Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

City Of Big Rapids
City Of Big Rapids

Full-time

USD 26-28 / hour

Posted on Sep 15, 2026

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

City of Big Rapids
Contact Person: Michelle Stenger
Telephone: 231-592-4035
Email: mstenger@cityofbr.org

Supervised by: Wastewater Superintendent

Hourly Rate: $26.00 - $28.00 depending on experience and licensing.

SUMMARY
Perform technical, semi-skilled, and labor work in the business, operation, and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.

RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
An employee in this position may be called upon to conduct and/or participate in any or all of the following functions:
  • Operate mechanical equipment and physical, chemical, or biological processes
  • Start up, monitor, adjust, and/or shut down equipment or systems to control the various treatment processes.
  • Preliminary screening, grit and grease removal
  • Flow equalization
  • Activated Sludge secondary treatment (aeration, return sludge, waste sludge, secondary clarification)
  • Chemical flocculation
  • Ultraviolet disinfection
  • Aerobic digestion
  • Sludge thickening and storage
  • Collect and analyze samples of raw, partially treated, treated and non-domestic waste streams.
  • Analyze wastewater, sludge, and quality assurance samples to determine process adjustments and compliance with NPDES permit requirements.
  • Perform physical measurements (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen)
  • Perform gravimetric analyses (Total Solids, Suspended Solids, Sludge Solids, and Volatile Solids)
  • Perform biological analyses (Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Fecal Coliform)
  • Perform chemical analyses (Phosphorus, Nitrogen)
  • Other testing as required.
  • Perform routine equipment condition checks, lubrication, or adjustment to ensure proper operation of pumps, blowers, and various mechanical devices.
  • Dismantle, repair, replace, and reassemble equipment components as needed to ensure proper performance.
  • Perform inspections, corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance and repair of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems and equipment.
  • Requisition, receive, store, inventory, and control use of equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Plan, schedule, coordinate, and document work activities and accomplishments.
  • Keep facilities neat, clean, orderly, and follow safe work practices, rules, standards, and policies.
  • Perform other activities as may be assigned by the Superintendent or lead person.
  • Prepare neat and accurate records of observed data, analyses conducted, and work performed.
  • Work with computer records, entry of data, Excel programs, software programs, word documents, and SCADA process controls.
  • Represent the city by working with the public and other governmental agencies providing services that require knowledge of EPA, Michigan, and Big Rapids code enforcement policies for city public utilities.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of the equipment, materials, methods, and procedures used in municipal wastewater treatment.
Knowledge of operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems.
Knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological processes used in wastewater treatment.
Knowledge of computer program operation, including excel, word and software programs.
Knowledge of algebra.
Knowledge of EPA, Michigan, and Big Rapids code enforcement policies for city public utilities.
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 walk, crawl, climb, and maneuver where physical mobility is required.
Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds.
Ability to see well.
Ability to hear well.
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” Wastewater Operator License with ability to advance to Class “C”.
Possession of additional college or professional credits.

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete a Full-Time application below.

Click here to apply.

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