Fresh Listing

Posted: February 26, 2026 (0 days ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

Air Education and Training Command

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$55,598 - $64,906

per year

Closes

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level job involves learning to run a water treatment plant under supervision, including treating well water, operating equipment for filtration and distribution, and keeping records of operations and chemicals.

It's ideal for someone starting out in hands-on technical work who is reliable, follows instructions well, and doesn't mind physical labor in various weather conditions.

A good fit would be a motivated beginner with basic mechanical skills and an interest in water systems.

Key Requirements

  • Knowledge of the full water treatment and distribution process
  • Skill in controlling chemical flows and operating pumps for proper water flow and pressure
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately
  • Experience performing routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment like valves, motors, and pumps
  • Understanding of safety regulations, hazardous chemicals, and record-keeping for operations
  • Physical ability to lift over 45 pounds, climb ladders, work in cramped or elevated spaces, and handle rough terrain
  • Ability to operate heavy vehicles including 1-5 ton trucks, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, and tractor trailers

Full Job Description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to acquire under direct supervision the necessary skills to install, operate,and maintain equipment associated with the production, chemical treatment, filtration, and distribution of well water.Maintain plant records, including operating logs, daily diaries, and chemical inventories.

In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-5400 Industrial Equipment Operation Family.

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying.

Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

The screen out element for this position is the ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1.

Must be knowledgeable of the entire water treatment/distribution process 2. Skill in manipulating numerous controls to accurately control chemical flow into the potable water system 3.

Skill in operating various types of pumps and other distribution equipment to ensure proper flow and system pressures 4. Ability to follow oral and written instructions 5.

Skill in performing routine operator maintenance and minor repair of items such as control valves, motors, pumps 6. Knowledge of safety regulations, practices and procedures.

Knowledge of operational and maintenance records, manual and/or automated, required for pumps and other equipment.

Knowledge of water treatment and analysis using prescribed test equipment and chemicals to test and treat water, and systems equipment.

Ability to operate the following vehicles: 1- 5 ton vehicles, backhoe, loader (up to 4 cu.yd), dump truck (up to10-ton), tractor trailer (2 - 10 ton with 20 to 40 foot trailer) PHYSICAL EFFORT: Climbing on ladders, scaffolding, and platforms; standing, bending, and working in cramped and/or elevated areas; lifting and carrying tools and equipment which may occasionally weigh over 45 pounds.

Needs to be capable of pushing, pulling, reaching, prolonged walking in rough terrain, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, and working in cramped positions for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works inside and outside with exposure to inclement weather. Inside work sometimes requires contact with running motors, pumps, and machinery, loud noises, and poor ventilation.

The employee may be exposed to injury from falls from a platform (i.e., ladders, etc.) and/or cuts and bruises from tools and equipment.

Employee may also be exposed to hazardous chemicals (Le., chlorine gas, acids, caustics, agents, solvents, oils, greases, etc.).

Outside work involves traveling to various pumping or booster stations in all types of weather. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties:

- Operates water treatment plant to include performing non-filtration and filtration processes to change the taste, odor, chemical or bacteriological content of water; performs tests to check items such as PH level, turbidity, fluoride and chlorine content in accordance with formulas established by State and Federal regulations; mixes and adds a wide variety of compounds such as alum, lime, soda ash, fluoride, chlorine, and polyphosphates that are associated with treatment processes; operates settling tanks, surge pumps, hydro chlorinators, and similar type of equipment.

- Uses knowledge of pump operation based on theory and practical knowledge of operation characteristics. - Operates and maintains two commercial swimming pools located on base.

- Inspects, repairs, and adjusts major transmission line components to include various valves (e.g., gate, check, regulating, air relief, etc.), - Operates various engineering and construction equipment to transport, excavate, backfill, grade or level earth to rough specifications on projects involving distribution and transmission water lines.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 2/26/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/26/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 5C-AFPC-12896711-183212-PG