Water Treatment Plant Operator
City Of Big Rapids
USD 21.94-22.16 / hour
Posted on Mar 3, 2026
Water Treatment Plant Operator
This position begins at a pay rate of $21.9386 per hour for an individual without a license. After 90 days, this increases to a pay rate of $22.1580 per hour. Applicants holding higher licenses and greater skills are eligible for higher rates of pay as agreed upon in the contract between the City of Big Rapids and AFSCME Local 1865.
Employees are also eligible for the City's extensive benefits package, including medical insurance, dental and vision insurance, EAP, holiday time, personal time, and longevity.
Position Summary:
This job role is responsible for performing technical, semi-skilled, and labor work in the business, operation, and maintenance and repair of equipment and machinery in a water treatment plant; maintaining records and preparing reports; and performing related work as required. This position performs all required testing in the operation of a water filtration plant. This position works under the supervision of the Utility Superintendent or the Assistant Superintendent.
Responsibilities, Duties, and Functions:
*These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform*
An employee in this position may be called upon to conduct and/or participate in any or all of the following functions:
- Control treatment plant machines and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption, industrial use, and fire protection.
- Operate and control electric motos, pumps and valves to regulate flow of raw water into the treatment plant.
- Adjust automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and lime into water to disinfect and clarify water.
- Operate valves to regulate water through filter beds to remove impurities.
- Control pumping of purified water into reservoir, elevated tank and distribution system.
- Monitor panel board and adjust controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water elevation and distribution.
- Clean tanks and filter beds using backwashing (reverse flow of water).
- Collect and plant samples of raw and treated water to determine bacteriological levels.
- Collect and test raw and treated water samples to determine acidity, color and impurities, using colorimeter, turbidimeter, water turbidity and water pressure.
- Record data, such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, and water pressure.
- Operate back-up system in case of pump failure.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs to plant machinery and equipment.
- Prepare reagent materials.
- Perform routine clean-up jobs on laboratory glassware.
- Unload and store chemicals and replenish and clean chemical feed machines.
- Climb elevated storage tanks where and when needed.
- Work in confined spaces wearing a SCBA.
- Perform related work as required.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Appropriate knowledge of the rules, regulations, methods, materials and equipment used in water treatment plant operations and maintenance.
- Appropriate knowledge of water pumping and distribution systems.
- Self-starting and capable of working independently.
- Mechanical ability
- Knowledge of EPA, Michigan, and Big Rapids code enforcement policies for city public utilities.
- Ability to follow appropriate sampling and testing procedures
- Problem-solving ability
- Ability to plan, organize, and complete work assignments.
- Ability to read and understand English.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
- Ability to work effectively with employees, government officials, the community, and the Utility users.
- Ability to use a personal computer and software applications.
- Ability to see well.
- Ability to hear well.
- Ability to train new employees.
- Ability to work different shifts.
- Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Michigan driver's license.
- Possession of a High School Diploma or GED.
- Possession of or ability to obtain, at a minimum, a valid Michigan Class "D-4" Water Operator License.
To apply for this position, please fill out the full-time employment application, located here. To be considered for this position, applicants must upload a professional resume and cover letter with their application.
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