Water Plant Operator I

Posting number: 02054

Department: Utilities

Division: Water

Job classification: Water Plant Operator I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Water Treatment, Maintenance, Utilities

Summary

Operates water treatment plants and remote sites in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations. Controls, monitors, analyzes, interprets, and evaluates situations and conditions within treatment and distribution processes to comply with Public Water Supply (PWS) Operating Permit, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and local policies.

Continuous operations; works under minimal supervision; work schedules are pre-established; shift vacancies are filled based on operational need; work is assigned based on operational need; work is repetitive and routine;

Examples of duties

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Operates water treatment plant processes (lime softening, coagulation, chloramine disinfection, pH adjustment, filtration, fluoridation, corrosion control);
• Operates remote sites (pump stations, distribution storage, wells, and dam);
• Controls and monitors treatment and distribution processes in manual mode or automated mode;
• Collects and appropriately logs data from hardware devices and software applications;
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets water and other process samples. Makes adjustments;
• Anticipates distribution system situations and conditions and adjusts treatment and supply;
• Cleans, services and performs Operator level maintenance on equipment and work areas;
• Occasionally move up to 55 pound bags of various chemicals;
• Troubleshoots equipment and performs Operator level corrections;
• Initiates work request for Maintenance level support;
• Receives and appropriately logs visitors. Provides safety briefing for new visitors;
• Receives shipments and deliveries. Processes slips, tickets, invoices, and other documents;
• Monitors and logs daily chemical use and inventory;
• Monitors access control and security system and limits entry and access of non-essential personnel;
• Successfully completes all required technical, safety and organizational training;
• Conducts plant tours;
• Performs additional duties not specified above

Qualifications

Acceptable Experience and Training:
High school diploma or GED required;
Bachelor’s degree, Associate of Arts or Science degree preferred;
Environmental, mathematics, and science course work preferred;
Vocational technical school credits in water treatment/distribution or industrial manufacturing preferred;
Experience working in water treatment or industrial manufacturing preferred;

Required Special Qualifications:
State of Iowa Public Water System Certificate Treatment Grade 1 within twelve months of appointment.

Supplemental information

Work Schedule:
The position schedule is 12am-8am Monday through Friday that included holidays and weekends.

The Water Plant Operator I is covered under the AFSCME Bargaining Union, and all new hires begin employment at $27.94 per hour, regardless of years of experience. Employees in this classification receive a step increase on their anniversary. The steps effective 7/1/2026 include:

New Hire1 year2 years3 years$27.94$30.92$32.76$34.56