Austin Water Treatment Operations & Maintenance Technician Associate - Wastewater Treatment Pla

About This Position

For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high‑quality, and affordable water services to the Austin metropolitan area. Austin Water serves more than 1,000,000 residents across 548 square miles and operates three water treatment plants and two wastewater treatment plants.

Under close supervision, the Technician Associate performs routine operational and maintenance support at a water or wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection, water distribution system, stormwater pump station, or remote stormwater facility. The role works in teams to assist with more complex tasks and develops competency in both operations and maintenance disciplines.

• Assist with process control tasks such as basic flow control, sampling, basic laboratory testing, pump and blower operations, and adjusting chemical feeds.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks: lubrication, oil/fluids change, packing, bearings, and seals installation.
• Conduct predictive and corrective maintenance on specialized equipment including pumps, blowers, clarifiers, and valves.
• Conduct routine rounds to monitor treatment processes and identify anomalies or mechanical problems.
• Monitor data from SCADA systems and other control instruments to make basic process changes as directed.
• Maintain plant operations and maintenance records using log books, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Act as a member of the Confined Space Entry Team, serving as entrant or assistant.

• Knowledge of general maintenance processes and procedures.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Computer literacy and use of related software.
• Skill in using hand and power tools.
• Motor vehicle operation and motorized equipment usage.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and technical guidelines.
• Ability to read and take simple readings from meters, gauges, and control panels.
• Driver eligibility per the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of experience in a similar environment (stormwater pump stations, process control, plant operations, construction, or mechanical/industrial equipment maintenance).
• Thirty (30) semester hours of relevant formal education can substitute for one (1) year of experience.

• Obtain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Class D Wastewater Operator license within one (1) year of employment.
• Obtain a Class C Wastewater Treatment Plant license before the Class D license expires.
• Valid Texas Class C driver license (P/T or commercial endorsements if required).
• Certifications for Respiratory Protection and Confined‑Space Entry within six (6) months of employment and to be maintained.

• Work in hazardous atmospheres and confined spaces; support up to 283 pounds with a body harness.
• Climb ladders and work at heights up to 200 feet and up to 100‑foot deep confined spaces.
• Walk, stand, sit, bend, twist, push, pull, kneel, crawl, and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment including a self‑contained breathing apparatus.

• Experience with preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and rebuilding of industrial equipment.
• Knowledge of process control and optimization in a treatment plant.
• Training in plumbing, pipe fitting, welding, or metal fabrication.
• Familiarity with computerized work order systems and general computer navigation.

Health and welfare benefits (medical, paid leave, retirement plan, training opportunities). Career progression through on‑the‑job training and license attainment, enabling promotion without competitive interview.

The Technician Associate performs wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance tasks, including operating control systems, monitoring processes, managing chemical dosage, testing samples, and performing mechanical maintenance on equipment.

$23.76 – $27.32 per hour.

• $500 after 90 days.
• $500 after 180 days.
• $1,000 after 1 year.
• $1,000 after 2 years.

Night shift:
Sunday to Saturday 6:00p.m. to 6:00a.m. Rotating weekly schedule alternating between three and four workdays per week. Shift hours subject to change by business needs.

The position is classified as essential, with potential for weekend, holiday, overtime, callback, and on‑call duties.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. The City will also not discriminate based on AIDS, HIV status, or perceived risk of HIV infection.