City of Boulder

Wastewater Treatment Operator A-D

City of Boulder  •  $62k - $92k/yr  •  United States (Onsite)  •  3 hours ago
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Job Description

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

September 4, 2026

Compensation Details:

Hiring Range31.38 - 45.54This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

BMEA (20+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

TITLE: Wastewater Treatment Operator (Wastewater Treatment Operator D, Wastewater Treatment Operator C, Wastewater Treatment Operator B, Wastewater Treatment Operator A)

Based upon candidates' skill sets and experiences, this position can be hired between the A-D level.

Under direct supervision and within a dedicated, teamwork environment, the Wastewater Treatment Operator operates the Boulder Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), appropriately reacts to changing treatment process conditions for liquid, solids, and biogas systems, and assists with routine maintenance and minor repairs of facility equipment as delegated to a certified Wastewater Treatment Operator in the WRRF Operating Plan.

The hiring ranges for these positions are commensurate with experience:

Wastewater Treatment Operator D - $23.58 to 34.19

Wastewater Treatment Operator C - $25.93 to 37.60

Wastewater Treatment Operator B - $28.52 to 41.36

Wastewater Treatment Operator A - $31.38 to 45.54

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Operates the WRRF and the Boulder Lift Stationin accordance withstate and federal water quality regulations according to delegated authority for a Class DthroughAOperator under Colorado Regulation 100 andin accordance withthe WRRF Operating Plan.  

  • Maintains familiarity with the WRRF’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit and applicable Colorado Department of Health and Environment regulations, including an operator’s responsibilities under Regulation 100.

  • Completes four (4) hours per year of training that is approved by the Colorado Certified Water Professionals.

  • Conducts regulatory sampling and record keeping under direction of lead operators and the operations supervisor.

  • Acts as backup for Plant Lead Operator in their absence (assuming Colorado Class D Certification has been obtained).

  • Controls andmonitorsmechanical, microbiological, and chemical wastewater treatment processes across the entire facility, including physical, chemical, and biological process monitoring, water quality analysis, process and equipment troubleshooting, liquids and solids stream process control, laboratory and sampling equipment maintenance and instrument calibrations.

  • Operates WRRF processes and programs using various technologies and computer programs, in addition to direct observation.

  • Understands the use of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system tomonitorand interpret data transmitted from local and remote equipment locations. Conducts SCADA rounds multiple times per day.

  • Relies on mobile “smart” applications to effectively communicate with others,monitorSCADA alarms, and access facility infrastructure maps.

  • Maintains familiarity of electronic folders and file navigation (including SharePoint) to access facility as-built drawings, schematics, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Operations and Maintenance manuals toidentify, conduct, troubleshoot, and resolve treatment issues.

  • Assists with the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to schedule and complete work orders andassistthe WRRF maintenance team in asset management.

  • Maintains water qualitydatabase, such asHachWIMS,to enterlaboratory results, access trends, and record process changes.

  • Writes, edits and updates SOPs, operationalguidelinesand safety documentation.

  • Monitors, sends, and responds to emails and manages a professional calendar.

  • Assistssupervisors and staff with strategicobjectivesand facility management goals.

  • Maintains facilities and property, including housekeeping and upkeep of process buildings and equipment. Maintains a clean and safe work environment.

  • Operates the WRRF and systems consistent with energy efficiency goals and in alignment with citywide greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.

  • Monitors electrical power, natural gas, and other resource usage and striving to minimize consumption whilemaintainingwastewater treatment targetsestablishedby management andpermittingagencies.

  • Participates in formal and informal training opportunities.

  • Plans for, practices, and responds to emergencies including but not limited to power outages, chemical spills, cybersecurity breaches, and equipment failures. Accurately documents steps taken to resolve or isolate issues. Remains alert to security integrity of the WRRF and the Boulder Lift Station.

  • Serves as an integral member of the wastewater treatment workgroup,

  • Coordinates operations activities as directed.

  • Plans andcollaborateson unit process maintenance and annual work planning.

  • Purchases supplies and monitors inventory as directed.

  • Participatesin the safety committee and safety procedure implementation.

  • Advances housekeeping and process area organization assignments.

  • Coordinates with other workgroups andparticipatesin engineering design processes and treatment optimization studies.

  • Performs related duties asrequiredto meet the needs of the city.

  • Knows andcomplies withall city and department policies.

  • Conducts job duties with a continuing awareness of the environmental implications of decisions and a focus on providing municipal services in a sustainable manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Wastewater Treatment OperatorD andWastewater Treatment OperatorC

  • Ability to be kind, supportive, and professional in working with others, recognizes the importance of collaboration and strives to build lasting relationships with other city employees and community members, is socially perceptive, modeling consideration and tact whilemaintaining focus on tasks at hand, is comfortable working through conflict and differences of opinion, willingly partners with and supports all Wastewater Treatment, Wastewater Utilities Maintenance, Water Quality, and other staff to evaluate system needs and provide creative solutions with a positive attitude and is committed to ensuring wider Utilities Department success.

  • Ability to distill detailed technical information and provide written and verbal updates in both technical and lay terms and consistently communicate system status and updates with all staff.

