Fresh Listing

Posted: March 24, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Wastewater Plant Operator III

City of Grand Rapids

Environmental Services

Fresh

Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Salary

$62,931 - $75,407

per year

Closes

April 4, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading a team to operate and maintain a wastewater treatment plant, including collection and stormwater systems, while ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.

The role includes monitoring equipment, handling emergencies, and training newer staff under general supervision.

It's a good fit for someone with hands-on experience in wastewater operations who enjoys technical problem-solving and mentoring others.

Key Requirements

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Three years of progressive experience in operating and maintaining wastewater and collection systems
  • State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class C license
  • Valid Michigan driver's license
  • Ability to observe and adjust plant systems for compliance with NPDES permits
  • Skills in equipment maintenance, calibration, and emergency response
  • Experience leading and training less experienced workers

Full Job Description

This is skilled lead work over operations staff engaged in operations of all areas of the Water Resource Recovery Facility, including both sanitary and stormwater collection systems. The purpose of this job is to ensure optimal operation of the treatment plant, collection system, stormwater system, and all associated equipment and related stations. Responds to emergencies related to plant and collection system operation. Observes plant systems and provides work orders for equipment maintenance or problems. Observes monitoring requirements and adjusts plant operations accordingly. Manages equipment in or out of service depending on service needs. Trains and mentors less experienced workers. Work is to be performed under the general supervision of a Wastewater Operations & Maintenance Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job- related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
  • Observes operating conditions of plant equipment and systems; takes water samples and checks tests results; ensures compliance with NPDES permit
  • Maintains lift station equipment such as air compressors, pumps, alarms, heaters, dehumidifiers, and related equipment; ensures equipment is in proper working order; calibrates as necessary
  • Records and interprets data from meters, gauges, control panels, and computer; processes control changes logged in daily log book
  • Processes work orders and maintenance repair orders; performs minor maintenance and preventive maintenance; assists in more major maintenance and repair activities; conducts exercising operations of emergency equipment; calibrates equipment; replaces work parts; conducts exercising operations of emergency equipment
  • Operates, tests and inspects all water stations, collection system lift stations and associated equipment
  • Handles chlorine in a safe, effective manner; assures proper working order of chlorine-related equipment
  • Sets up sprinkler system; sets up and maintains deodorizers
  • Services and maintains UV disinfection; cleans and calibrates dissolved oxygen and solids probes
  • Rotates plant equipment; maintains work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition
  • Monitors influent water and adjust plant process and equipment accordingly.
  • Acts as lead worker and assigns work and tasks, monitors status, and performs evaluation of completed work.
  • Responds to emergency or unusual situations at the plant, lift stations, and other facilities, as needed
  • Provides guidance and training to less experienced operators
  • Performs related work as required

Requirements

Required Education and Experience
  • High School diploma or GED
--AND--
  • Three (3) years of progressive work experience involving operating and maintaining wastewater and collection systems.
--OR--
  • Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications
  • State of Michigan EGLE Wastewater Treatment Operator Class C license
  • Michigan driver's license

Additional Information


We Offer
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
  • 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
  • Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
  • Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
  • Twelve Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time
  • Paid Parking (if applicable)
  • Employee Home Ownership Incentive
  • Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
  • Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
  • Employee Discounts and Perks
image-20200902131253-1.jpegShould an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note:
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules


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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/24/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/25/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-grandrapids-5278351