procedures and water quality testing procedures acquired in training.

Employment Requirements

• Complete background investigation.
• Must pass drug, physical, and pre‑placement screenings administered by the City of Mission doctor.
• Current valid class "C" driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety with no more than two moving traffic violations in the past two years.
• Availability to work different shifts.

Skill and Ability Requirements

• Clean and reassemble pumps, motors, etc.
• Follow a firm work schedule as directed by supervision.
• Maintain good working relationships with supervisor and co‑workers.
• Follow instructions orally or in written form with little or no supervision.
• Make decisions based on verifiable criteria.
• Produce work to precise tolerances or standards.
• Perform a wide variety of tasks without loss of efficiency.
• Use hand tools to produce work meeting specific standards.
• Speak and write clearly and accurately, including correct spelling.
• Handle special projects of diverse nature as assigned.
• Work different shifts as directed by the supervisor.
• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules and city policy procedures.

Essential Job Functions

• Monitor all equipment (pumps, chlorine equipment) hourly.
• Test water samples and record results as specified.
• Maintain wastewater plant equipment and grounds.
• Tend pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, vacuum filters, and other equipment used to decontaminate wastewater.
• Remove obstructions such as coarse materials from bar‑screens to accelerate influent through the initial screening process.
• Adjust valves to regulate flow through aeration equipment and sludge withdrawal.
• Observe temperature gauges to determine lubrication of equipment.
• Read charts, flow meters, and gauges to detect equipment malfunctions.
• Perform minor repairs on equipment.
• Check all pumps and perform testing of water samples.
• Clean sludge drying beds.
• Perform all job functions with special attention to safety and city policies and procedures.
• Perform janitorial duties including cleaning restrooms, mopping floors, emptying trash bins, and maintaining indoor facility cleanliness.

Equipment / Materials

• Scales
• Colorimeter
• Backhoe, hand drills, grinders
• 4×4 gator hammers, TSS levels
• 2‑way radio, shovels, lawn mower, weed eater
• Impact tools, city vehicle
• Uniform, hard hat, safety equipment, steel‑toe boots
• Policy & procedure handbook, water samples testing equipment

Work Environment

Exposure to both indoor and outdoor conditions: approximately 50% indoors, 50% outdoors. Hazards include dangerous chemicals such as hydrogen sulfite and carbon dioxide.

Manual Dexterity

Gross and fine finger dexterity required to perform essential job functions, including gripping files, repositioning keyboards, and hand‑writing notes and data entry.

Job Details

Category: Regular Full‑Time

Salary: $14.21

Posted: June 1, 2026

Closing: Open Until Filled