City of Detroit – Public Utilities/Water/Wastewater Operator – Full Time
Posted 05/13/2026
General Statement of Duties
Under the direct supervision of the Mayor & City Manager, the Utilities/Water/Wastewater Operator requires a thorough knowledge of public utilities administration and operational procedures. Incumbent is responsible for the operation of both water and sewer systems.
Essential Functions
The Utilities/Water/Wastewater Operator is responsible for the daily administrative and operational work of both water and sewer systems. The duties include (but are not limited to):
- Collect and submit routine water samples as per TCEQ regulations
- Collect, test and document results of routine water samples as per TCEQ regulations
- Coordinate with outside agencies for facilitation of routine water and wastewater samples
- Prepare and submit routine water and wastewater reports as per TCEQ regulations
- Establish and implement the department’s work priority, prepares department’s work plans and schedules; evaluates employees’ performance.
- Supervise and perform the activities involved in the operation and maintenance of the water treatment and distribution system: including daily consumption analysis and documentation, daily water analysis, monthly water meter reading, water line repair
- Supervise and perform the activities involved in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant (multiple lift stations, manholes, sewer mains), sewer collection system, including laboratory analysis control.
- Supervise and perform the activities involved in maintaining city streets, right of ways, grounds, and equipment
- Coordinates work activities with other City programs and projects.
- Prepares work plans and projects for both water and sewer systems.
- Develops plans to meet and serve future residential and commercial growth.
- Plans, reviews, and supervises departmental policies, programs and operations through work activity supervisors.
- Evaluates work activities through review of work plans, reports, conferences, and inspections. Reviews plans at meetings and by inspection before approval of water construction and sewer connections by developers.
- Responds to public complaints and requests.
- Works “on call” to handle urgent or emergency work as needed
- Make procedural and operational recommendations to City management through work plans.
- Prepares reports for city council, federal and state agencies.
- Prepares professional services contracts as required, attends City Commission meetings.
- Prepares and make utilities improvements annually; and
- Performs other work as assigned: street maintenance, mowing, general city property upkeep
Work Environment
The job requires work indoors and outdoors, in with periodic exposure to extreme temperatures. Work under exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and dust hazards. The employee must have the ability to implement and follow proper safety precautions.
Physical Demands
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, scanner and fax. Physically capable of normal standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, reaching, crawling, handling, sitting, pushing, and pulling. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, exempt position, with a 40-hour work week. Incumbent must have the ability to work flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends. Participation in City sponsored special events, trainings, or meetings, may be required.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire or for the continuation of employment.
· Must be citizen of United States
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
· Must have at least a TCEQ Class “C” water distribution operator and Class “C” wastewater treatment operator license with minimum of (3) years’ experience or TCEQ water and wastewater “D” license and minimum of (2) years’ experience with agreement to obtain Class “C” water and wastewater licenses within 12 months of hire date.
· Must be familiar with TCEQ regulations, EPA regulations, and standards concerning underground utilities and safety.
· Must possess a valid, Texas (Class C) driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
- Must have operational knowledge of lawnmower, tractor and shredder, caterpillar backhoe, Kubota skid steer and mini excavator
· Pre-employment drug screen, physical and criminal background required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge – The knowledge of TCEQ Rules and Regulations concerning personnel, design, constructions, and permits parameters. Knowledge of The Texas Administrative Code (TAC). Knowledge of TNI/ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Quality Systems
General Requirements. Knowledge of National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) for Laboratories performing Environmental Analysis. Knowledge of Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program and review Quality Control
Data. Knowledge of EPA NPDES Permit program. Knowledge of EPA (RMP) Risk Management Program. Knowledge of EPA
(VSAT) Vulnerability Self-Assessment Program. Knowledge to interpret engineering design. Knowledge of the Clean
Water Act. Knowledge of variety of safety devices including safety belts, SCBA, and other job-related safety equipment.
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, and their applications. Knowledge of the content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Knowledge of computer software: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, and Windows XL
Skills – The skill to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. The skill to know how to control operations of equipment or systems. The skill in determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. The skill to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the point being made, and asking questions as appropriate. The skill to be able to watch gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. The skill in selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures for the situation when learning or teaching new things. The skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities - The ability to direct and coordinate the operations of water and sewer systems. The ability to supervise many employees through divisional supervisors. The ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to communicate effectively in speaking and in writing. The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions. The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. The ability to prepare technical and administrative reports. The ability to conduct Internal Audits and Management
Reviews in accordance with Nelac/TNI Standards. The ability to complete Domestic Wastewater Permits in accordance with TCEQ.
AAP/EEO Statement
The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) the City of Detroit will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Compensation/Benefits
The City of Detroit offers an excellent benefits package that includes flexible hours, overtime pay, vacation/personal days, sick leave, and paid Health/Vision/Dental insurance through Texas Municipal Health Benefits Pool. Salary range for the Public Utilities Director is $35,000 - $50,000. Starting salary will be based on qualifications and experience.
Application:
Applications will be reviewed as submitted; position is open until filled. Questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to Mrs. Tami Nix, City Manager/Secretary, at The City of Detroit, TX. Selected applicants will undergo a multi-level selection review process and must be able to pass background check, physical test, and drug screening. The
City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with Texas Open Records laws, applications and resumes may be subject to public disclosure.
Application requirements:
- Personal Resume
- Academic Diploma
- TCEQ Water & Wastewater licenses
- List of References and contact information (three minimum)
Resumes can be submitted:
*In person at 150 E. Garner Detroit TX 75436 (M-F 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
*By mail at 150 E. Garner Detroit TX 75436
*By email to City of Detroit, TX [email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Must be willing to work overtime, evening or weekend during times of water or sewer emergency
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
License/Certification:
- Class C water and wastewater license (please email a copy) (Required)
Work Location: In person
