Wastewater Operator I

Position:

Wastewater Operator I Hourly Starting Salary Range:

$21.27 to $26.80 (DOQ)

Location:

Lake Dallas, TX Normal Work Hours:

Day Shift 6:00am to 6:00pm, Night Shift 6:00pm to 6:00am, Rotating 3-4 Schedule Job Overview The Wastewater Operator I supports the safe and reliable operation of a wholesale wastewater reclamation facility and collection system. The Operator I assists with sampling, inspections, data logging, and basic preventive maintenance activities. This position provides structured on-the-job training and prepares employees for higher-level operator roles and eventual licensure through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This position is classified as Essential Personnel, requiring attendance as scheduled and during emergency response situations, including severe weather events when travel may be difficult, to maintain continuous plant operations and protect public health and safety.

Typical/Essential Duties:

• Under the guidance of a licensed operator, monitors SCADA systems for lift stations, aeration blowers, clarifier drives, and chemical feed equipment.

Records key operational data, such as influent flow, dissolved oxygen levels in basins, and sludge blanket depths, and reports any unusual changes to senior staff. Conducts visual inspections of bar screens, grit removal equipment, pumps, and blowers to identify leaks, alarms, or other abnormalities, and reports findings promptly. Assists in coordinating sludge container rotation and disposal with haulers as directed, tracks sludge volumes, and reports any concerns to help avoid delays in the process.

• Participates in structured on-the-job training led by licensed operators, covering safety procedures, basic treatment methods, and standard operating practices.

Builds essential skills in data entry, data analysis, basic SCADA system use, and understanding plant-related terminology. Performs routine housekeeping, including cleaning equipment rooms, work areas, and small storm drains, to maintain a safe and organized environment. Adheres to OSHA, TCEQ, and internal safety protocols, including proper PPE usage, lockout/tagout procedures, and confined-space awareness. Reports safety incidents or near misses and participates in safety drills.

• Performs routine sampling and in-house laboratory testing, including MLVSS, VSS, TSS, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, phosphorus, pH, alkalinity, and settleability.

Under guidance, calculates key operational metrics such as the Food-to-Microorganism (

F:

M) ratio, Sludge Volume Index (SVI), and Solids Density Index (SDI) to support process control decisions. Collects proper samples, maintains accurate documentation, and performs reliable analyses in compliance with NELAC and TCEQ standards. Assists in coordinating third-party laboratory pickups for regulatory testing maintaining proper chain-of-custody procedures.

• Supports preventative maintenance activities, including completing work orders for pumps, blowers, and chemical feeders. Reports issues and submits work requests for malfunctioning equipment. Performs minor repairs, such as replacing basic sensor probes or resetting alarms, maintains tools, keeps work areas clean and organized, and ensures supplies are restocked as needed.
• Performs daily rounds at lift stations and force main vaults, focusing on assessing equipment status and wet well conditions. Under supervision, verify pump operations, check level readings, and monitor odor control systems. Identify and promptly reports potential hazards such as tripping risks, leaks, and unsecured panels to supervisory staff.
• Under the guidance of a licensed operator, logs operational readings using CMMS or Excel. Prepares shift handover notes, including alarms, alerts, pending maintenance tasks, operational changes, and any abnormal conditions, to support continuity between shifts. Assists in gathering and organizing raw data for daily flow and loading reports.
• Gathers basic data sampling results and operational logs that contribute to the DMD (Discharge Monitoring report) and stormwater sampling. Ensures logs are accurate and flag discrepancies to senior staff. During TCEQ inspections, provides routine requested records following established chain-of-custody procedures.
• Performs additional duties assigned to support plant operations and team success.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• College coursework or a degree in Environmental Science, Water Technology, Biology, or Chemistry is preferred.
• Previous experience in wastewater treatment or utility operations is a plus but not a requirement.
• Must obtain TCEQ Class "C" Surface Wastewater license within 2 years of start date.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic understanding of wastewater treatment principles or willingness to learn.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, familiarity with

SCADA, CMMS, HMI

systems, GIS mapping, and lab data systems is preferred.

• Ability to work in outdoor and industrial environments, including confined spaces.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Work involves exposure to hazardous chemicals, mechanical equipment, and varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and perform physical tasks.
• Must be available to work varying shifts (day or night), weekends, and holidays, and to respond promptly to emergency events as part of Essential Personnel duties.

Interested candidates should be willing and able to meet these scheduling requirements.

Other Requirements:

Valid Texas Driver's License is required. Must be able to pass applicable pre-employment Drug Screen, Physical, and Background Checks. Application Process All applicants must complete an employment application and submit it to the District's Human Resources Department, visit the District's website at www.utrwd.com/join-our-team to obtain an application and for instructions on how to apply.

Pay:

From $21.27 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Military leave Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Education:

High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Valid Texas Driver's License is required. (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Lake Dallas, TX 75065 (Required)

Work Location:

In person