Salary : $52,000.00 - $72,467.20 Annually
Location : Idaho Falls, ID
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-0123
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 01/23/2025
Closing Date: 2/6/2025 12:00 PM Mountain

General Purpose

The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III.
This position performs a variety of full performance level, skilled duties related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) equipment to ensure efficient operation of plant components and efficient processing of influent raw wastewater.

Essential Functions

Performs as a rotating shift lead worker or supervisor; monitors overall plant operations; ensures completion of assigned projects, maintenance schedules and prescribed maintenance tasks; monitors digester and lagoon sludge levels.

Performs as WWTP Operator; monitoring all treatment plant processes and operates plant electrical and mechanical support systems to ensure optimum performance; checks all electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic equipment and biological processes to ensure proper operation; operates and maintains plant support systems including trash screens, washers, compactors, grit removal equipment, sludge pumps, heat exchangers, thickeners, oilers, clarifiers, aeration equipment, digesters, mixing equipment, gravity thickener/fermenter, chlorination and metering equipment, emergency power generation equipment, and all associated valves, pumps, motors, and control circuitries; performs corrosion control of solids handling equipment.

Monitors digesters, boilers, recirculation pumps, heat exchangers; ensures proper temperatures and continuous feed operations; conducts readings of various meters, feed controls, updates data sheets; prevents malfunctions.

Operates and maintains all chlorination and dechlorination equipment with use of SCBA's during tank changing and maintenance.

Takes laboratory samples from various stages of treatment process; checks calibration of gauges, meters and measuring devices; performs a variety of laboratory tests, such as dissolved oxygen and chlorine and residual analysis; interprets laboratory test results to evaluate plant performance; uses mathematical calculations to determine detention times, flow rates, areas, volumes, pumping rates, etc.

Performs and assists with maintenance and repair of plant equipment; when required, implements emergency repairs and procedures.

Assists in the plowing and removal of snow from public rights-of-way as may be required.

Performs related duties as may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or equivalent; plus, two (2) years of specialized training related to environmental control, engineering or related science;
AND
B. Four (4) years of experience in Treatment Plant operations as outlined in Idaho Administrative Code;
OR
C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of safety regulations associated with plant operations; technical treatment plant equipment and machinery, along with their operation, maintenance, and repair; plant processes; plant policies and procedures; ordinances, laws, and regulations governing wastewater treatment and discharge and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) guidelines. Working knowledge of principles of supervision; laboratory procedures and bacteriology.

Skill in the operation of various types of equipment, dump truck, etc. and hand and power tools.

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to operate a variety of types of hand and power tools related to the maintenance of plant facilities and equipment; ability to develop working relationships with supervisors and co-workers; tolerate weather extremes in the work environment.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must possess an Idaho Class B, Commercial Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement.

Must possess an Idaho Class III Wastewater Treatment Operator License or have the ability to gain certification within one (1) year. Must complete 0.6 continuing education units in Wastewater annually.

Residency Requirement: Shall be expected, within six months of hire, to establish residence within a 45-minute notification to respond zone from the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Work Environment

Incumbent of the position experience daily exposure to hazardous conditions such as working on high ladders and in manholes; daily potential for hazardous exposure to methane, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine gases, sodium bisulfate, acids and other chemicals; daily potential for hazardous exposure to oxygen deficient atmosphere; daily exposure to seasonal changes and weather extremes; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock, industrial wastes and raw sewage (containing pathogens such as typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery, polio, tetanus, etc.); daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as pumps, motors, heavy equipment, etc.; daily exposure to stressful environmental conditions such as dust, fumes, dampness, cold, heat and noise. Works Rotating shifts including Days, Swings, and Midnights.
The City of Idaho Falls offers a highly competitive benefits package including membership in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision and life insurance. For further information regarding City of Idaho Falls benefits, visit the Benefits section of our web page.

Temporary jobs and part-time positions that regularly work less than 20 hours per week typically do not qualify for benefits.
01

Do you possess a valid Commercial Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement?

• Yes
• No

02

What best describes your work experience in Treatment Plant operations?

• I have no experience in this area.
• I have 1 year experience in this area.
• I have 2-3 years experience in this area.
• I have 4-5 years experience in this area.
• I have 6+ years experience in this area.

03

Do you hold a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question