Wastewater Plant Operator II

City of Las Cruces Government; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Water Treatment Operator to join their Utilities Department. This full-time role involves operating and maintaining advanced water treatment systems, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and performing essential recordkeeping tasks. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in water technology, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic environment. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to community health and safety while working in a supportive team atmosphere. If you're passionate about environmental stewardship and public service, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Water Technology or related field required.
• Four years of experience in advanced wastewater treatment operations.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains water treatment plant equipment.
• Inspects processes to ensure compliance with EPA standards.
• Prepares reports and maintains records for data integrity.

Skills

Water Treatment Operations

Data Analysis

Record Keeping

Customer Service

Safety Practices

Education

Associates Degree in Water Technology

Experience in Wastewater Treatment

Tools

Laboratory Instruments

Chemical Feed Systems

Monitoring Equipment

Job description

Maintains and operates plant equipment and processes related to wastewater and advanced water treatment systems on an assigned shift.

Environmental Factors

Position functions primarily in a plant environment; outdoor work involves exposure to all traffic and weather conditions, chemicals, fumes, odors, gases, raw wastewater, sludge and mechanical/electrical equipment hazards. Protective clothing includes a safety harness, SCBA equipment, face shields, eye protector, hard hats, safety shoes, hearing protection and gloves.

Physical Factors

Moderate physical activity; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; crawling, bending, climbing, kneeling, squatting and working in confined spaces.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

This recruitment will be used to fill a full-time, represented, non-exempt position within the Utilities Department but may be used to fill other vacancies to include full-time, part-time and/or contract positions.

Full-Time Regular, Union Represented; Non-Exempt

This position is a grade BC15.

1. Operates, maintains, monitors, and controls water treatment plant process equipment; performs work on pumps, motors, aerators, blowers, chlorinators, chemical feeds, sludge equipment, and basic laboratory instruments to ensure treated water meets all applicable City, state, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) quality standards.
2. Inspects plant processes to ensure disinfection and effluent requirements meet or exceed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements; monitors and reviews laboratory results and instrument readings to make adjustments as necessary; meets with lab personnel to discuss sampling and related schedules.
3. Reviews, maintains, creates, and updates records, forms, and reports in various automated systems, formats, and software for accuracy to ensure data integrity, compliance, and adherence to internal controls policies and practices.
4. Prepares and presents various special and recurring reports, performs research and analysis to communicate and distribute information as required and requested; provides recommendations to assist in the development and implementation processes and procedures.
5. Collects samples for analysis and reporting using prescribed methods and techniques to make appropriate adjustments as necessary.
6. Coordinates, monitors, and oversees work orders and activities required for safe operations and the preventive maintenance of systems and equipment to ensure consistent and effective operations; assists with maintenance as required and appropriate to ensure timely repairs.
7. Performs a variety of functions related to the Compost project including aeration activities and taking samples and temperature readings to monitor status and results.
8. Performs a variety of recordkeeping activities and assists with special projects as required; may provide work direction to student workers regarding assignments.
9. Orders, maintains, selects, and manages equipment parts, fluids, and tools; replaces and installs parts on equipment, communicates with vendors, schedules repairs, and monitors parts delivery schedules.
10. Provides performance feedback, trains, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; participates in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; assures that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations.

Associates Degree in Water Technology or related field AND four (4) years of experience in the operation of an advanced wastewater treatment facility. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver's license is required. New Mexico Level IV Wastewater Systems Operator Certification is required. If applicable, position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.