JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Water Reclamation Facility Maintenance Specialist I
Department: Water Reclamation
Reports to: Water Reclamation Superintendent
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Salary Grade: 13A
2026 Wage: $24.78 per hour
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for the maintenance and repair of process equipment at the city's Water Reclamation Facility.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintains and operates process equipment, including pumps, generators, valves, motors, gearboxes, positioners, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, boilers, HVAC components, chemical feed systems, fuel systems, yard equipment, and vehicles.
Maintains and interprets distributed control systems (DCS) including programmable logic controllers (PLC’s), sensors, graphic displays, and associated process integration components.
Reads and interprets plans, specifications, and schematics (P&ID).
Responds to after-hours emergencies as needed and fills in as relief operator as required.
Purchases equipment, materials, and supplies; performs cost comparisons for services, equipment, and supplies; performs inventory duties.
Monitors facility for proper operation to ensure compliance with all state permit requirements.
Operates a variety of hand and power tools.
Operates industrial equipment.
Welds and fabricates parts.
Prepares required reports.
Utilizes facility maintenance software and completes work orders as generated.
Performs building and grounds maintenance and snow removal.
Responsible for security and oversight of the facilities to include monitoring and observation of trespassing, theft, or other criminal activity and reporting it at the time of observation.
Performs related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of the installation, repair, and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Knowledge of system integration components and computer operations (DCS/SCADA).
Knowledge of electrical components and wiring.
Knowledge of continuous plant operational processes.
Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures.
Skill in the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Skill in the operation of industrial equipment.
Skill in the operation of hand and power tools.
Skill in troubleshooting mechanical equipment.
Skill in planning, organization, and decision-making.
Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Water Reclamation Maintenance Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include EPA and SDDENR regulations, South Dakota Operator Certification regulations and Surface Water Discharge Permit Requirements, uniform plumbing and electrical codes, and city policies and procedures. These regulations are clear and specific and require correct interpretation and compliance.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
The work consists of maintenance-related duties and occasional relief operator responsibilities. The necessity of working near high voltage electrical components, industrial equipment such as pumps, motors, and blowers, and near contaminated water contribute to the complexity of the position.
The purpose of this position is to maintain and repair wastewater treatment equipment and systems. Success in this position contributes to the efficient and effective operation of the treatment facility.
CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with co-workers, contractors, vendors, and the public.
Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.
The work is typically performed in a water reclamation (wastewater treatment) facility. The work may also be performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts and contagious or infectious diseases. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, eye and hearing protection, gloves.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from high school or GED certification and one (1) year experience in a related field or in Water/Wastewater/process control field. Technical institute course work in related fields is highly desirable. An acceptable combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Possession of or ability to obtain a Class 1 Wastewater Operator Certification within 18 months of employment.
Upon certification an incumbent in this position may be designated Specialist II and placed at grade 14, Specialist III and placed at grade 15, or Specialist IV and placed at grade 16.
RESIDENCY
All new hires must reside within 40 miles of city limits unless specific approval of City Manager.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.
I understand that job duties, responsibilities, and assignments may change at any time based on the needs of the City and in accordance with applicable policies, contracts, ordinances, or collective bargaining agreements. I further acknowledge that I am able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
OPENING DATE: August 18, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.78 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
