Operator (Waste Water Plant)

Summary

The City of Murray, Kentucky is seeking a dedicated and reliable Operator for our Waste Water Plant within the Public Works department. Working under general supervision, this essential role directly assists in the daily operation, maintenance, and optimization of the municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant. The chosen candidate will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient collection and treatment of wastewater for the citizens of Murray, strictly adhering to all established local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including Kentucky Division of Water mandates. You will play a crucial part in public health and environmental protection by supporting the continuous processing of municipal wastewater, maintaining facility grounds, and responding to operational demands. The role offers competitive compensation (starting at $19.41 to $21.63 per hour) and requires a commitment to ongoing professional development. This position operates in a dynamic environment that combines hands-on mechanical work, scientific monitoring, and administrative reporting. Candidates must be prepared to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions and be available for potential evening, weekend, or on-call shifts to support round-the-clock plant operations.

Wastewater Responsibilities

As a Waste Water Plant Operator, your primary duties involve the continuous monitoring and regulation of wastewater flow throughout the treatment cycle. You will be responsible for the start-up, shut-down, and routine maintenance of heavy municipal treatment equipment, including high-capacity pumps, conveyors, blowers, mechanical rakes, and clarifiers. Daily tasks include physically adjusting valves and gates, monitoring lift station operations according to strict municipal standards, and conducting rigorous process control testing. You will analyze test results to make real-time adjustments to chemical feed equipment, adding treatment chemicals in precise accordance with prescribed safety and environmental standards. Additional duties involve cleaning filters, safely disposing of residual biosolids, assisting laboratory personnel in the proper collection of wastewater samples, and meticulously maintaining operational logs, records, and compliance reports. You will also perform preventative maintenance on machinery, assist with minor construction or repair projects at the facility, maintain adequate inventory of spare parts and chemicals, and perform general housekeeping to keep the plant and surrounding grounds clean and secure.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent educational certification. A critical requirement for this role is licensing: applicants must currently possess, or be able to successfully obtain within the first 18 months of employment, a Class I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License issued by the Kentucky Division of Water. Furthermore, operators are expected to achieve Class II and Class III licenses within eighteen months of meeting the state experience requirements for each tier. A valid state driver license is required to operate city vehicles and equipment. Physically, this demanding role requires the ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all types of inclement weather. Candidates must be capable of lifting heavy objects exceeding 50 pounds, climbing stairs and ladders, navigating confined spaces, and working safely at elevated heights. You must be comfortable working near heavy, moving machinery and have the safety awareness required when exposed to industrial fumes, harsh chemicals, and potentially toxic substances. Excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to establishing effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public are essential.