The City of Ottawa is currently recruiting for a Water Reclamation Operator I
Summary:
Under the supervision of the Utilities Superintendent - WRF, the WRF Operator I performs skilled and semi‑skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of the Water Reclamation Facility and lift station.
Essential Job Functions:
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Operate various types of motorized vehicles, equipment, pumps, motors, and related machinery.
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Collect samples at sources of supply and perform technical, bacteriological, and chemical examinations of raw, settled, and filtered sewage samples.
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Prepare and maintain equipment used for laboratory testing; keep accurate records of lab data.
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Inspect and maintain lift stations. Check equipment daily for proper operation, grease bearings, change filters, and troubleshoot/correct malfunctions.
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Prepare necessary written documentation and reports. Enter data on computerized spread sheets.
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Perform general building and grounds maintenance work; mow grass and remove snow/ice with Bobcat, snow blower, and/or shovel.
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Climb ladders/stairs to access remote areas of plant and lift stations.
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Maintain ultraviolet disinfection system: clean/replace lamp sleeves, lamps, plugs, ballasts, and sleeve wipers.
- Prepare waste sludge for transfer to landfill: reduce water content, convert from liquid to solid form, and set/operate belt press.
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Observe operation of plant equipment and ensure proper treatment of wastewater; make adjustments or repairs as needed.
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Notify Superintendent when supplies are needed.
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Serve on emergency call-in system.
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Comply with all City ordinances and practices.
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Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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One to three years of wastewater operator experience is preferred.
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Must progressively acquire Wastewater Operator certification by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment up to and including Class II within 12 months of the first eligibility date for obtaining a given certification level. Class IV certification preferred by five-year employment anniversary.
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Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable by City’s carrier
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this position.
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Basic knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and biological systems.
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Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, chemicals, gases, and laboratory testing equipment.
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Ability to operate heavy equipment, pumps, and other related equipment.
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Ability to operate computer systems.
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Ability and willingness to work rotating and extended shifts.
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Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
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Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public.
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Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
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Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
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Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.
Work Environment: Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
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May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places.
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May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, potentially hazardous bodily fluids, potentially hazardous or cancer-causing agents/chemicals, or loud noise levels.
Physical Abilities: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)
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Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.
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Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity.
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Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand-eye coordination.
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Must be able to lift 100 or more pounds.
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Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Date Open: July 14, 2026
Date Closed: August 14, 2026
Range: $21.12 to $29.57 per hour
Residency: Regular full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of the Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire.
E-Mail Confirmation: After your application has been received by the City of Ottawa, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Please check your SPAM filter or JUNK Mail. If you have not received confirmation within 48 hours of submitting your application, please call 785-229-3634 to verify application has been received. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 785-229-3634 or e-mail [email protected].
Anyone with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 785-229-3634 at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.
The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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