Water Reclamation Facility Operator I

cityofottawa; Ottawa (KS); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ottawa is recruiting a Water Reclamation Operator I to operate and maintain the Water Reclamation Facility and lift stations under supervision of the Utilities Superintendent - WRF.

Qualified applicants will have a high school diploma, 1–3 years of wastewater experience, and must pursue Wastewater Operator certification up to Class II within 12 months; Class IV not required but preferred after five years. Valid driver’s license is needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of wastewater operator experience preferred.
• Must obtain Wastewater Operator certification up to Class II within 12 months.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Operate pumps, motors, and related machinery at the Water Reclamation Facility and lift stations.
• Collect samples and perform lab analyses on wastewater.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment; record lab data.
• Inspect lift stations and troubleshoot equipment.
• Prepare reports and enter data into computerized spreadsheets.
• Perform grounds maintenance and snow/ice removal.
• Access remote areas of plant and lift stations.
• Maintain ultraviolet disinfection system and related components.
• Prepare waste sludge for transfer to landfill.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Wastewater Operator certification (Kansas) up to Class II within 12 months

Tools

Computer systems

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

The City of Ottawa is currently recruiting for a Water Reclamation Operator I

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Utilities Superintendent - WRF, the WRF Operator I performs skilled and semi‑skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of the Water Reclamation Facility and lift station.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operate various types of motorized vehicles, equipment, pumps, motors, and related machinery.
• Collect samples at sources of supply and perform technical, bacteriological, and chemical examinations of raw, settled, and filtered sewage samples.
• Prepare and maintain equipment used for laboratory testing; keep accurate records of lab data.
• Inspect and maintain lift stations. Check equipment daily for proper operation, grease bearings, change filters, and troubleshoot/correct malfunctions.
• Prepare necessary written documentation and reports. Enter data on computerized spread sheets.
• Perform general building and grounds maintenance work; mow grass and remove snow/ice with Bobcat, snow blower, and/or shovel.
• Climb ladders/stairs to access remote areas of plant and lift stations.
• Maintain ultraviolet disinfection system: clean/replace lamp sleeves, lamps, plugs, ballasts, and sleeve wipers.
• Prepare waste sludge for transfer to landfill: reduce water content, convert from liquid to solid form, and set/operate belt press.

Ancillary Job Functions:

• Observe operation of plant equipment and ensure proper treatment of wastewater; make adjustments or repairs as needed.
• Notify Superintendent when supplies are needed.
• Serve on emergency call-in system.
• Comply with all City ordinances and practices.
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to three years of wastewater operator experience is preferred.
• Must progressively acquire Wastewater Operator certification by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment up to and including Class II within 12 months of the first eligibility date for obtaining a given certification level. Class IV certification preferred by five-year employment anniversary.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable by City’s carrier

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and biological systems.
• Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, chemicals, gases, and laboratory testing equipment.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment, pumps, and other related equipment.
• Ability to operate computer systems.
• Ability and willingness to work rotating and extended shifts.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.

Work Environment:

• May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places.
• May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, potentially hazardous bodily fluids, potentially hazardous or cancer-causing agents/chemicals, or loud noise levels.

Physical Abilities:

• Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity.
• Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand-eye coordination.
• Must be able to lift 100 or more pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Date Open: July 14, 2026

Date Closed: August 14, 2026

Range: $21.12 to $29.57 per hour

Residency: Regular full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of the Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire.

Anyone with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 785-229-3634 at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.