WATER OPERATOR I

City-of-August; Augusta (KS); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Augusta seeks capable Water Plant Operator I/II to join the Utilities team in Augusta, KS. The role covers plant operations, water distribution, and routine maintenance with a focus on safety and compliance. Hours are 7am–3pm, Monday–Friday, with occasional on-call shifts.

Starting pay is $17.07 per hour, with variations based on education and experience. Operator I requires a high school diploma and basic knowledge of plant operations; Operator II adds advanced operations and CDL/

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL Class B for Operator II.
• Operator certifications: Class I/II (Operator I) or Class III/IV (Operator II).
• Basic knowledge of water treatment and distribution operations.

Responsibilities

• Operator I: Backwash filters daily and calibrate meters; log chemicals and CT calculations.
• Operator I: Respond to alarms, perform plant and distribution duties, and trace water usage.
• Operator II: Prepare KDHE reports and maintain plant and distribution equipment.
• Operator II: Maintain safety, perform regular inspections, and support on-call rotation.

Skills

Water treatment basics

Distribution operations

Computer skills

Safety handling chemicals

Advanced water operations

Plant maintenance

Education

High School Diploma/GED

CDL Class B certification

Class I/II plant operator certification

Class III/IV plant operator certification

Tools

KDHE reporting tools

Job description

Job Status: Full-Time Details: *Starting at $17.07/hour. Hourly rates may vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

* Salary may vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Hours: This position is on a 5 day week schedule, 8-hour workday, Monday – Friday, 7am-3:00pm. Occasionally may have to be available for On-Call Coverage.

JOB TITLE

WATER PLANT OPERATER I, II

AKA

SUMMARY

OPERATOR 1:

Under supervision of the Water Superintendent, assists in maintaining the water distribution system and water plant.

OPERATOR 2:

With little to no supervision by the Water Superintendent, the Operator II performs general sampling and testing of water and performs maintenance and repairs at the plant and lab equipment and pump stations.

DEPARTMENT

Utilities

APPROVED ON

DIVISION

Water

APPROVED BY

REPORTS TO

REVISION DATE

STATUS

Full-Time

CLASSIFICATION

Non-Exempt

REQUIREMENTS

The information below outlines requirements for the position. Unless otherwise noted, all requirements apply to each level.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma/GED

KNOWLEDGE

OPERATOR I:

Basic knowledge of Water Treatment Plant & Distribution Operations

Basic knowledge of pump stations and water towers

Basic computer skills

Safe methods of lifting heavy objects and handling of chemicals

OPERATOR II:

Advanced knowledge of Water Treatment Plant Operations

Advanced knowledge of required maintenance for the treatment plant, pump stations and water towers

Basic computer skills

Safe methods of lifting heavy objects and handling of chemicals

WORK EXPERIENCE

LICENSURE

OPERATOR I:

Valid driver’s license required w/clean driving record

OPERATOR II:

Valid driver’s license with CDL Class B with no restrictions required w/clean driving record

CERTIFICATION

OPERATOR I:

Class I or II plant operator certification

OPERATOR II:

Class III or IV plant operator certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes. The employee may regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, dirt, wetness, chemicals and toxins. The noise level in the work environment occasionally requires hearing protection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below 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.

OPERATOR I

Plant:

• Backwash filters each day (normally 2 daily)
• Calibrate PH meter and perform plant tests on PH, chlorine, temperature and CT calculations
• Change out/replace chemicals and log usage daily of all (polymers, chlorine, alum and carbon)
• Respond to alarms and calls in a timely manner
• General cleaning of all buildings, pipes and equipment
• Work in “on call” rotation

Distribution:

• Assist in the installation, repair and maintenance of the City’s water system, including water mains, water service lines and hydrants
• Install, replace, repair, inspect and maintain residential and commercial water meters and hydrant meters used by construction firms and fire hydrants
• Keep a record of new meter installations and exchanges
• Prepare and update utility mapping.
• Compute water consumption
• Turn water service off and on as appropriate
• Receive and respond to inquiries and complaints from customers and the general public regarding water service
• Drive and operate heavy equipment
• Perform locates for City of Augusta utilities
• Perform safety inspections of equipment and machinery
• Respond to emergency calls during work and after normal working hours
• Report defects and irregularities to supervisor
• Prompt and regular attendance is required for this position
• Other duties as assigned

Peripheral Duties:

• Attend monthly safety meetings
• Maintain and demonstrate good public relations
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment, as required
• Abide by all standards, conduct and policies, as stated in Employee Handbook
• Help other team members accomplish tasks

OPERATOR II

• Prepares KDHE reports and assures that plant meets all federal, state and local compliance requirements
• Backwash filters each day (normally 2 daily)
• Calibrate PH meter and perform plant tests on PH, chlorine, temperature and CT calculations
• Change out/replace chemicals and log usage daily of all (polymers, chlorine, alum and carbon)
• Respond to alarms and calls in a timely manner
• Maintenance on Water towers, storage tanks and pump stations
• General cleaning of all buildings, pipes and equipment
• Work in “on call” rotation
• Prompt and regular attendance is required for this position
• Other duties as assigned

Peripheral Duties:

• Attend monthly safety meetings
• Maintain and demonstrate good public relations
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment, as required
• Abide by all standards, conduct and policies, as stated in Employee Handbook
• Help other team members accomplish tasks

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes. The employee may regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, dirt, wetness, chemicals and toxins. The noise level in the work environment occasionally requires hearing protection.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

The City of Augusta is an Equal Opportunity Employer.