Plant Operator I - Water Treatment Plant

(Regular, Non-Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $20.09 - $24.01/hour, DOQ

Closing Date: 10/06/2026

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, Midnight - 8:00AM

How to Apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or [email protected].  

Summary/Objective  

The Plant Operator I position assists in the treatment of wastewater in order to return the water to the environment in an acceptable condition which meets all Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Environment Protection Agency clean water regulations by operating and maintaining one (1) biological nutrient removal activated sludge wastewater treatment plant with a rated capacity of 10.7 million gallons per day and other operating support equipment, working on a shift-work basis with some holidays and weekends required.  

Essential Functions 

Inspects and monitors process equipment, takes samples, and makes necessary adjustments.  

• Assures successful plant operation and maintenance of the water/wastewater treatment processes through the comprehension of various sources of information and interpret technical data.  
• Performs visual routine inspections of the treatment plant buildings, equipment, and treatment process without SCADA.  
• Operates Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. 
• Obtains process control samples, performs process control laboratory tests, records data, and uses test results to ascertain needed changes in water/wastewater treatment processes.  
• Checks all equipment for proper operation and reports all malfunctions or other concerns to the appropriate Superintendent, Plant Operations Manager, other Plant Operators, or Plant Maintenances staff.  
• Reads and records information to maintain proper recordkeeping, monitors water availability throughout the City by monitoring Supervisory and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, regulating and setting flow and pumping levels. 
• Monitors water tower levels in order to maintain an adequate supply of water.   
• Assists plant maintenance staff with routine servicing and preventive maintenance of plant equipment, sometimes in confined spaces and at heights from ladders and scaffolding, in accordance with maintenance schedules.   
• Reports issues and concerns that occur outside of normal business hours to the Water/Wastewater Treatment Superintendent, or other on-call personnel.  

Performs janitorial and grounds maintenance duties as required.  

• Provides snow and ice removal at Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant sidewalks and driveways.  
• Performs janitorial duties as required.   

Performs additional duties as required. 

• Attends meetings and training.  
• Acts as a main communication person for outside people and groups; answers questions and resolves issues. Takes afterhours and emergency phone calls from the public for water/sewer issues and reports them to the water/sewer on-call personnel.  
• Manages stress brought about by interacting with potentially irate and/or defensive customers.  
• Prepares reports.  
• Provides passive security at the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant by contacting law enforcement or other appropriate emergency responder, and the Water/Wastewater Treatment Superintendent if there are suspicious activities or unauthorized person(s) within the secured perimeter of the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant. 
• Controls access to the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant by locking and unlocking the front access gate.  
• Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties.  

Required Education and Experience 

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.  
• At least one (1) year of experience in water/wastewater treatment.    
• Certification as Water/Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator, Class I, issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.   
• Valid driver’s license.   

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Two (2) years of experience working within the water or wastewater utility environment.  
• Completion of 16-Week Course Water/Wastewater Treatment Course or other Specialized Training.  
• Safety and Emergency Training: Hazardous Communication Training; Lockout/Tagout Training; CPR/First Aid Training.  

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.