Water Operator II or III

Description

Water Operator II or III

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a Full Time, Permanent position in EPCOR’s Central Division in El Mirage, Az.

As a Water Treatment Operator, you’ll play an essential role in keeping our water facilities running smoothly by monitoring plant operations, troubleshooting equipment, and helping improve overall system performance. Your work will include hands‑on tasks like maintaining equipment, handling treatment chemicals safely, and performing sampling and lab testing to ensure our water meets all County, State, and EPA standards. You’ll also run tests to set accurate chemical feed rates, adjust pump settings, and operate telemetry systems while keeping clear, organized records. This is a great opportunity to grow your skills, work with supportive teammates, and make a real impact in your community. If you’re ready to build a rewarding career in water operations, we’d be excited to receive your application

What you’d be responsible for

This role involves performing a variety of semi‑skilled and skilled tasks in the operation and maintenance of water plant systems. You’ll support the start‑up of new facilities, assist fellow operators with technical operations and maintenance work, and take part in daily plant activities such as monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing water production and treatment processes. The position includes reviewing lab analyses and SCADA data to guide process control and ensure efficient, compliant plant performance. You’ll also work safely with treatment chemicals—including chlorine gas, sulfuric acid, ferric chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and polymers—as part of maintaining high‑quality water standards. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands‑on work and contributing to essential community services.

• Collects data for the operation and maintenance of water plant and well fields.
• Samples water for PH and chlorine residual, and verifies or calibrates analyzing equipment when needed.
• Troubleshoots problems encountered during the operation and maintenance of water plants and wells. 
• Receives job assignments through work orders and verbal instructions from Lead Operator, Plant Operations Foreman or Operations Supervisor.
• Manages projects to completion, resolving most problems independently. Works with contractors and venders to repair or replace equipment.
• Reads and interprets water facility plans.  Maintains daily time card, recording hours spent to complete each task. 
• Completes paperwork including job hazard assessments, vehicle inspections, daily reports and facility log books.
• Performs other work as required. 

What’s required to be successful

• Experience with computers and data collection software. 
• Experience with hand tools and power equipment. Plumbing, construction, and/or mechanical experience a plus.
• Competent understanding of water treatment and ability to evaluate sample results for chlorine residual, PH, color, and nitrates.
• Knowledge of the operation, methods, practices, techniques and servicing requirements of water production, storage and distribution facilities, water facilities and collection facilities. 
• Basic knowledge water treatment processes such as coagulation-filtration and adsorption
• . Thorough understanding of electrical, mechanical, chemical, confined space and other safety practices required in water facilities. 
• Good knowledge of procedures, materials, tools, equipment, safety hazards, and precautions common to assigned area of responsibility.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with internal and external customers.
• Ability to write legibly and make mathematical calculations accurately.
• Ability to use computer tools to analyze and report water plant and well data.
• Ability to determine what equipment, tools, manpower and materials will be needed to complete assigned projects. 
• Able to operate hand tools, power tools, and equipment including forklifts, powered lift gates, and large commercial vehicles.
• Ability to input and understand operational data.  Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. 
• Able to lift up to 70 pounds.
• Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions while stooping and bending, shoveling, sweeping and walking. 

All candidates must have High School diploma or equivalent, and valid driver’s license with good driving record. Must be willing to obtain a CDL with Hazmat endorsement.

This position is subject to call back, overtime and week-end/holiday emergency call-outs. Operators are required to fulfill on-call duties an average of one week per month on a rotational schedule. Position has the potential for exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, water and sewage.  Must be able to tolerate extreme heat. 

Operator II requirements:

Must have at least 2 years of experience in the operation of water facilities; and must also have one/both the following certification(s) for water operator eligibility:

Water: ADEQ Grade 2 Water Treatment certifications

Distribution:   ADEQ Grade 2 Water Distribution certifications

Operator III requirements:

Must have at least 3 years of experience in the operation of water facilities; and must also have one/both the following certification(s) for water operator eligibility:

Water: ADEQ Grade 3 Water Treatment certifications

Distribution:  ADEQ Grade Distribution 3 certifications

Other important facts about this job

This person must be dependable, reliable and self-directed.  Must be able to be at work every day on time and able to work rotating schedules.  Individuals filling this position must operate Company owned vehicles in a safe manner, and have a valid Arizona driver’s license with good driving record. An Arizona Class D driver’s license.

As an EPCOR employee, you will enjoy a variety of benefits such as a competitive wage, an incentive award program, an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverage, retirement plan with substantial company contribution, generous time-off schedules, training opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and certification support. We’ve been voted as a Best Places to Work employer and we value the safety of each of our team members through our robust safety training and celebration of safety milestones.

Headquartered in Phoenix, EPCOR USA owns, operates and builds water, wastewater and natural gas infrastructure and is among the largest private water utilities in the Southwest. EPCOR USA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc. We invest in and look after our communities and the environment. We’re proud of the work we do and the people we hire to do it.

Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in the United States.
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, driving, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-employment drug testing will be required.

EPCOR USA INC is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to fostering a respectful, supportive, and inclusive workplace that recognizes and values the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.