Water Treatment - Treatment Plant Operator Trainee - Water Treatment

Water Treatment – Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Water Treatment, 209

E. Hwy 80, Abilene, Texas, United States of America

Posted Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor – Water Treatment, this entry‑level trainee position focuses on learning the operation of multiple surface water treatment plants. Responsibilities include learning chemical dosing calculations, chemical analysis, distribution system management, record keeping, and control of treatment plant processes to produce potable water compliant with State of Texas and Federal regulations.

• Operate a city vehicle daily to travel to various water treatment plants, pump stations, storage tanks, lakes, and vendor locations.
• Calculate chemical dosages, adjust chemical feeders and equipment, and control treatment processes.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain SCADA systems, pumps, chemical feed systems, laboratory equipment, meters, and gauges.
• Perform, interpret, and record laboratory tests (pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, hardness, temperature, conductivity) to assess water quality.
• Backwash filters manually and automatically and maintain standard plant and laboratory operations, including quality control and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain plant records, operation logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories; compile paper and electronic reports.
• Read, calculate, and record water usage; assist with maintaining flows and levels across distribution system pressure planes and storage tanks.
• Assist in minor repairs, operations adjustments, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment.
• Record telephone information regarding water leaks and report to appropriate repair crews, including contact procedures for DIGTESS and other utilities.
• Check motors and pumps for excessive vibration, noise, and temperature; report problems to appropriate personnel.
• Perform grounds maintenance and general housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Perform other job‑related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• State and Federal requirements, rules and regulations for water treatment.
• Safe chemical handling practices.
• Materials, equipment, and facilities involved in water treatment.
• State and federal regulations applicable to water treatment.
• Workplace occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and systems.
• Use and maintain tools and equipment used in water and wastewater treatment and repair activities.
• Visually, physically, and audibly identify anomalies associated with pumps and motors.
• Make logical decisions based on data from SCADA and computer systems.
• Operate basic computer equipment.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Read, write and understand the English language and follow written and oral instructions.
• Perform building and grounds maintenance duties such as mowing, weeding, sweeping, mopping, painting, and digging.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships internally and externally.
• Follow the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member to accomplish the Division’s mission and treat team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Perform laboratory process control testing.
• Perform required computer operations in conjunction with job‑specific requirements.

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at lower levels are required at higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.

This is an entry-level position. No previous experience is required.

A high school diploma or GED is required.

• A valid Texas driver’s license (or equivalent within ninety days of employment).
• Acquire the “D” Water License within ninety…