POSITION TITLE: Water Operator (Wastewater) (Full-Time Regular) (Classified)
REQUISITION #: req8202
DEPARTMENT: Ut Wtr Reclama & Biosolids Div
LOCATION: WASTEWATER PLANT # 2 ADMIN
BENEFIT CATEGORY: Classified (Non-CBU) View Classifications & Benefits
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time Regular
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $65,564.00 - 91,475.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)
ANNUAL ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: This is a step level position and the salary for the selected candidate will fall within the range above based on certifications and experience.
SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 10/3/2025.

You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check, motor vehicle report, and Post Offer Employment Testing (P.O.E.T) required. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)

While the City of Fort Collins offers many remote and/or hybrid positions, all remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado.

Why Work For the City of Fort Collins?

• Medical, dental, vision (for self, spouse, domestic partner, children) - eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire
• Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new, full-time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires
• Retirement + company contributions - after 6 month probation period and immediate vesting
• Flexible spending: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both
• Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Wellness program, workout facilities
• Employee/family onsite health clinic
• Learning and development opportunities at all levels in the organization with opportunities for career mobility
• Collaborative work environment

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Job Summary

The City of Fort Collins is seeking a motivated Water Operator (Wastewater) to join our Wastewater Treatment team. The Water Operator (Wastewater) is responsible for ensuring our plant's efficient and safe operation. This position is suitable for individuals who thrive in a dynamic and diverse work environment. As a journey trade, the Water Operator (Wastewater) combines technical expertise with practical skills to effectively manage biological treatment processes.

The Operator plays a pivotal role in maintaining water quality, protecting public health, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This position requires attention to detail, the ability to problem-solve, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. If you're interested in joining our experienced team to contribute to providing clean, safe, and reliable water to our community by leveraging your background in wastewater treatment, please apply now!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Installs, maintains, and repairs or replaces water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities, assets, and lines.
• Operates and maintains equipment and vehicles such as heavy equipment, dump truck, front end loader, backhoe, and various hand tools.
• Maintains records such as daily reports, material control documents, service requests, and map revisions.
• Acknowledges and follows City safety practice and policy.
• Provides customer service by answering questions, providing information and referrals, and resolving complaints and problems.
• Tracks inventory.
• May oversee and direct the work of seasonal or fluctuating hourly employees.
• May inspect and survey utility infrastructure. to determine condition and recommend improvements.
• Performs emergency locates as needed.
• Must be willing and able to work on-call, call out and snow removal operations, as needed.

Management Responsibilities

No

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Technical Knowledge:

• Understanding of state and federal water quality standards, biosolids regulations, and safety procedures (e.g., confined space entry, trenching, and shoring).
• Knowledge of Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, Stormwater Collection systems, and general infrastructure maintenance.
• Familiarity with surveying techniques, blueprints, schematics, and construction plans.

Equipment Operation:

• Proficiency in using transmitters, receivers, camera inspection tools, and heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, backhoes, and CDL-required trucks.
• Ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools, including high-pressure jet washers and general maintenance equipment.

Digital and Analytical Skills:

• Competence in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Mapping Software, as well as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Competence in use of Computers, portable Tablets and Smart Phones for purposes of being assigned and completing work tasks.
• Ability to field laboratory equipment, adjust processes, and maintain accurate records and reports.

Safety and Hazard Management:

• Ability to handle hazardous materials safely and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Awareness of atmospheric conditions and environmental hazards, including exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and confined spaces.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, supervisors, and the public.
• Demonstrated cultural competence to engage with diverse populations effectively.
• Customer service skills, including resolving complaints and providing referrals.

Physical and Teamwork Capabilities:

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, climbing, kneeling, and working in confined spaces.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently and in high-functioning groups.

Required Qualifications

MinimumPreferred

High School Diploma or GED and or functionally related licenses or certificates
High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Experience Requirements

• Six Months or more of specialized training in Utilities; water, wastewater, stormwater and/or construction and equipment operations or combination of one to two years related experience. The Water Operator position participates in a Step Level skill-based program consisting of six separate levels requiring a combination of years of experience and state certification levels in Water Distribution & Wastewater Collections; Associate Operator (1 - 2 years and level 1 certifications)Intermediate Operator (3 - 4 years and level 2 certifications)Senior Operator (5 - 6 years and level 2 & 3 certifications)

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Certifications/Licenses/Specialized Training

• Valid driver's license
• Confined Space Entry Certification
• Colorado Distribution and Collection Certification 1 - 4
• Forklift Certification
• Lock out/Tag out Certification
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• NIMS 100, NIMS 700, Hazardous Materials Technician Level Certification or ability to get within 1 year of hire.
• Ability to obtain a Class A Colorado Commercial Driver/'s License (CDL) within six months of hire date.

The content in this posting was created for recruitment purposes. To view the full job description click the link below.

Water Operator
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

BACKGROUND CHECK AND MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT REQUIRED. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.