Treatment Plant Operator I - WW Treatment

SALARY: $25.3970 – $31.6581, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 08/06/2025
CLOSING DATE: 08/13/2025 by 5:00 P.M.

JOB SUMMARY:
To perform a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the City's water purification or wastewater treatment plants, including monitoring gauges and valves, minor maintenance, and collecting and evaluating various data.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC :
This is the entry-level class in the Treatment Plant Operator series. Positions in this class are normally filled by advancement from the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee 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 the Treatment Plant Superintendent or assigned supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES : Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
Operate treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; regularly monitor plant functions through reading gauges, graphs, meters, and control panels, and by performing and evaluating chemical tests.

Operate valves, gates, pumps, motors, and generators in controlling treatment
processes; perform routine maintenance work on valves and related equipment and facilities.

Operate dump trucks and other motor vehicles.

Make daily rounds of the plant, performing various duties related to water or wastewater treatment and plant maintenance.

Interpret meter, gauge, and graph readings and tests to observe variations in operating conditions and determine processing requirements.

Inform supervisors and co-workers of present and potential problems and hazards in a timely manner.

Collect water or wastewater samples based on assignment; record results of testing as required.

Monitor chemical supplies; change chemical cylinders and storage drums as required.

Maintain logs and worksheets of plant operations, compile equipment readings and test results into hourly, daily, and monthly reports.

Other Important Responsibilities and Duties :
May perform minor preventative maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating plant equipment.

May 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 transporting materials and debris.

May coordinate plant operational activities in various areas, including digesters, primary and secondary clarifiers, generators, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia processes, belt presses, and chemical storage.

Adjust plant operations to changing processing needs; mix and add chemicals as needed to maintain appropriate levels.

Drain and inspect plant structures, clean tanks, screens, filters, drying beds, pipes, clarifiers, and pumps.

Calculate flow rates and calibrate valves and feeder systems. Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of :
Functions and purposes of water purification systems or wastewater treatment disposal systems.

Standard principles of biology, chemistry, and mathematics as related to water purification or wastewater treatment.

Basic mechanical and electrical systems.

Safe work practices and operational and safety regulations pertaining to water purification or wastewater treatment.

Principles and practices necessary in the operation of a water purification or wastewater treatment plant, including the operation and maintenance of plant machinery.

Hazardous gases are associated with the treatment of wastewater.

Modern techniques and developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding water purification or wastewater treatment.

Automated equipment as applied to treatment plant operation.

Record-keeping principles and basic report preparation techniques.

Ability to:

Operate and maintain water purification or wastewater treatment machinery and equipment.

Make routine repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps, and other equipment.

Read meters and gauges correctly and respond quickly and competently to readings.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prepare various levels of written reports.

Skillfully use tools necessary in making general repairs and adjustments to motors, pumps, and other equipment.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
• making observations
• reading and writing
• operating assigned equipment
• communicating with others.

Maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability of :

• making sound decisions
• analyze and evaluate various data
• operate effectively in an economically and culturally diverse environment

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

• walking, kneeling, stooping, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• climbing ladders or stairs
• lifting and moving light materials
• operating assigned equipment
• moving loads up to 50 pounds

Effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to:

• hazardous and toxic fumes and chemicals
• loud noises.

Maintain records and compile data into written reports.

Recognize and react to treatment process changes and demands.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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 the knowledge and abilities would be:

Wastewater Treatment :

Experience:
Two acceptable qualification paths are:

Path 1—Possession of a Class C or higher Wastewater Certificate of Competency issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or authorized successor agency.

Path 2—Two (2) years of college credit with a satisfactory grade point average (GPA) and the obtainment of a Class C license within two (2) years of employment as a Treatment Plant Operator.

Training :
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a GED or High School Diploma within twelve (12)
months of hire.

License or Certificate :
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate Texas Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within six (6) months of hire.

Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator I – Water Utilities #25-047.

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