JOB TITLE: Water Reclamation Facility Operator
REPORTS TO: Water Reclamation Facility Superintendent, ORC
SALARY RANGES:
· OPERATOR-IN-TRAINING: Paygrade 101
· OPERATOR I: Paygrade 102
· OPERATOR II: Paygrade 103
· OPERATOR III: Paygrade 104
· OPERATOR IV: Paygrade 105
FLSA: Non-Exempt
SUMMARY:
Under direct or general supervision, the Water Reclamation Facility Operator is responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the Town’s wastewater treatment facilities to ensure the effective and environmentally compliant treatment of municipal wastewater. This position performs routine and non-routine sampling and laboratory analysis; monitors and adjusts biological, chemical, and mechanical processes to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local discharge regulations; and operates, maintains, and troubleshoots treatment equipment and systems, including pumps, motors, valves, aeration systems, clarifiers, digesters, and chemical feed systems. The role also supports preventative maintenance activities and participates in repairs to promote continuous, efficient, and reliable facility operations.
The water reclamation facility runs a 7 day/week staffing schedule. All Operators must participate in 24 hour on-call rotations, requiring a 30-minute response time.
TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
· Collects and analyzes daily samples for required laboratory testing in accordance with the Town’s state-issued discharge permit; performs process control analyses to guide operational decisions and logs results accurately.
· Operates the Town’s Water Reclamation Facility using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; adjusts equipment settings as needed; monitors and interprets data from gauges, meters, and system indicators; operates pumps, valves, motors, blowers, and other process equipment.
· Conducts routine inspections of the plant and auxiliary facilities, identifying equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, and process irregularities; takes corrective action and reports significant issues to the supervisor.
· Monitors treatment processes and equipment to ensure continuous compliance with the facility’s discharge permit, EPA regulations, and other applicable state and federal standards.
· Participates in the operation, maintenance, and repair of all facility equipment and systems, including electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, HVAC, and chemical feed and storage systems; maintains variable frequency drives (VFDs), process instrumentation, and heavy equipment.
· Ensures the proper functioning of all plant unit processes, including preliminary treatment, biological treatment, flow equalization, clarification, disinfection, solids handling, and effluent disposal systems.
· Performs preventive and corrective maintenance activities within the plant and on facility grounds, including equipment servicing, basic repairs, cleaning, and calibration.
· Supports regular safety inspections and hazard assessments; identifies and reports unsafe conditions or violations; implements corrective actions in accordance with safety protocols and Town policies.
· Maintains thorough and accurate records, including operational logs, flow data, maintenance logs, equipment runtime hours, chemical usage, and compliance documentation.
· Performs general custodial and groundskeeping tasks at the facility, such as sweeping, mowing, painting, and cleaning to support a safe and presentable work environment.
· Interacts with the public as needed, responding to inquiries about wastewater treatment and conducting facility tours upon request.
· May coordinate with contractors, vendors, and other Town departments to support maintenance, repair, and capital improvement projects.
· Performs other duties as assigned in support of facility operations and Town objectives.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Some knowledge may be performed in a learning capacity by OIT and I-level positions.
· Principles, practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the operation, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities.
· Safe and effective use, operation, and minor maintenance of hand tools, power tools, motorized vehicles, and specialized equipment used in wastewater treatment operations.
· Operation and functionality of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and related automated monitoring and control systems.
· Basic mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems and their applications in treatment plant operations.
· Use and navigation of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for tracking work orders, scheduling maintenance, and documenting asset history.
· Wastewater treatment processes and concepts, including biological and chemical treatment, solids handling, disinfection, and effluent quality control.
· Applied mathematics, chemistry, and microbiology principles relevant to wastewater process control and regulatory compliance.
· Use of computers, mobile devices, and specialized software applications for data entry, process monitoring, and report generation.
ABILITY TO:
· Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with a diverse group of people under sometimes trying and stressful conditions
· Communicate clearly, concisely, and courteously, both orally and in writing
· Operate heavy equipment, including forklifts and skid loaders
· Analyze, evaluate, and recommend sound solutions to problems of routine nature
· Research, interpret, explain, and correctly apply policies, rules, regulations, and procedures
· Independently and efficiently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments
Class Characteristics
· Operator-in-Training (OIT):
This is a trainee-level classification intended for individuals with little or no prior experience in wastewater treatment operations. Employees in this class work under close supervision and focus on learning fundamental wastewater treatment processes, equipment operation, safety protocols, and regulatory standards. Assignments are routine and designed to support the individual in gaining the experience and knowledge necessary to obtain a Class D Wastewater Operator license.
