Wastewater Treatment System Operator

Kimley-Horn; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan (2:1 match)

Health coverage

Time off

Student loan matching

Tuition reimbursement

Family-friendly benefits

Job summary

Kimley-Horn is seeking a Wastewater Treatment System Operator near Chandler, AZ with 3+ years of experience to join our Water and Wastewater team. This full-time position requires operating and monitoring treatment processes to meet permit requirements and internal targets, while maintaining a safe and efficient facility.

You will perform process control sampling and basic lab tests, document all activities, troubleshoot equipment issues, and coordinate with maintenance staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• ADEQ Grade 2 Wastewater Operator certification required at time of application.
• Minimum two years of operation and maintenance experience in water/wastewater facilities.
• Strong documentation and math/calculation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment processes to ensure permit compliance.
• Perform process control sampling and basic lab tests; adjust dosing as needed.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and address abnormal conditions.
• Troubleshoot issues and coordinate repairs with maintenance or contractors.
• Perform preventive maintenance and maintain logs and safety standards.
• Respond to alarms, participate in on-call rotation, and support audits.

Skills

Documentation

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Math & process calculations

Education

High School diploma or GED

ADEQ Grade 2 Wastewater Operator Certification

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn is seeking a Wastewater Treatment System Operator near Chandler, AZ with 3+ years of experience to join their Water and Wastewater team.

Responsibilities

• Full-time role for a Certified Wastewater Treatment System Operator located near Chandler, AZ.
• Operate and monitor treatment processes (e.g., headworks, aeration/anoxic basins, MBR, screw press sludge dewatering, UV disinfection, pump stations, odor control, and SCADA) to maintain compliance with permits and operating targets.
• Perform process control sampling and basic lab testing (e.g., pH, DO, TSS, settleability, chlorine residual, turbidity as applicable); interpret results and adjust operations and chemical dosing accordingly.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections/rounds; identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
• Troubleshoot mechanical/electrical/process issues; coordinate repairs with maintenance staff and/or contractors.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks (lubrication, cleaning, calibration checks) and maintain housekeeping and safety standards.
• Respond to alarms and operational upsets; participate in after-hours/holiday/on-call rotation.
• Maintain accurate shift logs, work orders, chemical usage, meter readings, and compliance documentation.
• Follow safety programs and participate in training and safety meetings.
• Support SOP updates, optimization initiatives, and audits/inspections.

Qualifications

• A High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
• Candidates at minimum must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certification (or equivalent certification from a reciprocal jurisdiction) at time of application.
• Two years of experience in the operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment plants and related facilities.
• Strong documentation habits and comfort with math/process calculations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.