Water Plant Operator

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.

Range: $20.70 to $22.77 per hour

Date Open: December 29, 2025

Date Closed: January 29, 2026

Hours: 2:00 PM–12:00 AM (40 hours per week)

Residency: Regular full‑time employees are required to be within 35 miles of Ottawa City Hall within one year of hire.

Background Check: The City of Ottawa conducts background checks and drug screening on all potential candidates.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.