Operator , II, III, G12, Utilities Department

Position: Operator I, II, III, G12, Utilities Department
Job Summary

* Reposted: 5/27/2026

Under supervision (Plant Operator I), general supervision (Plant Operator II), or direction (Plant Operator III), performs a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the County's water or wastewater treatment plant; performs adjustments and repairs to plant equipment; collects and documents samples for laboratory testing; performs lead supervision and training to assigned staff (Plant Operator III);

and performs a variety of related duties as assigned.

Major Duties

* Perform assigned treatment plant rounds; inspect, monitor, troubleshoot, performance test, and document plant processes by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, online analyzers, computer screens, meters, SCADA systems, and other instrumentation.

* Operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.

* Maintain, compile, and update plant operation logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.

* Mix and add treatment chemicals; install and replace chlorine cylinder tanks; ensure adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines.

* Install, maintain, repair, modify, troubleshoot, and service plant operations machinery and equipment, including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, reservoirs, feeders, and online analyzers; change lubrications.

* Collect and document liquid and solid samples and perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; work closely with the laboratory on testing processes; monitor laboratory results; collect water samples as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

* Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities; perform various grounds maintenance duties as required.

* Operate a variety of heavy equipment, including backhoes, loaders, scrapers, rotovators, forklifts, dump trucks, truck-mounted sludge/compost mixers, and tractor-trailer combinations; assist in unloading chemicals as necessary.

* Coordinate construction, maintenance, material selections, and repair activities with maintenance, laboratory, contractors, vendors, and other staff.

* As assigned, participate in a variety of special projects such as the construction of piping, electrical, and structural systems related to the assigned work area.

* Conduct tours for the general public, schools, and County staff as necessary.

* Participate in the development of goals and procedures for water or wastewater treatment activities; gather and analyze data; and develop a variety of reports.

* Work with a variety of vendors, outside contractors, and the general public on water or wastewater activities; answer questions and resolve conflicts.

* Perform any other related duties as assigned.

In addition to the above duties, incumbents in Plant Operator III positions may perform the following duties:

* Provide lead supervision and training to assigned personnel; assign tasks and projects to plant operations staff; train staff in appropriate treatment methods and techniques; schedule staff to ensure proper plant coverage; audit and enter time-sheet information into the County's computer system for assigned employees.

* Participate in establishing schedules and methods for providing maintenance and repair services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate supervisory and/or management staff; allocate resources accordingly.

* Purchase assigned equipment and supplies for the assigned work utilizing the County's automated purchasing program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Knowledge of principles and practices of water or wastewater treatment plant operations.

* Knowledge of operating principles of plant equipment, such as valves, pumps, and motors.

* Knowledge of methods and techniques for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting water or wastewater plant equipment and processes.

* Knowledge of standard principles of the natural sciences, including chemistry and biology.

* Knowledge of basic mathematical principles.

* Knowledge of laboratory…