Water Plant Operator

Join to apply for the Water Plant Operator I role at City of Ottawa, Kansas

The City of Ottawa, Kansas is recruiting for a Water Plant Operator I or II depending on qualifications. Under the supervision of the Utilities Superintendent – WP, the Water Plant Operator I performs skilled and semi‑skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of the Water Treatment Plant and associated facilities.

• Operate various types of power pumps and related equipment/machinery
• Check water levels and maintain flow into chemical feed machine; adjust feed rates for proper balance
• Perform all tests required to maintain proper water quality and record results
• Check all motors, bearings, and gearboxes to ensure that proper lubrication is maintained
• Monitor condition of water pressure and levels in water towers
• Treat holding ponds for algae
• Perform general maintenance of plant, lab, and exterior grounds
• Communicates by phone and in person with public and other City employees
• Distinguishes color changes, reads small gauges and tests equipment accurately
• Tightens and changes belts and chains
• Determines electrical and mechanical malfunction to equipment and makes repairs
• Maintains tools and maintenance equipment in ready order
• Replaces pumps, motors, belts, valves, bearings, and gearboxes
• Maintains written record of all maintenance performed on Plant equipment

• Clean and replenish supplies in feed and lab rooms
• Aid in maintaining the City swimming pool
• Respond to trouble calls from the public or dispatch
• Comply with all City ordinances and practices
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned
• Some shift work will be expected due to relief operations

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or some college credit in a related field preferred
• Some water plant operation experience preferred
• Must progressively acquire Water Operator certification by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment up to and including Class II within 12 months of the first eligibility date for obtaining a given certification level. Class IV certification preferred by five‑year employment anniversary
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license

• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and plumbing systems
• General knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and chemical reactions in the treatment process
• Ability to operate laboratory testing equipment, chemical feed pumps, hoists, small electrical tools, hand tools, and other related equipment
• Knowledge of personal computer, data entry, and spreadsheets
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations

• May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places
• May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, extreme temperatures, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, potentially hazardous bodily fluids, potentially hazardous or cancer‑causing agents/chemicals, or loud noise levels
• May be required to wear a respirator in certain situations

• Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity
• Must have clarity of vision, three‑dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand‑eye coordination
• Must be able to pass annual SCBA fit test
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function

$20.70 to $22.77…