Operator - Water

Position Summary

This position is responsible for operating a water or wastewater treatment plant or a raw water pumping plant. Duties involve routine inspection of plant processes and equipment, monitoring plant operations through instrumentation and laboratory tests, and making adjustments to predetermined parameters. The operator works under close supervision and consults with a direct supervisor when changes are necessary.

MIN $18.75 per hour, MID $24.99 per hour. Salary is commensurate with experience and skill set and includes 24 days of PTO, employer‑paid health and life insurance, a pension plan, and other benefits.

• Second shift: + $2.00 per hour
• Third shift: + $3.00 per hour
• Eligibility for new hire bonus

• Monitors plant operations by observation, instrumentation, and laboratory test results, adjusting parameters as needed.
• Uses field instrumentation and process knowledge to monitor plant processes and conduct laboratory tests.
• Under direct supervision of a licensed operator, observes and adjusts plant flow and treatment conditions via SCADA and onsite monitoring.
• Monitors mechanical equipment conditions, reports needed repairs, and performs minor preventive maintenance.
• Collects samples at various operating points and maintains thorough records and logs.
• Observes all safety guidelines, responds to plant security or emergency situations, and assists with chemical handling.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including after‑hours emergency response when required.

This position does not routinely provide workforce leadership or full personnel management.

None

High school diploma or GED.

Entry level.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class D Water or Wastewater Operator's Certificate of Competency required within first year, Class C Certificate required before year three, and a valid Texas driver’s license.

Limited knowledge of water and/or wastewater treatment principles within six months; knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Within six months must independently conduct lab tests per SOP, interpret results, identify equipment malfunctions, communicate essential information, document daily activities, and perform basic math calculations.

Receives ongoing detailed supervision and follows standard procedures or detailed instructions for each task.

Requires passing a position‑specific physical and ability assessment.

Exposure to weather, odor, noise, chemical hazards, gases, dust, prolonged standing, stair climbing, ladder use, working at heights, and confined spaces.

Hand tools, broom, sample collectors, flow meters, high‑pressure hoses, field meters, test kits, lab equipment, Authority vehicles, general and specialized material handling equipment, respirators, SCBA’s, PPE, and other safety equipment as required.