Plant Operator, Principal

Qualifications

PRINCIPAL PLANT OPERATOR

This recruitment is open until the position is filled. First review of applications will occur on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Pay Grade:

112

Hourly Range:

$32.25 - $47.54 The successful candidate's placement in the salary range will depend upon previous experience in a similar role. The City of Tempe offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 13 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Day Vacation Accrual starts at 9.33 hours/month. Higher monthly vacation accrual rates may be available with prior ASRS service. Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month Uniform Credit, Jeans and Safety Boot Allowance Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits Wellness Program Discount on health premiums Medical Reimbursement Program; $61.16/month Tuition Reimbursement; $6,500/year Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457, 401K, and Employer contribution Position is eligible for up to 24 hours of floating holiday leave To view the employee benefit summary, please visit: Employee Benefit Summary Department /

Division:

Public Works /

Water Job Type :

Full-Time Regular This position is classified as safety sensitive. Employees in safety sensitive positions are prohibited from all marijuana usage whether medical or recreational.

Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (May be required to work weekends, holidays, and all shifts).

Job Number:

RC# 902437 DESCRIPTION / ESSENTIAL

FUNCTIONS

This position leads staff and participates in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment and production systems. Coordinates the activities of all classifications of the Plant Operator position and provides technical and functional training and guidance. Duties include, but are not limited to the following Coordinate and participate in the operation, maintenance and repair activities associated with water and wastewater treatment and production systems. Provide functional and technical direction to Plant Operators and maintenance staff, including communicating daily assignments. Maintain effective communication with internal and external partners, customers and stakeholders of the water and wastewater treatment and production systems. Ensure customer concerns are addressed in a timely manner and effectively. Review Plant Operator activities and records for appropriate documentation. Assist Plant Superintendent with communication of Capital Improvement Projects related to the design, modification and construction of facilities and systems. Assist Plant Superintendent with coordination of vendors, ordering and tracking of chemicals and supplies. Ensure regulatory compliance documentation is completed appropriately and timely. Coordinate and implement asset management activities such as information gathering and implementation of work order regimen for maintenance and operations.

May perform responsibilities of a similar nature and level as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience water or wastewater treatment operations or related water or wastewater industrial process. Candidates must have the minimum amount of work experience. Years of experience are based upon a full-time work schedule (2,080 hours per year). The sum of an applicant's full-time and/or part-time qualifying work experience must meet or exceed the stated minimum qualification. Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.

Education:

High school diploma or GED. Professional Licensure and/or

Certifications:

Valid driver's license Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 3

Water Treatment System Operator Additional:

Applicants considered for this job classification must pass the following: Criminal history review Post offer/pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. Post offer/pre-employment physical For a complete list of City of Tempe job descriptions go to: Job Descriptions | City of Tempe, AZ This position is FLSA Non-Exempt which means employees are eligible for overtime compensation and/or compensatory time Employees in this position are represented by the United Arizona Employee Association (UAEA)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

: The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.