Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

Careers In Government; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 Paid Holidays

Vacation Accrual

Sick Leave

Job summary

The City of Scottsdale is seeking an experienced Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III to oversee operations and maintenance of complex water and wastewater systems at our Scottsdale facilities. A Grade 3 Water Treatment certification is required, along with a valid driver’s license, and residency in Arizona during employment.

The position offers progression opportunities, leadership responsibilities for junior operators, and an anticipated starting salary up to the mid-point with a full

Qualifications

• Must possess Grade 3 operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality within Water Treatment.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license with no major citations in the past 39 months.
• Reside in Arizona during active employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform mid to high journey-level operations and maintenance of complex water and wastewater treatment systems.
• Provide daily leadership to Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators I & II as delegated by Operator IV.

Skills

Leadership

Water treatment knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Introduction

PLEASE NOTE: You must currently have a Grade 3 operator certification, or higher, in Water Treatment at the time of application.

Join a team that keeps Scottsdale’s water flowing clean, safe, and reliable for our community every single day. We’re seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III who’s ready to step into a dynamic role at the heart of our water operations. If you’re passionate about advanced treatment processes, thrive in a collaborative and inclusive environment, and want to contribute your expertise toward protecting one of our city’s most vital resources, we encourage you to apply. This is your opportunity to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact alongside dedicated professionals who take pride in delivering excellence in water quality and service.

About the Position

Performs mid to high journey-level operational tasks involved in the operation and maintenance of complex water and wastewater treatment systems, processes and facilities. May provide daily leadership and direction to Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators I & II as delegated by Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV.

Anticipated starting salary for this position may be up to mid-point depending on candidate’s experience and internal equity. The full salary range is listed above and mid-point for this position is $41.59/hour.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent.
• Any combination of training and experience equivalent to three years of operation and maintenance of advanced, complex water and/or wastewater treatment facilities.

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license with no major citations within the past 39 months prior to the start date. The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles requires that out-of-state driver's licenses must be surrendered within 10 days of relocating to the State of Arizona.
• Must possess upon hire or promotion, and maintain a Grade 3 operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality within the discipline of Water Treatment.
• Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment by the City, regardless of whether the employee is approved to remote work.

Benefits Highlights

The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 12 Paid Holidays, which includes 1 Floating Holiday
• Vacation Accrual; starts at 10.3 hours/month
• Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
• Medical (which includes behavioral health coverage), Dental and Vision Benefits
• City Paid Basic Life Insurance (equal to one times employee annual salary); option of Supplemental Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement; $2,500/year
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 11.98% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
• Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide 457
• Pet Insurance
• Bilingual pay compensation
• Employer contribution of $10 per pay period to employee's PEHP (Post-Employment Health Plan) account

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questions are essential components of the selection process and must be completed in their entirety for your candidacy to be considered. Please ensure that each section is fully completed and all questions are answered thoroughly. Do not substitute responses with “See Resume.” Incomplete answers, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from further consideration.

Applicants whose education, training, and experience most closely align with the requirements of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process, which may include a panel interview. Candidates selected to move forward will be required to successfully complete a post‑offer, pre‑employment background screening, which may include the following:

• Fingerprinting search of the national FBI Database
• Criminal Background screening
• Drug Screen
• 39-Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check

The City of Scottsdale reserves the right to change this process at any time, potentially without advance notice.

NOTE

PLEASE NOTE: Years of experience are calculated based on a full‑time schedule of 2,080 hours per year and a part‑time schedule of 1,040 hours per year. Work experience may at times substitute for education on a year‑for‑year basis; however, depending on the job classification, education may not be used as a substitute for required work experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an "otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting HR at [phone]. Requests should be made 24 hours in advance or as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. For TTY users, the Arizona Relay Service (1-800-367-8939) may contact HR at [phone].

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Full-Time Positions

The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday and medical leave as well as insurance for medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance.

Part-Time Positions

The City of Scottsdale offers paid medical leave for part-time staff.

Commute Solutions Program

City of Scottsdale provides free Valley Metro Platinum passes to employees for the bus and light rail systems when commuting; a vanpool subsidy is also available. Employees can decrease stress, decrease wear & tear on their vehicle, and help the environment all at the same time.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

The City of Scottsdale is considered a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). You may find more information about the PSLF program by going to the Federal Student Aid website.

Closing Date/Time: 9/26/2026 11:59 PM Arizona