Water Plant Operator

City of St Joseph; Mount Pleasant (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The City of Mt. Pleasant is seeking a Water Plant Operator to join the Water Department, maintaining the public utilities water treatment plant and distribution system. The role emphasizes teamwork, flexibility, and ongoing learning in a municipal setting.

This full-time position (40 hours/week) includes shift work, possible emergency call-ins, on-the-job training, and tuition reimbursement to support licensure and career growth within the department.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with coursework in math, chemistry, lab, and computers.
• EGLE Waterworks certification F-4 within two testing cycles to remain employed.
• Electrical and mechanical skills; ability to operate and repair water treatment equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair plant and distribution system equipment.
• Perform EGLE lab testing and recordkeeping for plant operations.
• Operate Water Department computers and generate required reports.
• Respond to citizen requests and lead plant tours as needed.
• Work as shift team leader, prioritize tasks, supervise others, and train staff.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Electrical skills

Plumbing

Math

Biology

Chemistry

Blueprint reading

Computer skills

Driver's license

Safe driving

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The City of Mt. Pleasant is hiring an individual eager to learn and grow as a Water Plant Operator. The Water Department staff is responsible for the operation and repair of the City of Mt. Pleasant’s public utilities water treatment plant and distribution system. If you are team-oriented, flexible, self-motivated, and open-minded, consider joining our professional Water Department team!

Under the general supervision of a Water Superintendent or their designee, performs a wide variety of City services as assigned. Responsible for protecting and preserving the assets of the City of Mt. Pleasant and its citizens.

The WPO position is a full-time, 40 hours per week. The weekly schedule is:

Tuesday: 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The selected candidate must also be available for occasional emergency call-ins. Weekly work schedule will vary during training phase.

Candidates must have demonstrated mechanical and electrical skills as well as solid knowledge in the areas of plumbing, math, basic biology and chemistry, and blueprint reading. A general understanding of computer and software systems is required as well as a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. This position requires a minimum of a high school degree or equivalent with course work in mathematics, basic chemistry, lab processes, and computer usage. Newly hired Water Plant Operators are required to currently possess or attain an F-4 Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) certification within two EGLE testing cycles from the date of hire to remain employed.

Employees in this position receive both on the job training and industry specific learning opportunities for continuing education to maintain licensure. Tuition reimbursement is available for job-related college coursework.

The 2026 starting base wage is $23.14 to $23.79 per hour, depending upon qualifications. The current top base pay rate is $25.56 per hour. Top base pay is received after one or two years of employment, depending on the rate of pay received upon hire. Wage and license rates (EGLE license pay) are F-4 $2.26 per hour; F-3 $2.78 per hour; F-2 $3.59 per hour; F-1 $4.47 per hour. Licenses are not cumulative. Shift premiums for afternoon and weekend work also apply. See the TPOAM union contact for details.

Essential Job Functions

• Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs any materials and equipment, including electrical and mechanical equipment, within the public utilities water treatment plant and distribution system.
• Maintains and interprets numerous records and performs required Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) laboratory testing related to operation of the water treatment plant and distribution system.
• Operates computers utilized by the Water Department.
• Completes state, local and federally mandated public utility inspections and prepares written reports as required.
• Responds to citizen requests, including leading group tours through the plant, explaining operations, and answering questions.
• Working as a shift team leader, responsible for independently arranging, prioritizing, supervising, performing, and training others to perform assignments.
• Performs related work as requested.
  Note: All functions are considered essential

Education

High school diploma or equivalent and demonstrated mechanical skills, not limited to automotive, electrical, or machinery, such as pumps, hydraulics, or shaft-driven equipment necessary. Formal training in water treatment and experience in the operation and maintenance of a similar water treatment system desirable. Computer skills and an aptitude for math, science, and chemistry.

Working towards obtaining State of Michigan EGLE F-3, F-2, and F-1 Waterworks System Operator certifications desirable.

Possession of a State of Michigan EGLE F-4 Waterworks System Operator certification within two testing cycles to remain employed.

Skilled In

The proper and efficient use of standard water system equipment, methods, and terminology.

Ability To

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public and other employees and effectively understand, follow, and give oral and written instructions.

Effectively serve, respond to, and communicate with the public on inquiries and concerns related to departmental and general City operations.

Additional Requirements

Valid Michigan Operator’s license and a safe driving record.

Possession of necessary physical capabilities to safely perform the duties.