Careers in Water/Wastewater
The following positions have been submitted to KWEA for posting. Please contact the organization for each listing with any questions or follow-up. If you would like to add an open position to our list, please send us an email.
Open Positions
Plant Maintenance Technician I (Collection Systems)
City of Olathe
Do you enjoy troubleshooting, problem-solving, and having every day be different? Are you a multi-skilled technician with experience as an electrician, mechanic or with HVAC? If this is you, come join the City of Olathe as a Plant Maintenance Technician-Collections System for the Field Operations Division.
Key Responsibilities
This position performs skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and electrical repair of the city's wastewater lift stations, water distribution and wastewater collection systems, primary operating equipment, water and sanitary sewer infrastructure.
Typical day could include:
- Perform skilled work in the maintenance, repair, and related activities of 22 lift stations.
- Perform duties, such as installation/repair of lift station electrical components (low voltage, 110,220, & 480 volt), preventative and breakdown maintenance on pumps, mixers, motors, valves, meters, electrical controls, instrumentation, operation and maintenance of water and sanitary sewer infrastructure.
- Ensure adherence to proper operating and safety procedures according to City regulation in the performance of all job duties.
- Operate a variety of equipment including trucks, dump trucks, excavators, loaders, combination jet truck, CCTV equipment, snowplows, street sanders, hand tools, power tools, lawn equipment, electronic test meters, pumps and various other vehicles and equipment.
- Provide guidance and operation training to department staff.
- Participate in housekeeping duties, grounds, and building maintenance; perform troubleshooting, repair and replacement duties for electrical and mechanical breakdowns.
- First responder to lift station failures, perform on-call duties and overtime as required for water and sanitary sewer emergencies.
- Required to participate in city-wide snow removal efforts, including operating snow blower and snow plow as required.
- Work directly with city staff and external customers/organizations to resolve issues related to operating equipment.
- Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, contractors, and businesses; provides feedback and condition information to management staff.
Wage: $19.65 – $24.56 hourly
Closing: 06/13/2022
Utility Maintenance Worker (I/II/III)
City of Olathe
Do you like being active and working outside? Are you a skilled maintenance worker in construction or are you interested in on-the-job training in a skilled trade? The City of Olathe is currently recruiting for all levels of Utility Maintenance Workers.
As a Utility Maintenance Worker, you would perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work in the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the city's water distribution and wastewater collection system. Career progression opportunities for full-time Maintenance Workers are I, II, and III, salary range will depend on your experience. Also, we provide training for you to obtain a CDL license.
Key Responsibilities
Perform a variety of duties, such as hand excavation, heavy lifting, hauling materials, operating tools and equipment, furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; participates in the repair and preventive maintenance of water distribution systems. This position performs the more routine tasks and duties assigned in potentially dangerous and hazardous conditions under the direct supervision of others.
- Perform work in preventive and breakdown maintenance on pumps, mixers, motors, valves, meters, water and wastewater lines, instrumentation, and other related devices of assigned facilities.
- Maintain safety and proper operation according to City regulation in all jobs performed.
- Maintain traffic control of work sites by directing and guiding traffic and the placement of signs and devices to ensure a safe job site environment.
- Operate a variety of equipment including trucks, snowplows, salt spreader, hand tools, power tools, lawn equipment, electronic test meters, pumps, and various other vehicles and equipment.
- Monitor, review, and inspect all utility lines with the proper equipment; maintain inspection equipment as required.
- Participate in housekeeping duties, grounds, and building maintenance; perform troubleshooting, repair and replacement duties for electrical and mechanical breakdowns.
- Perform on-call duties and overtime as required.
Wage: $18.00 – $25.79 hourly
Wastewater Treatment Process Operator I
City of Olathe
The City of Olathe is currently seeking a Wastewater Treatment Process Operator to operate join our Environmental Services team of dedicated and passionate employees. We have two Wastewater Treatment Plants equipped with the industry's most advanced treatment processes, both of which have earned Peak Performance Awards for excellence from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.
A Wastewater Treatment Process Operator is a key position that works at times independently and with a team to perform routine maintenance and repair to maintain pumps, valves, motors and other equipment to maintain appropriate operations, collect wastewater samples for wastewater quality testing to ensure regulatory compliance and other related duties.
A Process Operator must also have the ability to work in all types of weather conditions and follow all safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform assigned treatment plant rounds to inspect, monitor, and document plant operations by reading and interpreting information by the SCADA system, visual observations of tanks and tests, and other instrumentation.