· Operator I:
This is the entry-level classification for certified wastewater treatment operators. Employees at this level perform basic operational and maintenance tasks under moderate supervision, including monitoring equipment, adjusting treatment processes, and performing routine sampling and analysis. They continue to build technical knowledge and experience with facility systems and procedures.
· Operator II:
This is the journey-level classification for operators with demonstrated competence and the ability to work independently. Employees perform a wide range of operational duties with minimal supervision, including troubleshooting equipment, interpreting wastewater quality data, making process adjustments, and performing preventative maintenance. Operators at this level are expected to have a strong understanding of plant processes and regulatory standards.
· Operator III:
This is an advanced journey-level classification, requiring in-depth knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and regulatory compliance. Employees in this class serve as technical resources within the plant, assisting with complex operations, mentoring less experienced staff, and helping ensure operational consistency and adherence to safety procedures. While they do not hold supervisory authority, Operator IIIs may lead work tasks and provide on-the-job training and guidance to others. Operators at this level are expected to participate in team meetings and cross-departmental discussion and can effectively communicate to support collaborative problem-solving and consistent plant operations.
· Operator IV:
This is the senior-level classification within the operator series. Employees at this level serve as technical leads at the plant and possess extensive knowledge of wastewater reclamation systems, emergency response protocols, and regulatory practices. While they do not function in a supervisory or administrative role, Operator IVs are expected to demonstrate leadership in team, department, and organizational meetings; share technical insights, operational updates, and training guidance with staff and management. Operator IVs are expected to support process optimization, coordinate complex operational tasks, and assist in training and developing staff. They may serve as a resource to the Lead Operator in implementing operational strategies and troubleshooting advanced issues.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Operator-in-Training (OIT)
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Colorado Driver’s License
- Ability to obtain a Class D Wastewater Operator License within six months of hire
- No prior experience required, though coursework or training in wastewater treatment is preferred
- Operator I
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Colorado Driver’s License
- Possession of a Class D Wastewater Operator License
- At least six months of water reclamation facility operations and maintenance experience
- Operator II
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Colorado Driver’s License
- Possession of a Class C Wastewater Operator License
- At least two years of increasingly responsible water reclamation facility operations and maintenance experience. One year of relevant college course work may be substituted for one year of required experience.
- Operator III
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Colorado Driver’s License
- Possession of a Class B Wastewater Operator License
- At least three years of increasingly responsible water reclamation facility operations and maintenance experience. One year of relevant college course work may be substituted for one year of required experience.
- Demonstrated experience in process control adjustments and regulatory compliance
- Operator IV
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Colorado Driver’s License
- Possession of a Class A Wastewater Operator License
- At least four years of progressively responsible experience in water reclamation facility operations. Two years of relevant college course work may be substituted for two years of required experience.
- Experience in regulatory reporting, emergency response coordination, and advanced treatment processes
WORKING CONDITIONS:
· Frequent reaching, sitting, standing, walking, talking, seeing, hearing, and manual dexterity.
· Frequent work in outside setting with exposure to weather and other environmental factors.
· Frequent need to climb stairs and ladders
· Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
· Occasional work in a standard office environment.
· Must be able to wear properly fitted PPE.
· May be subject to noise and chemical dust. Must work with hazardous chemicals in a liquid, vapor or solid form.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
· Must pass criminal history check.
· Must pass motor vehicle records check.
· Must pass pre-employment drug screening
· Must participate in Town direct deposit program
· Must participate in water treatment plant on-call rotation.
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal function of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
The Town of Wellington is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is the equal opportunity employment policy of the Town to make all recruitment, hiring, and placement decisions, as well as, other employment decisions on the basis of the qualifications of the individuals considered for the position to be filled, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex or national origin.
All applicants must be physically able to perform the essential job functions outlined above, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.50 - $38.70 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
