Operator, Senior

Position Summary

This position is responsible for performing advanced level work requiring specialized knowledge and experience in the operation of a water/wastewater treatment plant. An individual in this classification must be familiar with all areas of water/wastewater treatment, including the supervision of an entire shift when necessary. Exercises independent judgment while making operational decisions.

Operator, Senior Salary: MIN $27.220 per hour – MID $35.387 per hour (commensurate with experience and skill set).

B Wastewater license is required for OPII. Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Shift Differential Pay:

• Second shift: + $2.00 per hour
• Third shift: + $3.00 per hour

Benefits Package:

• Employer paid health and life insurance
• Paid Time-Off (starts after completing initial pay period)
• 11 paid holidays
• 12 % Employer 401a Pension Contribution (No matching required)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Tenure Recognition Awards

Eligible for New Hire Bonus:

• 1st: $1,000 after 6 months of employment
• 2nd: $1,000 after 1 year of employment

Please attach three work references with your resume.

• Monitors and controls plant operations by observation, instrumentation and laboratory test results and makes process adjustments. Interprets laboratory data and recommends process adjustments.
• Responsible for process operations in assigned areas within the Operations Department.
• May be assigned certain supervisory duties of more junior operators to include training and communicating routine instruction. Responsible for shift during absence of supervisor and may assist in performance evaluation of junior operators under management direction.
• Observes all safety guidelines, takes action to protect structures and equipment under emergency flood conditions, and handles chemicals used at the plant safely.
• Monitors condition of mechanical equipment and notifies appropriate personnel of needed repairs or operational problems. Takes corrective action when necessary.
• Observes and adjusts the projects’ flows and treatment process conditions by monitoring the status of production via SCADA.
• Communicates effectively, maintaining thorough process logs and records, and assisting the Chief Operator with documentation.
• Ensures authority security procedures are adhered to and may respond to emergency situations as directed.
• May be responsible for plant security during evening shifts.
• Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel and are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations, including inclement weather when travel may be difficult.

Regularly leads the work of other employees.

May order sampling, laboratory supplies, equipment, and cleaning supplies as needed for department use and approved by supervisor. May assist in budget preparation and equipment procurement requests.

Education: High school diploma or GED; sixty college credit hours preferred or equivalent technical education.

Experience: Four years of experience in a water/wastewater treatment facility; must include two years of team leader or supervisory experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class B Water or Wastewater Operator's License required.

Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of water and/or wastewater treatment. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Project SCADA, CMMS, GIS, and process supporting software. Must be able to interpret multiple process and permit‑required lab tests and pass Operator Efficiency Review (OER).

Skills and Abilities: Leadership ability, supervisory skills, independent decision making, accurate interpretation of complex test results, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, communication and documentation, advanced utility calculations, and use of test results for process adjustments.

Is guided primarily by established priorities and policies along with professional standards and best practices. Incumbent must exercise good judgment about escalation of issues.

This position requires passing a physical and physical ability assessment specific to this position.

Exposure to adverse weather, odor, noise, chemical hazards, gases and dust, standing for prolonged periods, walking up and down several flights of stairs, climbing and descending ladders, working at heights, and working in tight or confined spaces.

Hand tools, broom, sample collectors, flow meters, high‑pressure hoses, field meters, test kits, lab equipment, authority vehicles, general and/or specialized material handling equipment. Subject to use of respirators, SCBA’s, PPE and other safety equipment as required.