Treatment Plant Operator ; Port Arthur, TX

SALARY: $26.61 - $39.16, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT

OPENING DATE:10/15/2026 CLOSING DATE: 10/22/2026

To perform a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the City's water purification or wastewater treatment plants including monitoring gauges and valves, minor maintenance and collecting and evaluating various data.

Receives general supervision from the Treatment Plant Supervisor.

Essential duties and Responsibilities:

Operate treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; regularly monitor plant functions through reading gauges, graphs, meters, and control panels, and by performing and evaluating chemical tests.

Operate valves, gates, pumps, motors and generators in controlling treatment processes; perform routine maintenance work on valves and related equipment and facilities.

Operate dump trucks and other motor vehicles.

Make daily rounds of the plant performing a variety of duties pertaining to water or wastewater treatment and plant maintenance.

Observe variations in operating conditions by interpreting meter, gauge, and graph readings and test results to determine processing requirements.

Inform supervisors and co-workers of present and potential problems and hazards.

Collect water and wastewater samples; record results of testing as required.

Monitor chemical supplies; change chemical cylinders and storage drums as required.

Maintain logs and worksheets of plant operations; compile equipment readings and test results into hourly, daily, and monthly reports.

• exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under stressful circumstances
• evaluate various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action
• prepare complex policies and recommendations
• effectively supervise personnel
• operate effectively in an economically and culturally diverse environment

• running, walking, crawling, or standing for extended periods of time
• climbing stairs or ladders
• moving loads of approximately 25 - 50 pounds

• making observations
• reading and writing
• operating necessary and assigned equipment
• communicating with others

Other Important

Responsibilities and Duties:

May perform minor preventative maintenance including cleaning and lubricating plant equipment.

Make emergency repairs to plant equipment; record failures of and problems with equipment and write repair work orders.

Answer citizen inquiries and respond to complaints.

May participate in a variety of activities involving travel between various City facilities and properties and other related external business and government agencies which may include transporting materials and debris.

May coordinate plant operational activities in a variety of areas including digesters, primary and secondary clarifiers, generator, chlorine, sulfur dioxide and ammonia processes, belt press and chemical storage.

Adjust plant operations to changing processing needs; mix and add chemicals as needed to maintain appropriate levels.

Drain and inspect plant structures; clean tanks, screens, filters, drying beds, pipes, clarifiers and pumps.

Calculate flow rates and calibrate valves and feeder systems.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Functions and purposes of water purification systems or wastewater disposal

systems.

Standard principles of biology, chemistry and mathematics as related to water purification or wastewater treatment.

Basic mechanical and electrical systems.

Safe work practice and operational and safety regulations pertaining to water purification or wastewater treatment.

Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a water purification or wastewater treatment plant including the operation and maintenance of plant machinery.

Hazardous gases associated with the treatment of wastewater.

Modern techniques and developments, current literature and sources of information regarding water purification or wastewater treatment.

Automated equipment as applied to treatment plant operation.

Record keeping principles and basic report preparation techniques.

Ability to:

Operate and maintain water purification or wastewater treatment machinery and equipment.

Make routine repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps and other equipment.

Learn to read meters and gauges correctly and to respond quickly and competently.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare simple written…