  • Ability to exercise good judgment.

  • Ability to organize and problem solve issues as they occur.

  • Ability to proactively and effectively plan and execute work ina timelyfashion to ensure reliable execution of all daily tasks and to follow through on special assignments.

  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and priorities toidentifyand suggest creative resolutions to unique problems.  Driven to perpetually improve allfacetsof team and process performance.

  • Ability to take proper safety precautions to prevent accidents including use of all required safety equipment and following all safety regulations, policies,proceduresand reporting requirements.  Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. 

  • Ability to use technical devices for sample measurement and equipment calibration.

  • Knowledge and familiarity with various software programs including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and plant operational data management system (HachWIMS).

  • Knowledge in troubleshooting, performing system analyses, and generating reports using a variety of computational tools, diagnostic equipment, and unique enterprise software.

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Word.

  • Knowledge of the City’s Vision and Values. and capable of promoting a culture of trust and candor.Fostersa team environment where how we do our work is as important as the work itself.

  • Skill in mechanical aptitude.

  • Skill in verbal and written communication.

  • Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work andmaintainacceptable screening.

Wastewater Treatment OperatorBand Wastewater Treatment OperatorA

In addition to theWastewater Treatment OperatorDandC minimum qualifications:

  • Ability to train others in the use of, storage of, and routine maintenance of safety equipment.

  • Ability to use ladders, stairs, underground vaults, cat walks, and scaffolding.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to performwastewater processinstrument calibration.

  • Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues.

  • Ability to work independently and be the sole operator on duty.

  • Knowledge of hazardous chemicals, emergency response or have applicable training.

  • Knowledge of the operation of a wastewater biogas upgrading (renewable natural gas) system.

  • Knowledge of working at a water resource recovery facility or wastewater treatment facility.

  • Skill in activated sludge process control, anaerobic and aerobic digestion troubleshooting, and biosolids dewatering optimization.

  • Skill in conducting safetytrainingsandacquiringrelated safety certifications.

  • Skill in process optimization.

  • Skill working in a water quality laboratory.

  • Associate degree in a related field.

  • Confined Space Certification.

  • State of Colorado Class D Collection System Operator Certification.

  • State of Colorado Class D Water Treatment Operator Certification.

MINIMUMREQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Wastewater Treatment OperatorD

  • High School Diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years’ experience may substitute for the education requirement only.

  • No experiencerequired

  • Must hold andmaintaina valid drivers' license.

  • State of Colorado Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator D Certification or ability to obtain certification within six (6) months.

Wastewater Treatment OperatorC

  • High School Diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years’ experience may substitute for the education requirement only.

  • Two (2) year related experience or state-approved combination of education and experience.

  • Must hold andmaintaina valid drivers' license.

  • State of Colorado Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator C Certification or new hires with the ability to obtain certification via reciprocity from a different US state within six (6) months.

  • Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.

Wastewater Treatment OperatorB

  • High School Diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years’ experience may substitute for the education requirement only.

  • Three (3) years related experience or state-approved combination of education and experience.

  • Must hold andmaintaina valid drivers' license.

  • State of Colorado Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator B Certification or new hires with the ability to obtain certification via reciprocity from a different US state within six (6) months.

  • Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.

Wastewater Treatment OperatorA

  • High School Diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years’ experience may substitute for the education requirement only.

  • Four (4) years related experience or state-approved combination of education and experience.

  • Must hold andmaintaina valid drivers' license.

  • State of Colorado Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator A Certification or new hires with the ability to obtain via reciprocity from a different US State within six (6) months.

  • Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.

SUPERVISION

Supervision ReceivedWastewater Treatment Operations Supervisor

Supervision Exercised None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Physical and Mental Effort Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. Ability to hear audible alarms at 80 dB and higher, visual acuity, manual dexterity in using precision and no-precision hand tools, power tools, and technical devices. Ability tolift upto 50 pounds. Ability to use ladders, stairs, underground vaults, cat walks, and scaffolding. Ability to work in an industrial setting to work in and around areas of limited access and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling.

  • Work Environment:Works in an industrial setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.  Works in permitrequired confined spaces that require ventilation and other measures to protect against dangerous gases and fumes. Ensures adequate shift coverage (10-hour or 13.3-hour shifts, or any other shift schedule), which includes filling shifts as necessary and calling in coverage and working until sufficient coverage is onsite. Ability to work variable and rotating hours, including evenings and weekend shifts.

  • Machines and Equipment Used:City vehicle, forklift, tractor, standard office equipment, including computers, mobile phones (including texting), and printers and scanners, laboratory equipment, sampling and monitoring equipment, hand tools, power tools, longhandledtools, ladders and fall protection, equipment, and valves and pumps.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.

City of Boulder

About City of Boulder

The official LinkedIn company page for the City of Boulder, Colorado, municipal government. Boulder is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just 35 miles northwest of Denver. Home of the University of Colorado's main campus and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder sits 5,430 feet above sea level and is surrounded by a greenbelt of city trails and open spaces. Boulder is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, natural product retailers and restaurants, outstanding transportation options, diverse businesses, and technological and academic resources.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Boulder, CO
Year Founded
1859
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