Water Resources Plant Operator I/II/III - Water Treatment

City of Mesa; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 56,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Job summary

City of Mesa is hiring Water Resources Plant Operator I/II/III to operate and maintain its water treatment plants on assigned shifts. The role emphasizes learning, safety, and progressive responsibility across Operator I–III levels.

Salary ranges exist for each level, with a hiring bonus incentive of $3,500 after probation for new hires. Candidates may progress through levels based on experience, certification, and performance within the city’s budget framework.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• ADEQ Water Treatment System Operator certification (Grade I/II/III) or equivalent.
• HazWoper certification (40-hour) required to maintain safety readiness.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate and maintain City of Mesa water treatment plants on assigned shifts.
• Monitor gauges, controls, and meters; collect samples and log results.
• Progress through Operator I–III with increasing independence and on-the-job training.
• Adhere to safety procedures and use PPE as required.

Education

High school diploma or GED

ADEQ Water Treatment System Operator certification (Grade I/II/III)

HazWoper certification (40 hours)

Job description

Hiring Bonus

The Water Resources Department is excited to offer a hiring bonus for individuals newly hired as Water Resources Plant Operator I/II/III. New Water Resources Operator's may be eligible for a $3,500 incentive at the conclusion of Initial City Probation. To receive the bonus, an Operator must work as a Plant Operator for one year and receive a successful performance evaluation.

Recruitment Details

This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies at a Water Treatment plant at either the Operator I, II or III level; however, this recruitment will also be used to create a list to fill possible future vacancies at any level. Offering salary may be made above the minimum of the posted salary range for this position depending upon qualifications and experience. Employees may progress through the full salary range, subject to their successful performance and annual budget approval.

Water Resources Plant Operator I ($55,831.78 - $76,472.86)

A Water Resources Plant Operator I is responsible for learning how to operate and maintain the City of Mesa’s water treatment plants during an assigned shift with guidance from more experienced Operators. Duties may include: maintaining and operating plant equipment and the processes related to the treatment of potable water; operating valves, gates, and pumps; adjusting flow rates and chemical feed rate; collecting samples and submitting for laboratory testing; monitoring control panels, gauges, and meters; maintaining written data on test results, gauges, and meter readings; checking chemical tank levels; mixing chemical solutions; operating laboratory equipment to perform chemical analysis; preparing written logs; and relaying operational information to coworkers. Incumbents in this class will work only on a shift where an Operator II or higher is present. An Operator I may provide general guidance to lower-level plant operators. An employee in this class is expected to use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures in performing assignments. Operator I’s will be exposed to such job hazards as toxic chemicals, methane gas, chlorine gas, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, raw sewage, sludge, and adverse weather conditions. This class performs related duties as required.

An employee in this class will learn to perform the full scope of a Water Resources Plant Operator II including learning to troubleshoot issues. This class is distinguished from the Water Resources Plant Operator Trainee class by the ability to operate with more independence and troubleshoot operational issues while working on shifts with more experienced operators present; and distinguished from the Operator II class by working on a shift where an experienced operator is present, while the latter may work on a shift independently. The Water Resources Plant Operator I receives close-to-general supervision from a Water Resources Operator II or higher and direction from the Water Resources Plant Supervisor, who reviews the employee's work in progress through meetings and by the evaluation of results achieved. A Water Resources Plant Operator I will be eligible to progress to the Water Resources Plant Operator II class by noncompetitive promotion upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements of experience, performance, certification, and on the job training. An incumbent who fails to complete the training and noncompetitive, criteria-based promotion within 15 months of hire into position may be transferred, demoted, or terminated. Employees in this class may be required to work rotating shifts. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Water Resources Plant Operator II ($61,556.14 - 84,314.26)

A Water Resources Plant Operator II performs journey-level work while learning to independently operate and maintain the City of Mesa’s water treatment plants during an assigned shift. Duties may include: maintaining and operating plant equipment and the processes related to the treatment of water; operating valves, gates, and pumps; adjusting flow rates and chemical feed rate; collecting samples and submitting for laboratory testing; monitoring control panels, gauges, and meters; maintaining written data on test results, gauges, and meter readings; checking chemical tank levels; mixing chemical solutions; operating laboratory equipment to perform chemical analysis; preparing written logs; and relaying operational information to coworkers with minimal supervision. Incumbents in this class will work only on a shift where an Operator III or higher is present. As experience is gained and skill level increases, the intensity of supervision will gradually decrease. An Operator II provides training and assistance to lower-level plant operators. An employee in this class is expected to use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures in performing assignments. Operator II’s will be exposed to such job hazards as toxic chemicals, methane gas, chlorine gas, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, raw sewage, sludge, and adverse weather conditions. This class performs related duties as required.

