Water Treatment Operator

Kimley-Horn; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional Retirement Plan

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Time Off

Financial Wellness

Professional Development

Family-Friendly Benefits

Job summary

Kimley-Horn is seeking a Water Treatment System Operator near Chandler, AZ with 2+ years of experience to join our Water and Wastewater team. You will operate and monitor treatment processes, perform sampling and basic lab testing, and ensure EPA and Tribal compliance.

The ideal candidate will hold an ADEQ Grade 1–4 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification (or equivalent), a High School diploma or GED, and strong communication skills to collaborate with clients and staff.

Qualifications

• Requires High School diploma or GED.
• Arizona ADEQ Grade 1–4 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification (or equivalent) at time of application.
• Minimum two years of operation/maintenance experience in water and/or wastewater treatment plants.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor treatment processes to meet EPA/ Tribal compliance and operating targets.
• Perform process control sampling and basic lab testing and adjust operations/chemical dosing accordingly.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and coordinate repairs with maintenance staff/contractors.
• Respond to alarms and participate in after-hours/on-call rotation.
• Maintain shift logs, work orders, chemical usage, and compliance documentation.

Skills

Water treatment operations

SCADA

Process control

Documentation

Communication

Mentoring

Education

High School diploma or GED

ADEQ Grade 1-4 Water Treatment Plant Operator's Certification

Tools

SCADA systems

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's is seeking a Water Treatment System Operator near Chandler, AZ with 2+ years of experience to join their Water and Wastewater team.

Responsibilities

• Full-time role for a Certified Water Treatment System Operator located near Chandler, AZ.
• Operate and monitor treatment processes (e.g., pump stations, cartridge filters, granular activated carbon, RO, disinfection, and SCADA) to maintain EPA and Tribal compliance and operating targets.
• Perform process control sampling and basic lab testing (e.g., pH, Alkalinity, TDS, chlorine residual, SDI, 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.
• Communicate professionally with clients and stakeholders on system status, findings, and compliance; adapt messaging for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior operators and trainees on equipment, safe practices, and process control; assist supervisors in evaluating progress.

Qualifications

• A High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
• Candidates at minimum must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 1 – 4 Water Treatment Plant Operator's Certification (or equivalent certification from a reciprocal jurisdiction) at time of application.
• A minimum of 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.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with clients and regulatory contacts.
• Experience or willingness to mentor junior operators and support their development.

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.