Wastewater Treatment Operator

copperascove; Copperas Cove (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Copperas Cove is seeking a wastewater facility technician to perform a range of semi-skilled to skilled maintenance and operation duties. You will maintain mechanical systems, monitor unit processes, and optimize treatment efficiency under varying plant loads.

The role requires staying updated on practices, maintaining TCEQ certifications, and reading technical journals. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and relevant experience, with on-call duties as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with two years experience in a wastewater facility or equivalent.
• Must maintain Texas Class D and Class C Wastewater Certifications within specified timelines.
• Valid Texas Class B CDL or ability to obtain within nine months of employment.
• Must be able to follow directions and work on call/night duties periodically.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mechanical systems and operate wastewater treatment to optimize efficiency.
• Understand unit processes, monitoring practices, and adjustments for performance.
• Stay updated through courses and maintain TCEQ Wastewater Certification.
• Read technical journals related to wastewater treatment and operations.
• Follow regulatory requirements for effluent quality, reporting, and permits.
• Maintain accurate operation and maintenance records and manage expenditures.
• Work safely and in coordination with others; respond to emergencies as needed.

Skills

Hand and power tools

Mechanical equipment knowledge

Chemistry basics

Recordkeeping

Written and oral communication

Safety procedures

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years wastewater facility experience

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Electronic diagnostic equipment

Personal computer

Job description

Definition / General Purpose

Performs a variety of semi‑skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and systems.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Chief Plant Operator – Wastewater.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mechanical systems in good functional order and operate the system to achieve the best treatment efficiency under current plant load conditions.
• Understand each treatment unit process, monitoring practices and adjustment techniques to optimize treatment efficiency.
• Stay updated on operating and maintenance practices through short courses, training schools, and by maintaining TCEQ Wastewater Certification.
• Subscribe to and regularly read technical journals related to wastewater treatment and O&M.
• Understand regulatory requirements concerning permitted effluent quality, reporting, analytical standards, emergency notifications, permit renewals, inspections, and local communications.
• Maintain accurate and legible records of operations and maintenance procedures.
• Exercise sound judgment in the expenditure of operating funds.
• Consistently apply safety procedures associated with the facility.
• Perform other essential duties as required to achieve successful operation of the department.
• Work well with others and maintain a pleasant attitude.
• Maintain regular and timely attendance.
• Respond to the plant during emergency conditions and on-call duties as required.

Peripheral Duties

• Serve as a member of various employee committees as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) years experience in a wastewater facility or a combination of education and experience.
• Current Texas Class D Wastewater Certification within one year of hire.
• Current Texas Class C Wastewater Certification within three years of hire (or within one year of TCEQ minimum experience requirements, whichever occurs sooner).
• Maintain TCEQ Wastewater Certification for continued employment.
• Valid Texas driver’s license rated Class "B" CDL or ability to obtain within nine (9) months of employment.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to follow directions.
• Will be required to work on call/night duty approximately every seven weeks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of hand and power tools and a basic understanding of chemistry, mechanical equipment, and grounds maintenance equipment.
• Apply common sense to carry out written, oral, or diagram instructions.
• Resolve problems involving multiple concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Write routine reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before groups of citizens, customers, or employees.
• Read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Present information in one‑on‑one and small group settings effectively.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations, including rate, ratio, and percent, and interpret bar graphs.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Perform full range of physical effort and maintain required standards.
• Work during adverse and stressful conditions.
• Report for duty as situations require.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job‑related tests may be required.

Tools and Equipment Used

Motorized vehicles for mechanical testing, power and hand tools, heavy equipment, electronic diagnostic equipment, personal computer, calculator, phone, and portable radio.

Physical Demands

Requirements include frequent use of hands and arms, occasional climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, tasting, and smelling. Employee is required to lift and/or move 25 pounds frequently and occasionally more than 100 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision and color vision.

Work Environment

The environment includes working near moving mechanical parts and outdoors under variable weather conditions, exposure to wet/humid conditions, vibration, electrical shock, high noise levels, and hazards such as exhaust, chemicals, moving vehicles, falling objects, inclement weather, high voltage electricity, and hazardous debris.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

No one will perform the duties of a higher position without prior authorization from an individual authorized to approve.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.