Water Reclamation Plant Operator

The City of Reno is seeking a Water Reclamation Plant Operator to join the Utility Services Department at the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility (RSWRF), a modern wastewater treatment and water reclamation facility.

This hands-on position supports the operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment system through monitoring and adjusting treatment processes, operating and maintaining plant equipment, collecting samples and performing routine laboratory testing, and responding to changing operating conditions. Operators work as part of a team to help ensure safe, reliable facility operations and compliance with applicable water quality standards.

Work Location: Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility, 4250 Norton Drive, Reno, NV 89506

There is currently one vacancy in the Utility Services Department, with hiring anticipated to begin immediately following the close of this recruitment. This recruitment will also establish an eligible list that may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

This is both an internal and external recruitment to provide a promotional opportunity for all qualified current classified City of Reno employees and an open competitive opportunity for all other qualified applicants.

The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.

• Operate wastewater treatment, sludge processing and disposal equipment, and lift stations; adjust valves and gates and start and stop pumps, engines, and generators to regulate the flow through filtering, settling, aeration, and sludge digestion processes; clean and level sludge beds.
• Observe variations in operating conditions; inspect, monitor, and document plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
• Inspect and maintain electric motors and pumps for proper operation; lubricate, overhaul, and install new and rebuilt motors and pumps; replace worn bearings; perform mechanical adjustments and repairs to ensure efficient operation of equipment.
• Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; ensure proper treatment of sewage and purification of water.
• Operate a variety of vehicles, tools, and equipment necessary to maintain the water reclamation plant system and equipment.
• Perform a variety of carpentry, electrical, concrete, plumbing, pipe fitting, soldering, and welding functions as required.
• Maintain, compile, and update plant operations logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.
• Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities, various grounds maintenance duties, and weed abatement.
• Perform related duties as required.

The following minimum qualifications are required to be met at the time of application.*

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in wastewater or sewage treatment plant operations or a related field.*

Additional relevant work experience beyond the two year experience requirement will substitute for the required specialized training.

Two years of experience in wastewater plant operations and maintenance.

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Grade III Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.

This position participates in an on-call rotation and may require evening, night, and weekend work. The position requires the ability to perform essential duties in a wastewater treatment plant and field environment, including prolonged standing and walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting or carrying moderate to heavy amounts of weight.

** Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.**

Final date to receive applications:
October 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Application Preparation: A complete application is required, including detailed work experience and education. Résumés may be submitted as supplemental information but will not be reviewed when determining minimum qualifications.

Examination Process:
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, receive a passing score on the scored examination…