Water Treatment Plant Operator (Class A, B, C, D)

City of Golden

Golden (CO)

On-site

USD 66,000 - 92,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Health benefits

Job summary

City of Golden is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator to perform skilled duties in operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the 12 MGD Water Treatment Plant. The role involves plant rounds, chemical dosing, and regulatory compliance.

Candidates must have Colorado Water Operator Certification and be able to work shifts, including nights and weekends. The City offers extensive benefits and a supportive outdoor community environment.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED with Colorado Water Operator Certification.
Associate degree in water technology or water quality preferred.
Basic computer skills including Word and Excel.
Colorado Water Operators Certification licenses required (A, B, C, or D).

Responsibilities

Conduct routine water plant rounds and perform duties in water treatment and plant maintenance.
Operate startup/shutdown of water treatment plant systems per SOPs.
Monitor plant operations via SCADA and manual methods; read gauges, meters and lab results.
Adjust pumps, water flows, and chemical feed systems to meet demand.
Maintain detailed records, test logs, and regulatory reports.
Analyze lab results to adjust water quality parameters (turbidity, pH, chlorine).
Coordinate with other divisions to ensure regulatory compliance and safety.
Train and mentor new employees; maintain certifications and safety training.

Skills

Chemistry knowledge

Mathematics

Problem solving

SCADA knowledge

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Colorado Water Operator Certification

Associate degree in water technology

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

SCADA/HMI systems

Job description

Full Salary Range - DOQ based on level of Certification:

Water Treatment Plant Operator D: $23.27-$32.58

Water Treatment Plant Operator C: $27.14-$38.00

Water Treatment Plant Operator B: $29.31-$41.04

Water Treatment Plant Operator A: $31.66-$44.32

We are currently recruiting qualified applicants for Water Treatment Plant Operator position. Come and see why the City of Golden is the place you want to be!

Why work at the City of Golden? Being a Golden employee is more than just a job, it's a lifestyle. Golden is a vibrant outdoor community making it a great place to live, work and play.

Location, location, location– Work near great restaurants and shops, hit the trails, and enjoy the outdoor scenery of Clear Creek and the foothills. Convenient commuting from all directions.
Paid time off– Paid vacation starts at 16 days (that's over 3 weeks!), plus 12 days of sick time and 12 paid holidays each year.
Great benefits– The City matches up to 8% of your retirement contributions, plus offers a full-spectrum of benefits and perks, including tuition reimbursement (check it out)!

This person will perform the skilled technical duties and manual work in the operation and maintenance of the City of Golden's 12 MGD Water Treatment Plant (WTP) including water production, treatment, and storage operations, and in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act and City of Goldens safety standards.

Must be able to work shiftwork, days, nights, holidays, and weekends as assigned. Must be able to cover extra shifts for other Operators while on PTO or sick leave. Must be available for emergency response and on a rotating On-Call.

Full Salary Range - DOQ based on level of Certification:

Water Treatment Plant Operator D: $23.27-$32.58

Water Treatment Plant Operator C: $27.14-$38.00

Water Treatment Plant Operator B: $29.31-$41.04

Water Treatment Plant Operator A: $31.66-$44.32

Job Summary

Conduct routine water plant rounds observing plant operations and performing a variety of duties pertaining to water treatment and plant maintenance. Demonstrate ability to identify issues in equipment and treatment process through inspection.

Conduct startup and shutdown water treatment plant systems in accordance with operational protocols.

Monitor and control plant operations using the SCADA system and manual methods, including reading gauges, meters, instrumentation, graphs, control panels, and by performing and evaluating lab analysts.

Change plant operations to adjust to changing needs; adjust pumps, raw water flows, flow valves, and chemical feed systems. Maintain sufficient distribution volume to meet changing water demand.

Maintain detailed operational records, test logs, and reports for regulatory and internal use.

Required proficiency at performing and interpreting lab tests results to process adjustments on water turbidity, alkalinity and chlorine residual, pH, and taste & odor. Compile readings and test results into hourly, daily, and monthly reports.

Proficient knowledge of chemistry and math is needed to interpret lab data and make water quality decisions based on lab data.

Use problem solving skills to deal with a variety of variables in complex situations.

Monitor chemical supplies usage and change chemical storage drums as required. Calculate flow rates and calibrate verify dosing of chemical feed systems.

Receive and oversee chemical deliveries, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

Drain and inspect plant structures, clean tanks, screens, filters, and pumps.

Coordinate activities with Environmental Services and Utilities Divisions personnel to ensure regulatory compliance and optimal water quality.

Perform a variety calibration and repairs of plant instrumentation equipment to ensure that instruments and equipment used in monitoring and controlling water quality are accurate and reliable.

Perform related duties as assigned and support day-to-day operational activities in water treatment. Additional tasks include performing cleaning and maintenance tasks, draining tanks, flushing lines.

Operate water treatment residual dewatering equipment.

Follow and write SOP’s (standard operating procedures).

Practice safe work habits and identify and inform supervisors and co-workers of present and potential problems and hazards.

Respond to alarms, emergencies, and after hour calls as needed.

Train and mentor new employees in plant operations and safety procedures.

Maintain all required certifications and continuing education training units.

Participate in capital improvement projects.

Assist with water treatment plant tours as needed.

Assist in other Utilities operations such as distribution system, wastewater, or stormwater systems during emergencies or as assigned.

Accurately record maintenance activities and work orders in the City's asset management software.

Support plant energy efficiency and sustainability efforts by optimizing process operations and identifying potential improvements.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education diploma (GED) and appropriate Colorado Water Operator Certification. An associate’s degree in water technology or water quality management preferred. Must be able to perform basic computer skills including Microsoft products such as Word and Excel. Basic understanding or use of a SCADA or HMI systems a plus.

Class A category requires possession of a current Colorado Class A Water Operators A License. Also, a minimum of 4 years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Class B category requires possession of a current Colorado Class B Water Operators B License. Also, a minimum of 3 years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Class C category requires possession of a current Colorado Class C Water Operators C License. Also, a minimum of 2 years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Class D category requires having passed the “D” Water Operators Certification exam.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and a good driving record.

Colorado Water Operators Certification license required, Class A, B, C, or D.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization. Ability to answer questions and provide information to the public; respond to and resolve complaints.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Must have strong mathematical aptitude to compute dosages and flows.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to carry out instructions or procedures furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving concrete variables in complex situations.

Other Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of principles of chemistry and biology as applied to water purification; water purification procedures and methods; and standard principles of hydraulics and plumbing. Ability to keep calm and respond appropriately during a power outage, hazardous chemical spill, or other emergency situations. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED

Ferric Sulfate, sodium hypochlorite, potassium permanganate, polymer, and sodium hydroxide chemicals are used in the treatment process. Equipment used includes pumps, motors, hand and power tools, valves, drives, meters, tanks, compressors, telephone, and personal computer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk throughout the storage facilities.; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more of the chemicals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud. Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment.

City of Golden is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Regular Full-Time (RFT) employees of the City of Golden currently receive numerous benefits as part of their total compensation package. These benefits are in addition to mandated benefits such as: workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and social security. Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee while others require employee cost sharing or contributions. Employees are eligible to enroll in most benefits upon hire.

The City of Golden's benefit package can comprise an average of 35% of total compensation.

Employer Paid Benefits Include