Water Resources Plant Operator I​/II​/III

Hiring Bonus: The Water Resources Department is excited to offer a hiring bonus for individuals newly hired as Water Resources Plant Operator I/II/III. New Water Resources Operators may be eligible for a $3,500 incentive at the conclusion of Initial City Probation. To receive the bonus, an Operator must work as a Plant Operator for one year and receive a successful performance evaluation.

Overview: This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies at a wastewater treatment plant at either the Operator I, II or III level; it will also be used to create a list to fill possible future vacancies at any level. Offering salary may be made above the minimum of the posted salary range for this position depending upon qualifications and experience.

Employees may progress through the full salary range, subject to their successful performance and annual budget approval.

Responsibilities: A Plant Operator I is responsible for learning how to operate and maintain the City of Mesa’s wastewater treatment plants during an assigned shift with guidance from more experienced Operators. Duties may include:

• Maintaining and operating plant equipment and processes related to the treatment of wastewater.
• Operating valves, gates, and pumps; adjusting flow rates and chemical feed rates.
• Collecting samples and submitting for laboratory testing.
• Monitoring control panels, gauges, and meters.
• Maintaining written data on test results, gauges, and meter readings.
• Checking chemical tank levels and mixing chemical solutions.
• Operating laboratory equipment to perform chemical analysis.
• Preparing written logs and relaying operational information to coworkers.

Incumbents in this class will work only on a shift where an Operator II or higher is present. An Operator I may provide general guidance to lower-level plant operators. Operators must use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures in performing assignments. Exposure to toxic chemicals, methane gas, chlorine gas, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, raw sewage, sludge, and adverse weather conditions is expected.

This class performs related duties as required.

An employee will learn to perform the full scope of a Plant Operator II, including troubleshooting issues. Progress to Plant Operator II is possible by noncompetitive promotion upon meeting experience, performance, certification, and on-the-job training criteria. Failure to complete required training and promotion within 15 months of hire may result in transfer, demotion, or termination. Employees may be required to work rotating shifts.

This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Responsibilities: A Plant Operator II performs journey-level work while learning to independently operate and maintain the City of Mesa’s wastewater treatment plants during an assigned shift. Duties may include:

• Maintaining and operating plant equipment and processes related to the treatment of wastewater.
• Operating valves, gates, and pumps; adjusting flow rates and chemical feed rates.
• Collecting samples and submitting for laboratory testing.
• Monitoring control panels, gauges, and meters.
• Maintaining written data on test results, gauges, and meter readings.
• Checking chemical tank levels and mixing chemical solutions.
• Operating laboratory equipment to perform chemical analysis.
• Preparing written logs and relaying operational information to coworkers with minimal supervision.

Incumbents will work only on a shift where an Operator III or higher is present. As experience is gained, the intensity of supervision will gradually decrease. An Operator II provides training and assistance to lower-level plant operators. Operators must use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures. Exposure to the same hazards as lower levels is expected. This class performs related duties as required.

Employees will learn to perform the full scope of a Plant Operator III. Progress to Plant Operator III is possible by noncompetitive promotion upon meeting experience, performance, certification, and training criteria. Failure to complete required promotion within 15 months of hire or promotion may result in…