City of Wadsworth, Ohio
Position: Wastewater Plant Operator I / II
Department: Wastewater Treatment
Reports to: Wastewater Treatment Superintendent
Positions Supervised: None
Status: Full-time, Classified, Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: Operator I – L-9 ($28.9749 - $39.2015)
Operator II – L-10 ($30.3511 - $41.0632)
(Dependent on Level of Licensure)
Normal Working Hours: 2:45 P.M. to 10:45 P.M. (Subject to stand-by and emergency call-outs)
Job Summary: Under the direction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, is responsible for the daily operation of the plant on his/her shift and night shift communication. The plant is a Class IV facility and the operator is responsible for ensuring the plant operates properly and performs to a standard that will meet EPA permit limits. A person in this position must rely quite heavily on their senses in the performance of their duties. The operator will also be required to perform minor preventative maintenance on equipment and assist maintenance personnel as necessary.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Examples of job responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to the following tasks:
- Perform daily plant and equipment checks as required.
- Collect samples and perform various lab tests.
- Read meters, gauges and other recording devices and keep daily log of plant operations.
- Maintains and records data in logbook and computer databases.
- Adjust and monitors the addition of chemicals to the wastewater process.
- Enter and work in confined spaces following established safety procedures.
- Ensures that safety equipment is in working order and that safety procedures are followed in the performance of duties.
- Operate trucks, tractors and other motorized equipment of comparable size and complexity
- Operates air compressors, portable pumps, lawn mowers, weed-eaters and hand power tools.
- Responsible for the cleanliness and general housekeeping of the plant; paints equipment and buildings as required; sweeps and washes down floors, walls, paved areas, etc.
- Responsible for ground keeping tasks such as removing weeds, trimming trees and plants, pick up debris, mow lawn, water and otherwise maintain landscaped areas.
- Assists in the maintenance and repair of pumps, filters, valves, controls, piping and equipment as required.
- Perform related work as assigned and/or required.
- Makes operational decisions based on review of directives, lab data and log entries from previous shifts.
- Ensures plant effluent meets standards set forth by the Ohio EPA permit requirements.
- Operate gravity belt thickener and belt sludge press as required.
- Train and/or direct the work of OIT personnel or part time employees.
- Conduct educational tours for the public as required.
- Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, city management and staff and the public.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Mathematics as related to the wastewater industry.
- Basic computer skills.
- Basic record keeping.
- English language, both oral and written.
- Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
- Electric, hydraulics and pneumatics as related to wastewater treatment equipment.
- Principles, practices, materials and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
- Use of computer software related to wastewater plant operations, including Word and Excel.
- Safety regulations, occupational hazards, precautions and the promotion of safety.
- Ability to work in and around foul odors within acceptable ranges/levels.
- Ability to use hands and fingers to repetitively manipulate small objects.
- Ability to be aware of electrical hazards and exposure to chemicals.
- Skill in basic operation of a personal computer.
- Ability to operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
- Ability to operate power and hand tools and other equipment with proficiency.
- Ability to hear normal conversation in person and/or phone.
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to print and write legibly.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing ladders and operating equipment.
- Ability to work in variable weather conditions, working at heights, confined spaces, noise from equipment operation, hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases.
- Ability to lift over 50 pounds and over 100 pounds with assistance.
- Ability to work any shift, weekends and holidays.
- Ability to report to work on a call-out or stand-by situation.
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships with department personnel, other departments, outside agencies and the public.
- Ability to troubleshoot problems of various wastewater treatment processes and equipment.
- Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
- Ability to read, interpret and understand blueprints and as-built drawings.
Minimum Qualifications for Employment:
- Possession of high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Possession of valid Ohio driver’s license, with the ability to maintain insurability.
Operator I:
- Possession of a State of Ohio EPA Class I Professional Wastewater Operator certification with a minimum of one (1) year experience in the wastewater treatment field, or
Operator II:
- Possession of a State of Ohio EPA Class II or Class III Professional Wastewater Operator certification is required with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the wastewater treatment field.
Special Information:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, employment reference checks, a physical examination and a pre-employment drug screen. The final applicant will be required to submit to urinalysis prior to the appointment to test for illegal drug use. An applicant with a positive test will not be appointed to the position.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a detailed resume reflecting the nature of the work performed in both current and prior employment. Emphasis should be given to work experience, training and/or duties performed that are relevant to this position. Resumes may be submitted in the following manner:
E-Mail: Tara McCulloch, Human Resources Director at [email protected]
Posting Date: July 8, 2026
Posting Deadline: July 31, 2026
* Resumes must be received in Human Resources by 4:00 P.M. on the deadline date, regardless of the method of submission. Late submissions will not be considered. If submitting by email, please submit resume in Word (.doc/.docx) or PDF format.
Pay: $28.97 - $41.06 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
