Operator 1 - Waste Water Treatment Plant

Operator 1 - Waste Water Treatment Plant

Salary

$21.96 - $25.46 Hourly

Location

Spring Hill, TN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202500136

Department

Utilities

Division

Waste Water Treatment Plant

Opening Date

09/11/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits

Description

The Water Reclamation Facility Operator I is an entry-level position responsible for learning and performing routine duties associated with the operation, monitoring, cleaning, and maintenance of the Citys water reclamation treatment processes, equipment, buildings, and grounds. Under the supervision and direction of the Water Reclamation Facility Superintendent, designated supervisor, or experienced operator, the employee receives on-the-job training and performs assigned tasks in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.

This position is intended as the entry point in the Citys water reclamation operator career progression. Prior wastewater treatment certification is not required. The employee is expected to develop basic knowledge and proficiency in facility operations, equipment, safety, sampling, recordkeeping, and maintenance through training and practical experience.

Examples of Duties

Treatment Plant Operations

• Assists with and learns the operation and monitoring of wastewater treatment and water reclamation processes under the direction of qualified staff.
• Assists with starting, stopping, and monitoring pumps, motors, valves, gates, chemical-feed equipment, and other treatment equipment as trained and assigned.
• Observes flow, levels, pressures, dissolved oxygen, solids, and other basic process conditions and reports abnormal readings or conditions to experienced operators or supervisory personnel.
• Follows established operating procedures and supervisor instructions when performing treatment plant duties.

Facility Rounds & Equipment Monitoring

• Performs routine facility rounds and inspections using established checklists and procedures.
• Observes pumps, motors, blowers, valves, filters, clarifiers, chemical-feed systems, instrumentation, and other equipment for visible or audible signs of abnormal operation.
• Records assigned equipment readings and operating information accurately and reports unusual conditions promptly.
• Assists experienced staff with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting activities.

SCADA & Process Monitoring

• Learns the basic use of SCADA and computerized monitoring systems under supervision.
• Observes alarms, trends, equipment status, and process information and reports abnormal conditions to qualified staff.
• Does not make independent process-control changes unless specifically trained, authorized, and directed.

Laboratory & Sampling

• Assists with collection of wastewater, process, solids, and effluent samples in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs basic laboratory or process-control testing after receiving appropriate training and instruction.
• Assists with cleaning, calibration, and care of laboratory, process-control, and field-testing equipment.

Records & Documentation

• Completes assigned operating logs, inspection forms, equipment readings, maintenance records, chemical-use records, and other routine documentation.
• Maintains accurate and legible records and reports missing, unusual, or questionable information to supervisory personnel.

Maintenance & Repairs

• Assists with preventive maintenance, lubrication, equipment inspections, and minor repairs under direction.
• Uses hand tools and power tools appropriate to assigned work after receiving required training.
• Reports equipment deficiencies, leaks, unusual noises, odors, vibration, or other abnormal conditions.

Chemicals & Supplies

• Assists with chemical and supply deliveries as assigned.
• Handles, transfers, and stores treatment chemicals and operational supplies only after receiving required training and while following established safety procedures.
• Maintains clean and orderly chemical and supply storage areas.

Cleaning & Facility/Grounds Maintenance

• Cleans and maintains tanks, clarifiers, filters, channels, equipment, buildings, work areas, and facility grounds.
• Performs routine housekeeping and grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, washing, sweeping, and general cleanup.
• Safely operates mowers, lawn equipment, skid steers, utility vehicles, and other equipment after receiving appropriate training and authorization.

Emergency & Abnormal Conditions

• Assists qualified staff during equipment failures, power interruptions, high-flow events, severe weather, process upsets, and other abnormal or emergency conditions.
• Immediately reports alarms, spills, equipment failures, unsafe conditions, or other unusual events to supervisory personnel.
• Follows emergency response procedures and supervisor direction.

Safety, Regulations & Procedures

• Performs all duties in accordance with City safety requirements, policies, and established operating procedures.
• Uses required personal protective equipment and follows safe work practices.
• Participates in required safety, operational, and equipment training.
• Develops a working understanding of environmental and operational requirements applicable to assigned duties.

Training & Career Development

• Participates in structured on-the-job training, cross-training, and instruction provided by supervisors and experienced operators.
• Develops basic knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, equipment operation, sampling, maintenance, safety, and recordkeeping.
• May pursue State of Tennessee wastewater treatment operator certification as part of future career progression; certification is not required for appointment to Operator I.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• No wastewater treatment operator certification is required.
• No prior wastewater treatment experience is required; related mechanical, utility, industrial, maintenance, or construction experience is beneficial but not required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Tennessee drivers license.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of a background investigation.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call, and emergency assignments as required to maintain continuous facility operations.
• Must successfully complete required City safety and job-specific training for assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to learn basic wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and facility procedures.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, standard operating procedures, safety rules, and checklists.
• Ability to read basic gauges, meters, equipment displays, and operating forms after training.
• Ability to accurately record information and communicate abnormal conditions to supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to safely use common hand tools, power tools, vehicles, and equipment after training.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of an operations and maintenance team.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in indoor and outdoor wastewater treatment environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand and walk for extended periods on level, uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, grasp, and perform repetitive movements.
• Climb and descend stairs and ladders and access equipment located above or below grade.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, and treatment equipment after training.
• Work in confined spaces and elevated areas when properly trained and equipped.
• Wear required personal protective equipment.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Safely operate City vehicles and assigned equipment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed throughout the Water Reclamation Facility and related utility facilities in both indoor and outdoor environments.

The employee regularly works in a wastewater treatment environment and may be exposed to wastewater, biological hazards, treatment chemicals, fumes, odors, airborne particles, dust, extreme noise, moving mechanical equipment, electrical hazards, wet or slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, confined spaces, elevated work areas, extreme heat, extreme cold, and inclement weather.

Supplemental Information

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Spring Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation

The City is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HR@springhilltn.org.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The City reserves the right to assign, modify, or remove duties and responsibilities as operational needs require.Nothing in this job description creates an express or implied contract of employment. Employment with the City remains at will unless otherwise provided by applicable law or written agreement.

We offer an extensive benefits package:

We offer several medical insurance options for the entire family, and employer paid dental coverage for the employee (with the option to purchase additional coverage for dependents at a minimum cost) and vision insurance that you are eliglible for at the first of the month after your hire date.

We also provide $25,000 in employer paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and employer paid Long Term Disability (LTD). Available for purchase are Short Term Disability (STD) and AFLAC policies (i.e., Critical Illness, Accident, and Life Insurance) for which you are eligible on the first day of the month after 60 days of employment

The City of Spring Hill participates in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), a defined benefit plan. In addition to mandatory participation in the pension, we also offer 401(k) and 457(b) retirement options. Like other public employees in Williamson County, our employees can enroll in discounted membership with Williamson County Parks and Recreation, and enjoy using the Longview Recreation facility, as well as any other facility in the system. You will also enjoy 13 paid holidays each year.

Employees earn one day of sick leave each month, which is immediately accessible. You will also earn 2 weeks of vacation during your first year of employment, one of which you can access after a 6-month introductory period, the remaining vacation is accrued monthly.

Employer Spring Hill, City of (TN)

Address 199 Town Center Parkway

Spring Hill, Tennessee, 37174