Wastewater Treatment Operator -D

Wastewater Treatment Operator

It's a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Final date to receive applications:
September 4, 2026

Compensation Details:
Hiring Range $31.38 - 45.54 This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group: BMEA (20+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description

Summary:

Based upon candidates' skill sets and experiences, this position can be hired between the A-D level. Under direct supervision and within a dedicated, teamwork environment, the Wastewater Treatment Operator operates the Boulder Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), appropriately reacts to changing treatment process conditions for liquid, solids, and biogas systems, and assists with routine maintenance and minor repairs of facility equipment as delegated to a certified Wastewater Treatment Operator in the WRRF Operating Plan.

The hiring ranges for these positions are commensurate with experience:

Wastewater Treatment Operator D - $23.58 to 34.19

Wastewater Treatment Operator C - $25.93 to 37.60

Wastewater Treatment Operator B - $28.52 to 41.36

Wastewater Treatment Operator A - $31.38 to 45.54

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates the WRRF and the Boulder Lift Station in accordance with state and federal water quality regulations according to delegated authority for a Class D through A Operator under Colorado Regulation 100 and in accordance with the WRRF Operating Plan.
• Maintains familiarity with the WRRF's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit and applicable Colorado Department of Health and Environment regulations, including an operator's responsibilities under Regulation 100.
• Completes four (4) hours per year of training that is approved by the Colorado Certified Water Professionals.
• Conducts regulatory sampling and record keeping under direction of lead operators and the operations supervisor.
• Acts as backup for Plant Lead Operator in their absence (assuming Colorado Class D Certification has been obtained).
• Controls and monitors mechanical, microbiological, and chemical wastewater treatment processes across the entire facility, including physical, chemical, and biological process monitoring, water quality analysis, process and equipment troubleshooting, liquids and solids stream process control, laboratory and sampling equipment maintenance and instrument calibrations.
• Operates WRRF processes and programs using various technologies and computer programs, in addition to direct observation.
• Understands the use of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and interpret data transmitted from local and remote equipment locations. Conducts SCADA rounds multiple times per day.
• Relies on mobile "smart" applications to effectively communicate with others, monitor SCADA alarms, and access facility infrastructure maps.
• Maintains familiarity of electronic folders and file navigation (including SharePoint) to access facility as-built drawings, schematics, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Operations and Maintenance manuals to identify, conduct, troubleshoot, and resolve treatment issues.
• Assists with the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to schedule and complete work orders and assist the WRRF maintenance team in asset management.
• Maintains water quality database, such as HachWIMS, to enter laboratory results, access trends, and record process changes.
• Writes, edits and updates SOPs, operational guidelines and safety documentation.
• Monitors, sends, and responds to emails and manages a professional calendar.
• Assists supervisors and staff with strategic objectives and facility management goals.
• Maintains facilities and property, including housekeeping and upkeep of process buildings and equipment. Maintains a clean and safe work environment.
• Operates the WRRF and systems consistent with energy efficiency goals and in alignment with citywide greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.
• Monitors electrical power, natural gas, and other resource usage and striving to minimize consumption while maintaining wastewater treatment targets established by management and permitting agencies.
• Participates in formal and informal training opportunities.
• Plans for, practices, and responds to emergencies including but not limited to power outages, chemical spills, cybersecurity breaches, and equipment failures. Accurately documents steps taken to resolve or isolate issues. Remains alert to security integrity of the WRRF and the Boulder Lift Station.
• Serves as an integral member of the wastewater treatment workgroup,
• Coordinates operations activities as directed.
• Plans and collaborates on unit process maintenance and annual work planning.
• Purchases supplies and monitors inventory as directed.
• Participates in the safety committee and safety procedure…