Water Treatment Plant Operator

Muskegon Heights; Muskegon Heights (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service provider in Muskegon Heights is looking for a full-time Water Treatment Plant Operator. This role involves operating and maintaining water treatment equipment, conducting quality tests, and preparing reports. Candidates should have a High School Diploma or GED and knowledge of water treatment regulations. On-site work is required. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude, ensuring efficient water treatment operations in compliance with state regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum F4 certification from EGLE or ability to obtain it within 12 months.
• Familiarity with water pumping and distribution systems required.
• Ability to follow water sampling and testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate treatment plant machines to ensure continuous water treatment.
• Manage the facility’s SCADA system.
• Perform laboratory tests for water quality.

Skills

Knowledge of water treatment plant operations

Problem-solving skills

Mechanical aptitude

Basic math skills

Proficient in English

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Undergraduate degree in municipal water treatment (preferred)

Tools

SCADA system

MS Office (Excel, Word)

Job description

Position/Classification: Water Treatment Plant Operator FULL TIME

Department: Water Filtration & Distribution Status: Non-Exempt

Union: Teamsters

Due Date for Application: 4/20/2026

About Us: Muskegon Heights is one of the oldest communities located in the southwest quadrant of Muskegon County, just a short 10-minute drive from the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. With a close-knit community of just over 9,000 residents, Muskegon Heights combines rich history with a vibrant present, making it a wonderful place to live and work.

Reporting to: Water Plant Lead Operator

This position involves technical, semi-skilled, and labor work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and machinery at the Water Treatment Plant and its distribution system. Responsibilities include maintaining records, preparing reports, conducting water quality tests, and performing other related tasks.

Essential Job Functions:

The employee may be tasked with the following functions, which are not exhaustive:

• Operate treatment plant machines and equipment to ensure continuous water treatment in compliance with state regulations.
• Manage the facility’s SCADA system.
• Record water flow rates, pressure, temperature, and chemical usage; operate low service, transfer, and high service pumps, including chemical feed pumps.
• Assist in preparing weekly and monthly reports for internal management and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
• Troubleshoot and repair all equipment.
• Conduct laboratory tests for coliform bacteria, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, fluoride, and chlorine residual.
• Perform related duties as required.

Special Duties:

In addition to daily operations, the operator will perform meter readings, conduct service calls, collect water samples, and handle basic water distribution tasks (meter maintenance, service turn‑on/off).

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED; an undergraduate degree in municipal water treatment is preferred.
• Minimum F4 certification from EGLE or ability to obtain it within 12 months.
• Knowledge of water treatment plant operations, maintenance, and regulations.
• Familiarity with water pumping and distribution systems.
• Ability to follow water sampling and testing procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of chemicals used in testing and treatment.
• Ability to work independently and remain onsite until relieved or plant shutdown.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; use of percentages and ratios).
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking) and MS Office (Excel, Word).

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Requires regular walking, sitting, and use of hands; must be able to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Frequently lift and move light to heavy items; navigate between worksites and climb stairs.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, heavy machinery, and varying weather conditions.