Water Treatment Plant Operator II, III

REPORTS TO: Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, ORC

SALARY GRADES: 

• OPERATOR II: 103 Hiring Range $26.69/hr. - $31.36/hr.
• OPERATOR III: 104   Hiring Range $29.35/hr.  $34.50/hr.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

 To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@wellingtoncolorado.gov on or before June 22, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

SUMMARY:  In the fall of 2024, the Town of Wellington completed a nearly doubled-capacity Class A water treatment operations expansion from a 2.4 to a 4.2 MGD facility. As part of the expansion, Ozone was added as a conventional method of treatment. Here’s your chance to be part of the groundbreaking team!

 We are seeking a water treatment operator holding a valid C, B, or A Colorado water operators license.

Under direct or general supervision, the Water Plant Operator performs a variety of operations and preventative maintenance functions in support of the Town’s water treatment facilities. This position performs routine water quality sampling and laboratory analysis; adjusts operations and chemicals to comply with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; operates and maintains plant equipment and other facilities, including pumps, motors, valves, chemical feed systems, and filters to maintain adequate production and reserve; assists with preventative maintenance and makes repairs to plant facilities and equipment.  

The water treatment facility runs a 7 day/week staffing schedule. All Operators must participate in 24 hour on-call rotation, requiring a 30-minute response time. 

TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs calculations to determine proper dosage of chemicals; performs proper usage and handling of chemicals according to industry standards; collects samples at the plant and in the community; performs water quality analysis, such as chlorine, turbidity, and pH to name a few
• Operates the Town’s water treatment facility using electronic and computer control systems (SCADA) and revises equipment settings as appropriate; monitors and interprets gauges, meters, charts, and graphs; operates pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment
• Makes daily rounds of the plant and other facilities, performing a variety of duties pertaining to water treatment and equipment inspection; notifies the supervisor of unusual situations and corrects system problems as necessary
• Monitors plant operations equipment and processes to ensure compliance with environmental and public health standards; ensures treated water is safe and acceptable entering the distribution system 
• Performs preventive maintenance on water treatment plant equipment, including basic mechanical and electrical work; calibration; cleaning, lubricating, and replacing equipment parts
• Assist with regular safety inspections of plant equipment, facilities, and vehicles; record violations or potential hazards and take corrective action
• Maintains accurate records, including operating logs, flow rates, daily use of chemicals, gauge and meter readings, chemical and repair parts inventories, and maintenance logs
• Performs a variety of custodial and grounds maintenance duties, including mowing, painting, sweeping, and cleaning at plant facilities
• Discuss water quality with the public and conduct plant tours if needed
• Work with outside contractors and vendors 
• Performs other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Some knowledge may be performed in a learning capacity by I and II-level positions. 

• Principles, practices, equipment, material, and tools used in the operations, cleaning and preventive maintenance of water treatment facilities and equipment
• Operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment
• Supervisory-controlled automated data acquisition (SCADA) operations and equipment
• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles
• Math and chemistry principles, and their application to the water treatment process
• Computers and software programs to compile and generate data and documentation
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination

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 I: This is an entry-level classification, and initially works under direct supervision. Employees are learning Town systems, operations, practices, and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Assignments may vary with the skill and training of the employee. Positions at this level often perform most of the duties required of the Operator II position but are not expected to function at the same skill level and generally exercise less independent discretion and judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods.  

Operator II: This classification requires previous experience equal or greater than Operator I. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of a broader range of duties as assigned, working with greater independence, and exercising greater judgment and initiative. Positions at this level are distinguished from the III-level in that the latter performs the full range of water plant operations and maintenance duties at a greater level of independence not expected of the II-level class. Work is typically performed under general supervision.

Operator III: This classification requires previous experience equal or greater than Operator II. Positions at this level are distinguished from the II-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgement and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the treatment facility. Positions at this level are expected to provide direction and training to less experienced staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Operator II

• Possess Class C Water Operators License 
• Two years of increasingly responsible water treatment plant operations and maintenance experience
• High School Diploma / GED supplemented by specialized training in the natural sciences and/or water treatment facility operations
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License 

Operator III

• Possess Class B Water Operators License 
• Three years of increasingly responsible water treatment plant operations and maintenance experience
• High School Diploma / GED supplemented by specialized training in the natural sciences and/or water treatment facility operations
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License 

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 don 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 pre-employment drug test. 
• Must pass criminal history check. 
• Must pass motor vehicle records check.
• Must participate in Town direct deposit program
• Must participate in water treatment plant and Town 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.