Water Treatment Plant Operator I-III 632374

Oklahoma State University; Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Employee tuition waivers

Free gym membership

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

Oklahoma State University is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator to ensure safe and continuous operation of the plant, perform routine maintenance, and conduct water tests. Candidates should have experience in industrial plant environments and appropriate certifications based on their level of expertise. The role offers a rotating schedule with a generous benefits package including health, life, and retirement benefits.

Additional perks include tuition waivers, free gym memberships, and more for eligible employees.

Qualifications

• WTP Operator I requires one year of work experience in an industrial-type plant.
• WTP Operator II requires three years of experience in an industrial-type plant.
• WTP Operator III requires seven years of experience in an industrial-type plant.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the Water Treatment Plant's operation and maintenance.
• Perform routine water tests to assess chemical levels.
• Maintain the WTP's appearance and cleanliness.

Skills

Manual labor

Computer literacy

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

High School/GED

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

Power tools

Job description

Responsibilities

Responsible for the Water Treatment Plant's proper, safe, and continuous operation while performing routine, general maintenance of the WTP equipment, facility, and grounds.

Perform and record routine water tests in the laboratory to assess chemical levels. Ability to distinguish color variations, calculate chemical usage and dosage, and apply proper chemicals to ensure safe potable water is required.

Perform daily cleaning and general upkeep to maintain the WTP's appearance and cleanliness. Assist management with scheduling major plant cleaning projects when needed.

Equipment used includes: rapid sand filters, 150-200 HP electric motors and centrifugal pumps, chlorinators, ammoniators, dry and wet chemical feeders, miscellaneous agitators and mixers, compressors, 10-40 HP pumps, sludge lagoon drying areas, water testing laboratory equipment, power tools – drills, impact wrenches, hoists, and cutting torches.

Work occurs in a modern, clean plant with exposure to rotating equipment and high‑voltage electrical equipment.

The Water Treatment Plant runs 24/7/365. This position is required to work a rotating schedule of shifts: seven (7) days on and seven (7) days off, twelve (12) hours per day.

This position may require working additional days or nights as operator on duty whenever deemed necessary by supervisory staff.

Additional work may be required to respond to emergencies, complete critical work, or perform other duties as deemed necessary. All work, including shifts, relief shifts, and additional work, may occur during days, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and when the university is closed.

Periodic use of a respirator is required; a full‑face respirator is provided. Must work safely, adhere to all safety requirements, and promote a safe work environment.

The employee will be required to maintain a personal cell phone and be continually available during and after normal working hours due to communication expectations.

Qualifications

• High School/GED (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
• WTP Operator I requires one year of work experience in an industrial‑type plant environment requiring operation and familiarity with pumps, valves, and associated equipment.
• WTP Operator II requires three years of work experience in an industrial‑type plant environment requiring operation and familiarity with pumps, valves, and associated equipment.
• WTP Operator III/Senior requires seven years of work experience in an industrial‑type plant environment requiring operation and familiarity with pumps, valves, and associated equipment.
• One year or 600 hours of vocational/technical training in a mechanical/electrical field may substitute for one year of experience.

Candidate position placement is dependent upon years of experience and availability.

Must use appropriate personal protective equipment as required (gloves, safety glasses, etc.); these items are provided and not for personal use.

• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses: All required licenses must be maintained throughout employment.

WTP Operator I is required to obtain an ODEQ Class “D” Water Operator license within 90 days of hire.

WTP Operator II is required to have, upon hire, an Oklahoma Class “C” Water Operator and Laboratory License.

WTP Operator III/SR is required to have, upon hire, an Oklahoma Class “B” Water Operator and Laboratory License.

All levels must have a valid driver's license before hire and maintain it after hire for operation of an OSU vehicle.

• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge: manual labor requiring the physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and in excess of 50 pounds occasionally; computer literate and able to learn new software.

Ability to become proficient in the use of “AiM” Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software and mobile technology.

Required to work safely and promote a safe environment.

Benefits

OSU offers a generous benefits package for continuous, regular positions, including health, life, and retirement benefits; paid leave; and 13 paid holidays per year. Other benefits include employee and dependent tuition waivers, free gym memberships, a free, confidential employee assistance program, and more.