Wastewater Operator

CITY OF FRUITA JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Date of Posting:

May 15, 2026

Job Title:

Wastewater Operator D-A Department:

Wastewater Starting Salary:

$22.53 (D Operator) - $32.30 (A Operator) per hour, depending on certifications level and experience

Benefits:

Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Holiday Pay, Sick Time, Vacation Time, 401(a),

Flex Spending Account, and AFLAC Supplemental Insurance FLSA Status:

Non-exempt No. of

Open Positions:

1

SUMMARY:

This position will perform a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Reclamation Facility and to perform a variety of related duties as assigned. Employees perform the full range of duties as assigned in the operations, maintenance and laboratory work of the facility. Entry-level employees receive direct instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are in the process of learning the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Higher level and more experienced employees are expected to work with increasing independence, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform assigned treatment plant rounds inspecting, monitoring and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs and other instrumentation.
• Operate and adjust treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other specialized equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations.
• Maintain, compile and update plant operation logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to operational activities; and input data into the computer.
• Collect samples from throughout the facility and community; perform laboratory analyses; and record findings.
• Control quality of wastewater discharged from the facility; collect and analyze samples for temperature and pH, microorganism ecosystem; ORP and DO levels, pathogenic concentrations; and ensure application of operational guidelines.
• Maintain, repair and service plant operations machinery and equipment including: pumps, valves, piping, motors, meters, instruments, tanks and reservoirs.
• Maintain plant access and cleanliness of facility appearance and grounds. Operate pickup truck and moving equipment to maintain plant access and cleanliness of facility appurtenances and grounds.
• Collect wastewater samples and perform a variety of tests including Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Ammonia, Suspended Solids, Nitrogen and Phosphorous, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and other tests and make recommendations for adjustment of plant operations based on results.
• Take On-Call, weekend and holiday duties on a rotating basis.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and repairing plant facilities; and perform grounds maintenance duties, including snow removal.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities, as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

Higher level positions may provide some supervisory assistance to other staff as delegated by the facility superintendent.

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Employees may perform other related duties as established to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education or Formal Training and Licenses:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class "R" Colorado Driver's License.
• Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification issued by the Colorado Water and Wastewater Facility Operator Certification Board (Class D-A) or the ability to obtain within six (6) months.

Experience:

• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the workforce or specialized training in the natural Sciences and/or wastewater treatment facility operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of wastewater treatment including operation of BNR process.
• Operating principles of plant equipment including: valves, pumps, motors and other instrumentation.
• Standard principles of the natural sciences, including chemistry and biology.
• Laboratory analysis techniques and standards for wastewater treatment.
• Operational and safety regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment plant operations and vehicle and equipment usage.
• Operate and make appropriate supervisory controlled automated data acquisition (SCADA) operations equipment changes.
• Sampling methods and techniques.
• Pertinent Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Safe work practices.

Ability to:

• Interpret and explain wastewater treatment methods and techniques, policies and procedures.
• Operate heavy equipment including cranes, forklifts, skid steers, roll-off trucks and related equipment.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot various equipment and instrumentation.
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Operate and make appropriate supervisory-controlled automated data acquisition (SCADA) operations and equipment changes.
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain mental capacity, which allows for effective interaction and communication with others.
• Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
• Respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries for the Superintendent.
• Delegate and direct employees at the direction of the Superintendent.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work Environment:

Wastewater treatment plant and field environment; exposure to chemicals, machinery, noise, dirt, fumes, vibration, cold and dampness; exposure to biological hazards and hazardous environments; work in inclement weather conditions.

Physical Activities:

• Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, or sitting for long periods of time; crawling and kneeling, moderate to heavy lifting and carrying; operating motorized vehicles.
• Ability to effectively interact with other individuals, (co-workers, public, children, etc.).
• Use and normal maintenance of office machines, (copier, computer, printer, fax, etc.).
• Handling of files weighing up to 10lbs. including floor to waist and overhead lifting.
• Ability to lift, push and move equipment weighing up to 50lbs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stretch, reach, carry, grasp and turn objects.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, stand, sit and walk for up to 60 minutes at a time.
• Frequent use of phone handset and repetitive use of hand & fingers to take messages, operate office equipment, use computer keyboard & computer mouse and to perform other office tasks.
• Acceptable eyesight to read printed material & a computer monitor and to operate office equipment.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles for transportation to and from other City buildings, meetings, vendors, etc.

TO APPLY

Submit an on-line City of Fruita job application, letter of interest and resume at www.fruita.org/jobs. Position is open until filled. First review of applications will be May 29, 2026. The City of Fruita is an

Equal Opportunity Employer Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$22.53 - $32.30 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person