- Inspect, monitor and document remote facilities and lift stations; address or report abnormal conditions.
- Operate, adjust, and maintain all pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment required to maintain appropriate operations; receive and unload chemical deliveries.
- Maintain, compile and update plant and remote facilities operation logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.
- Must be able to communicate effectively as well as follow written and oral instructions.
- Collect samples; perform a variety of routine wastewater quality laboratory tests for process control and regulatory compliance; complete associated documentation for sample collection and analysis; work closely with the laboratory on testing requirements.
- Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning and repairing plant facilities as required.
- Ability to work weekends, overtime, regular days off, or holidays as assigned or needed and carry on-call phone as required after initial training.
- Respond to emergency alarms and calls as required.
- Operate assigned equipment and vehicles.
- Assist with snow removal as required, including operating snow blower and snowplow.
- Accept a responsible role in implementing the safety culture of the department; adhere to safe work practices and procedures; review chemical MSD sheets. Must be able to demonstrate proper use of and use proper safety equipment, including respirator and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and participate in required safety training. Correctly wear personal protective equipment for appropriate situations.
- Utilize a variety of software applications such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Word) XLIMs database, and erPortal work order tracking system; learn new software programs as they become introduced.
- Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Wage: $19.65 – $29.47 hourly
Closing Date: 06/12/2022
Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Maintenance Worker I
City of Ottawa
The City of Ottawa, Kansas is accepting applications for a Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Maintenance Worker I. Under the supervision of the Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, or Crew Chief, the Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Maintenance Worker I makes repairs and performs maintenance on all aspects of the water distribution and sewer collection system. Examples of duties would be assisting with the repairs and replacement of valves, hydrants, water taps, and meters. This employee will assist with the safe operation of heavy equipment used in the performance of assigned tasks. A combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. High school diploma or equivalent required. Must obtain a valid CDL, Class B, with airbrakes and tanker endorsements within the first six months of employment.
Competitive wage and benefits package. EOE.
Wage: $13.38 to $18.06 per hour
Closing Date: Open until filled
Water Production Superintendent
City of Olathe
The City of Olathe is seeking a Water Production Superintendent to join our weekend team to provide highly responsible, professional, technical, and managerial work assisting the Water Production Operations Manager in the overall operations of the Water Production section within the Environmental Services Division of the Infrastructure Department.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with directing the overall operation of the City’s water production facilities including water supply wells, water treatment plant, and ancillary pumping and storage facilities.
- Supervise, assign, train, and evaluate Water Production staff including interviewing and hiring, scheduling, overseeing daily work tasks, developing goals and tracking progress, coaching and mentoring, conducting or coordinating training, preparing performance planning documents, and evaluating for promotions. Model the City’s
- Leadership Philosophy to promote a positive work culture.
- Ensure compliance with all Federal and State regulations and departmental policies and procedures by collaborating with other work groups and City departments on matters relating to the operation and maintenance of water production facilities; working cooperatively with outside regulatory agencies; analyzing water quality and operational data; troubleshooting water operations and taking corrective actions as required; responding to urgent situations and other emergencies related to water production operations after-hours as needed, and promoting the City’s safety culture.
- Determine and implement process changes to improve operational efficiency and/or water quality; provide input on capital improvement projects as it relates to operational matters to promote a future-ready water utility.
- Administer business functions of the Water Production section including recommending and assisting in the implementation of goals and objectives; implementing policies and procedures, participating in the preparation and administration of the assigned budget; and supervising vendor-supplied services and commodities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Wage: $61,637.00 – $95,537.00 annually
Closing Date: 06/19/2022
Water Reclamation Facility Operator I
City of Ottawa
The City of Ottawa, Kansas is accepting applications for a Water Reclamation Facility Operator I. Under the supervision of the Water Reclamation Facility Superintendent, the Water Reclamation Facility Operator I performs skilled and semi‑skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of Water Reclamation Facility and lift station. A combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. High school diploma or equivalent. One to three years of wastewater operator experience is preferred. Must progressively acquire Wastewater Operator certification by the Kansas Department of health and Environment up to and including Class II within 12 months of the first eligibility date for obtaining a given certification level. Class IV certification preferred by five-year employment anniversary.
Competitive wage and benefits package. EOE.
Wage: $17.43 to $24.41 per hour
Closing Date: Open until filled