Employees in this class will learn to perform the full scope of a Water Resources Plant Operator III including gaining the ability to operate the plant independently. This class is distinguished from the Water Resources Plant Operator I class by being able to perform duties with minimal supervision and direction; and from the Water Resources Plant Operator III class by working on a shift where a more experienced operator is present. The Water Resources Plant Operator II receives close-to-general supervision from an Operator III or higher; and direction from the Water Resources Plant Supervisor, who reviews the employee's work in progress through meetings and by the evaluation of results achieved. A Water Resources Plant Operator II will be eligible to progress to the Water Resources Plant Operator III class by noncompetitive promotion upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements of experience, performance, certification, and on the job training. An incumbent who fails to complete the training and noncompetitive, criteria-based promotion within 15 months of hire or promotion may be transferred, demoted, or terminated. Employees in this class may be required to work rotating shifts. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Water Resources Plant Operator III ($67,885.17 - 92,983.49)

A Water Resources Plant Operator III is responsible for managing the complex daily operations and maintenance of City of Mesa’s water treatment plants during an assigned shift. Duties include: analyzing trends and data; monitoring equipment and processes through all available means to include gauges, meters, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) inputs; documenting and reviewing ongoing plant process operations and maintenance issues; assisting in the formulation and implementation of procedural objectives and programs, optimizing day to day processes; economic utilization of materials and equipment; collecting and analyzing process samples using laboratory procedures; demonstrating thorough and complete documentation; and systematic reviewing of all process procedures and anomalies. Computer data entry and organization of information is essential. Incumbents receive occasional supervision, instruction, and assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and must be capable of independent, well-informed, technically correct decisions. A Water Resources Plant Operator III regularly provides training and assistance to lower-level plant operators. An employee in this class is expected to use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures in performing assignments. Employees will be exposed to job hazards such as toxic chemicals, methane gas, chlorine gas, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, raw sewage, sludge, and adverse weather conditions. This class performs related duties as required.

An Operator III works rotating shifts (by assignment) and may be required to work at different plant locations. Employees are subject to stand‑by or emergency call‑out during off‑duty hours.

Please refer to the links below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Water Resources Plant Operator I

Minimum Requirements: Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Some (6 months - 1 year) experience in a water treatment plant, water distribution systems, or closely related operation.

Certification Requirements: Must possess a Grade I (or higher) Water Treatment System Operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or equivalent certification from another state through reciprocity with Arizona by application date. ADEQ Certification through reciprocity must be obtained within three months of hire or promotion. Must obtain a Grade II Water Treatment System Operator certification from ADEQ within 15 months of hire or promotion date. Shall be responsible for acquiring a minimum of 30 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) every three years to maintain ADEQ Certification.

Water Resources Plant Operator II

Minimum Requirements: Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Good (1 – 3 years) experience in a water treatment plant, water collection systems, or closely related operation with at least one (1) year as Water Resources Operator at a water treatment plant.

Certification Requirements: Must possess a Grade II (or higher) Water Treatment System Operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or equivalent certification from another state through reciprocity with Arizona by application date. ADEQ Certification through reciprocity must be obtained within three months of hire. Must obtain a Grade III Water Treatment System Operator certification from ADEQ within 15 months of hire or promotion date. Shall be responsible for acquiring a minimum of 30 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) every three years to maintain ADEQ Certification.

Water Resources Plant Operator III

Minimum Requirements: Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Considerable (3 – 5 years) as Water Resources Operator at a water treatment plant OR 2 years as a City of Mesa Water Resources Plant Operator (Water Treatment).

Certification Requirements: Must possess a Grade III (or higher) Water Treatment System Operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or equivalent certification from another state through reciprocity with Arizona by application date. ADEQ Certification through reciprocity must be obtained within three months of hire. Shall be responsible for acquiring a minimum of 30 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) every three years to maintain ADEQ Certification.

Water Resources Plant Operator I, II and III

Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910-134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification. Must meet the physical standards and requirements for the wearing of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) respiratory protection equipment by hire or promotion date. Must obtain a 40-hour HazWoper Certification as per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and must attend an annual HazWoper refresher course to maintain certification.

Substance Abuse Testing

Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Documents

https://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4203.pdf

https://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4515.pdf

https://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs5106.pdf