Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

SALARY: $21.16 - $31.14, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 02/18/2026
CLOSING DATE: 02/24/2026

JOB SUMMARY
To perform semi-skilled labor in construction, maintenance, and related services activities in the water/wastewater utility operation areas for the city; and to provide staff support to an assigned function or crew. Employees selected for this class must possess or obtain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (*TCEQ) license at the "D" level within six (6) months of appointment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the Treatment. Plant Operator series. Positions in this class are normally filled by advancement from the Maintenance Worker II class, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience in the construction and maintenance of water/wastewater related facilities. All positions assigned to this class require the ability to work independently exercising judgment and initiative. Duties will normally require the ability to operate the full range of mechanical equipment related to a specific assignment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from upper-level staff.

May exercise functional and technical supervision over lower-level maintenance staff.
EXAMPLE OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Operate a variety of maintenance equipment including jackhammers, trucks, mowers, weed eaters, air compressors, sprayers, saws, drills, tapping machines, generators, bobcats, rollers and other similar equipment and machinery in maintaining and repairing various city facilities and properties.

Participate in a variety of activities involving travel between various city facilities and properties and other related external business and government agencies which may include collecting and delivering materials and supplies.

Spread asphalt in patching and repairing streets; cut and break obsolete concrete; pour and assist in finishing concrete; construct concrete forms and perform rough carpentry work.

Clean ditches, alleys, streets, culverts, and storm drains.

Assist in repairing and replacing roofs, floors, doors, windows, screens, and fences.
Install and replace insulation, tile, and interior walls.

Collect and skim various liquid surfaces to remove debris.

Assist with rerouting main and service water lines.

Collect samples of water, waste, and wastewater for testing; assist with testing samples.
Answer questions and provide information to the public, as necessary.

May build, refinish, and repair furniture as requested.

Paint, remodel, clean and improve the interior and exterior of city facilities.

Pack, unpack and issue supplies and equipment, stock shelves, distribute and receive supplies; maintain routine records of materials and supplies received and used.

Perform related duties and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Uses and purposes of general maintenance tools and equipment.

Basic operation of a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools to perform assignments.
Safe work practices.

Methods, techniques, tools, and the operational characteristics of mechanical equipment used in the maintenance of city facilities and properties.

City and departmental policies and procedures.

Ability to:
Perform unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in a variety of maintenance activities.

Perform heavy manual labor.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• making observations
• reading
• operating assigned equipment communicating with others

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

• interpreting work orders and directions

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• elevating and moving various equipment and materials walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, or sitting for extending periods of time
• performing heavy manual labor
• operating assigned equipment including a motor vehicle

Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:

• hazardous and toxic fumes, chemicals, and materials
• confined or high workplaces
• considerably loud noises
• hazards associated with working in and near traffic.

Maintain assigned equipment and associated parts including verifying and replenishing fluid levels.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the course of work.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Operate a variety of vehicle and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner in routine situations.

Work independently in the absence of supervision.

Use and operate various hand tools required for work in a safe and efficient manner.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES - Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
One (1) year of increasingly responsible experience performing field maintenance duties comparable to those performed by a Maintenance Worker II in the City of Port Arthur.

Training :
Must have completed the twelfth grade and possess a high school diploma or have a GED.

License:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within six (6) months of appointment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, TCEQ licensure at the Class “D” level within six (6) months of appointment, and up to a Class “C” level by the expiration of the Class “D” license, which is two (2) years.

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee – Water Purification - Posting #26-025.

CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer