Plant Operator (A, B, C or D) Water Treatment

  • City of Loveland
  • Loveland, Colorado
  • Full Time

Job Summary:

Perform all necessary technical and physical functions needed to operate and maintain the treatment processes and equipment of the treatment plant under the guidance and direction of the Water Treatment Manager and Lead Plant Operator.

The Salary and hiring ranges are as follows:

  • Plant Operator A: Hiring Range is $38.60 to $46.32 per hour. Salary Range is $38.60 to $54.04.
  • Plant Operator B: Hiring Range is $34.46 to $41.35 per hour. Salary Range is $34.46 to $48.25.
  • Plant Operator C: Hiring Range is $30.77 to $36.92 per hour. Salary Range is $30.77 to $43.08.
  • Plant Operator D: Hiring Range is $25.05 to $29.43 per hour. Salary Range is $25.05 to $33.82.

All ranges based on qualifications and experience.

This opportunity will remain open until filled.

Please provide your current resume and certification(s).

Our ideal candidate has a background that demonstrates sound water treatment plant practices in all areas, is an exceptional communicator, and is comfortable working independently and with a team. Operators work a consistent 10 hour shift Sunday- Wednesday or Wednesday- Saturday with no rotation required. Plant A operators can expect to be on-call 5 to 6 times per year. Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays.

Essential Functions:

Operator A:

  • Manage plant process optimization projects.
  • Mange and direct various special projects in regards to plant operations.
  • Assist in setting priorities for operational goals and needs.
  • May act as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), as mandated by Colorado State Certification Board and City of Loveland WTP Operating Plan.
  • Perform duties as necessary to act as Lead Plant Operator during absences of the Lead Plant Operator.
  • Review plant performance records on SCADA and/or daily bench sheets and constructively recommend solutions to problems to your ORC based on logical as well as real time and historical data.
  • Inspect and maintain process instrumentation, basic mechanical and electrical equipment.
  • Develop and update standard operating procedures.
  • Provides instruction and training to new employees.
  • Operate plant processes in order to meet target parameters.
  • Utilize accepted methods to produce the highest water quality in an economical manner.
  • Proficient use of SCADA and Cityworks computer systems.
  • Manage all chemical deliveries.
  • Detailed knowledge of operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant processes.
  • Maintain records for State water quality monitoring, State and Federal standards, and records for plant operations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of all process areas (pretreatment, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, chemical dosing, and water storage.
  • React to impending process problems in a timely and proper manner.
  • Maintain all applicable data acquisition, records and archives.
  • Monitor treatment efficiencies by performing and participating in all testing and sampling schedules with accepted techniques and at scheduled times.
  • Provide timely input in group meetings.
  • Perform calculations based on test results.
  • Gather all pertinent operational information and communicates this information to on-site staff and subsequent shifts staff.
  • Interpret test results and makes process adjustments and changes to optimize treatment processes.
  • Collect and analyze process control samples.
  • Inclusive knowledge of laboratory testing.
  • Enter data into computer accurately and on time.
  • Record operational changes, observations and completed jobs daily.
  • Perform maintenance and calibration of laboratory and on-line treatment plant equipment and field devices.
  • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
  • Proper utilization of safety policies.

Operator B:

  • Review plant performance records on SCADA and/or daily bench sheets and constructively recommend solutions to problems to your ORC based on logical as well as real time and historical data.
  • Inspect and maintain process instrumentation, basic mechanical and electrical equipment.
  • Develop and updates standard operating procedures.
  • Provide instruction and training to new employees.
  • Operate plant processes in order to meet target parameters.
  • Utilize accepted methods to produce the highest water quality in an economical manner.
  • Proficient use of SCADA and Cityworks computer systems
  • Handle all chemical deliveries
  • Knowledge of operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant processes.
  • Maintain records for State water quality monitoring, State and Federal standards, and records for plant operations.
  • Knowledge of all process areas (pretreatment, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, chemical dosing, and water storage.
  • React to impending process problems in a timely and proper manner.
  • Maintain all applicable data acquisition, records and archives.
  • Monitor treatment efficiencies by performing and participating in all testing and sampling schedules with accepted techniques and at scheduled times.
  • Provide timely input in group meetings.
  • Perform calculations based on test results.
  • Gather all pertinent operational information and communicates this information to on-site staff and subsequent shifts staff.
  • Interpret test results and makes process adjustments and changes to optimize treatment processes.
  • Collect and analyze process control samples.
  • Knowledge of laboratory testing.
  • Enter data into computer accurately and on time.
  • Record operational changes, observations and completed jobs daily.
  • Perform maintenance and calibration of laboratory and on-line treatment plant equipment and field devices.
  • Work independently with little or no supervision.
  • Proper utilization of safety policies.

Operator C:

  • Proficient use of SCADA and Cityworks computer systems
  • Handle all chemical deliveries
  • Knowledge of operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant processes.
  • Maintain records for State water quality monitoring, State and Federal standards, and records for plant operations.
  • Knowledge of all process areas (pretreatment, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, chemical dosing, and water storage.
  • React to impending process problems in a timely and proper manner.
  • Maintain all applicable data acquisition, records and archives.
  • Monitors treatment efficiencies by performing and participating in all testing and sampling schedules with accepte techniques and at scheduled times.
  • Assists in using accepted methods to produce the highest water quality in an economical manner.
  • Perform calculations based on test results.
  • Assist personnel in meeting target parameters.
  • Gather all pertinent operational information and communicates this information to on-site staff and subsequent shifts staff.
  • Interpret test results and makes process adjustments and changes to optimize treatment processes.
  • Collect and analyze process control samples.
  • Basic knowledge of laboratory testing.
  • Enter data into computer accurately and on time.
  • Record operational changes, observations and completed jobs daily.
  • Perform maintenance and calibration of laboratory and on-line treatment plant equipment and field devices.
  • Work independently with little or no supervision.
  • Proper utilization of safety policies.

Operator D:

  • Basic knowledge of all process areas (pretreatment, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, chemical dosing, and water storage.
  • Monitor treatment efficiencies by performing and participating in all testing and sampling schedules with accepted techniques and at scheduled times.
  • React to impending process problems in a timely and proper manner.
  • Assist in using accepted methods to produce the highest water quality in an economical manner.
  • Basic knowledge of operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant processes.
  • Perform calculations based on test results.
  • Interact with the Utility computer SCADA system.
  • Assist personnel in meeting target parameters.
  • Gather all pertinent operational information and communicates this information to on-site staff and subsequent shifts staff.
  • Interpret test results and makes process adjustments and changes to optimize treatment processes.
  • Collect and analyze process control samples.
  • Basic knowledge of laboratory testing.
  • Enter data into computer accurately and on time.
  • Record operational changes, observations and completed jobs daily.
  • Perform maintenance and calibration of laboratory and on-line treatment plant equipment and field devices.
  • Work independently with little or no supervision.

Other Job Functions:

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

  • High School Graduate or GED required.
  • Vocational or technical schooling preferred.

Experience:

Specialized training or education in treatment plant operation.

  • Operator A: 4 years
  • Operator B: 3 years
  • Operator C: 2 years
  • Operator D: 1 year

Certifications:

The City of Loveland requires all water operators to hold at least a State of Colorado Class C Water Operator Certification.

Newly-hired water operators who do not hold at least a Class C Water Operator Certification must obtain one according to the following schedule*:

  • State of Colorado Class D Water Operators Certification - must be obtained within 6 months of date of hire.
  • State of Colorado Class C Water Operators Certification - must be obtained within 36 months of hire date or from receiving a State of Colorado Class D Water Operators Certification.

Water Plant Operator D - Must obtain and keep current from the State of Colorado a Class D Water Operator Certification.

Water Plant Operator C - Must obtain and keep current from the State of Colorado a Class C Water Operator Certification.

Note: All operators are encouraged to obtain a Class B or Class A Water Operator Certification.

Water Plant Operator B - Must obtain and keep current from the State of Colorado a Class B Water Operator Certification.

Water Plant Operator A - Must obtain and keep current from the State of Colorado a Class A Water Operator Certification.

  • The referenced certification eligibility schedule may be adjusted or extended as needed to address State of Colorado Regulation 100, certification testing cycles and/or other mitigating factors as determined by the Director of Water and Power.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Operator A:

  • Foundational knowledge of treatment and basic chemistry.
  • Thorough knowledge of water treatment principles.
  • Detailed knowledge of methods, equipment and procedures used in water analysis.
  • Must have experience and knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems.
  • In-depth knowledge of mathematics, sciences and regulatory standards relative to wastewater discharge standards for the City's NPDES discharge permit and / or water quality standards.
  • Apply logic of the scientific methods to solve problems encountered in laboratory testing.
  • Assimilate and interpret scientific data as required for the methodologies utilized.
  • Effectively train personnel in operations and lab procedures and techniques orally and in writing.
  • Perform all instrument calibrations, sampling and testing procedures, such as turbidity, pH, chlorine residual, fluoride, alkalinity, aluminum, etc. used in water treatment.
  • Knowledge of water construction, rehabilitation, specifications and safety practices.
  • Understand design/construction drawings and provide review comments and discussions with Water and Power staff, engineers, and contractors.
  • Perform flow, dosage, loading and other applicable calculations manually.
  • Maintain effective working relations with co-workers and supervisor.

Operator B:

  • Thorough knowledge of mathematics, sciences and regulatory standards relative to wastewater discharge standards for the City's NPDES discharge permit and / or water quality standards.
  • Knowledge of water construction, rehabilitation, specifications and safety practices.
  • Apply logic of the scientific methods to solve problems encountered in laboratory testing.
  • Assimilate and interpret scientific data as required for the methodologies utilized.
  • Perform flow, dosage, loading and other applicable calculations manually.
  • Knowledge of methods, equipment and procedures used in water analysis.
  • Must have experience and knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems.
  • Perform all instrument calibrations, sampling and testing procedures, such as turbidity, pH, chlorine residual, fluoride, alkalinity, aluminum, etc. used in water treatment.
  • Maintain effective working relations with co-workers and supervisor.
  • Mentor and train of new employees
  • Train personnel in operations and lab procedures and techniques orally and in writing.
  • Understand design/construction drawings and provide review comments and discussions with Water and Power staff, engineers, and contractors.

Operator C:

  • Knowledge of mathematics, sciences and regulatory standards relative to wastewater discharge standards for the City's NPDES discharge permit and / or water quality standards.
  • Must have experience and knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems.
  • Apply logic of the scientific methods to solve problems encountered in laboratory testing.
  • Assimilate and interpret scientific data as required for the methodologies utilized.
  • Perform flow, dosage, loading and other applicable calculations manually.
  • Knowledge of methods, equipment and procedures used in water analysis.
  • Perform all instrument calibrations, sampling and testing procedures, such as turbidity, pH, chlorine residual, fluoride, alkalinity, aluminum, etc. used in water treatment.
  • Maintain effective working relations with co-workers and supervisor.
  • Knowledge of water construction, rehabilitation, specifications and safety practices.
  • Understand design/construction drawings and provide review comments and discussions with Water and Power staff, engineers, and contractors.

Operator D:

  • Knowledge of mathematics, sciences and regulatory standards relative to wastewater discharge standards for the City's NPDES discharge permit and / or water quality standards.
  • Apply logic of the scientific methods to solve problems encountered in laboratory testing.
  • Assimilate and interpret scientific data as required for the methodologies utilized.
  • Perform flow, dosage, loading and other applicable calculations manually.
  • Maintain effective working relations with co-workers and supervisor.
  • Knowledge of methods, equipment and procedures used in water analysis preferred.
  • Knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems preferred.
  • Perform all instrument calibrations, sampling and testing procedures, such as turbidity, pH, chlorine residual, fluoride, alkalinity, aluminum preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

  • Frequent light to moderate physical effort that includes frequent standing or walking or maintaining arms and hands in the same position for repetitive tasks. Frequently works with light objects and light hand tools.
  • Frequent exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements.
  • Occasional exposure to hazards that are predictable or well protected against.

Additional Working Demands / Conditions:

Incumbent is subject to call-back work, and must be capable of responding to emergency situations upon short notice. Mandatory duty rotation will include after-hour and weekend work and incumbent must be able to make competent decisions while on duty. May be required to be available by cellular phone 7 days a week. Incumbent must be able to respond within 45-minutes to the water treatment plant at 3152 N County Rd 29 when called.

  • Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and various 10-hour shifts as determined by the Lead Operator.
  • Required to work various shifts including nights and weekend and on-call as needed.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie, and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE!

In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor's Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 4 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.

Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization, and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

  • Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
  • A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
  • Discounted Chilson Center passes
  • Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
  • Flexible spending including Dependent Care
  • Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
  • Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
  • A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
  • Voluntary 529 College Invest program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Personal and Professional Development opportunities
  • Employee Recognition Program
  • Exceptional work-life balance
  • Market based pay & regular performance reviews
  • Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

A driving record and criminal history background check will be obtained pre-employment.

Job ID: 479864831
Originally Posted on: 6/5/2025

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