Utility Operations & Maintenance Specialist (Wastewater)

Utility Operations & Maintenance Specialist (Wastewater)

Salary

$30.25 - $44.45 Hourly

Location

Wastewater Treatment 2305 E 57th St S, KS

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

Utility Ops/Mtce Spec (Wstwtr)

Department

Public Works and Utilities

Division

PWU Wastewater Treatment

Opening Date

11/02/2026

Closing Date

11/22/2026 11:59 PM Central

Bargaining Unit

2000

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Distinguishing Features of Work

This is skilled, technical work responsible for operation, maintenance, and repair of water treatment and transmission equipment in wastewater plants, lift stations, force mains, and/or wastewater effluent reuse facility. This position is responsible for various duties related to treatment, pumping, biosolids management, and resource recovery systems to meet wastewater system demands and clean water regulatory requirements. Specific duties vary according to assigned location(s) and employee's Competency Level and/or skills. Work is directed and reviewed by a supervisor.

This position is eligible for progression through four competency levels with increasing levels of judgement and responsibility with corresponding pay ranges. Progression requires a combination of plant experience and specialized training.

Workdays and Hours:

• Candidate must be able to accept:

• 1st shift (7:30am-3:30pm),

• 2nd shift (3pm-11:30pm),

• or 3rd shift (11pm-7:30am)

• All new employees with be trained on 1st shift Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm for 3-6 months before moving to their assigned shift.

• Employees shift preference will be considered, shifts are assigned based on seniority, and a specific shift cannot be guaranteed at the time of hire.

• Weekend work will be required. Overtime may be required.

Bargaining Unit: Service Employees International (SEIU)

Employees within the department of division shall be given first consideration

Posting may close at any time

Examples of Work Performed

• Operates and maintains plant equipment such as pumps, motors, disinfecting systems, chemical feed systems, piping, flow meters, electromechanical equipment, and other components of a Wastewater Treatment system.
• Operates and maintains wastewater transmission components such as pump stations, force mains, pipelines, valves, air releases, vacuum breakers, and flow meters.
• Complies with established service and preventive maintenance programs to ensure efficient operation and prolonged useful life of equipment.
• Collects wastewater samples and performs basic chemical and biological tests. Uses results to make process change decisions.
• Reads and records measurements and performance data from operating equipment
• Manually adjusts Wastewater Treatment process equipment, such as valves, chemical feed systems, and influent pump stations.
• Monitors and maintains flows and pressures within all systems, including making independent decisions regarding how to balance flows to basins, wet wells, and distribution boxes.
• Troubleshoots and repairs equipment problems.
• Operates and monitors Wastewater Treatment systems from a control center utilizing data from the Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and the Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Operates chemical feed equipment and controls feed rates, determines chemical dosage needs for varying conditions, and makes appropriate changes in chemical feed rates as required to maintain water quality.
• Troubleshoots treatment problems associated with pH, solids level, mixing intensity, chemical dosage, and biological processes.
• Monitors weather and forecasts wet weather flows and treatment requirements.
• Records information about plant performance on log sheets or computer databases.
• Coordinates operations & maintenance activities to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Maintains inventory of chemicals and parts.
• May train or lead other employees on routine work, and may be in charge of plant and other employees when the supervisor is not present.
• May operate equipment to spread biosolids on farmers' fields.
• More complex work assignments will be required as employees attain higher levels of competency.
• The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed, including but not limited to tasks performed by IEC Specialists and Water Quality Specialists.

Requirements of Work

• Knowledge of the methods, tools, and materials used in mechanical and electromechanical systems.

• Knowledge of work hazards and ability to take necessary safety precautions.

• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals

• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work at heights of up to 45 feet and in equipment pits multiple times per day.

• Ability to walk variable distances multiple times per shift and to bend, twist, and reach as necessary to repair equipment

• Ability to tolerate exposure to airborne environmental nuisances associated with open grounds, exposure to chemicals and fluids used in water or wastewater treatment and in building/equipment maintenance, exposure to adverse weather conditions, and equipment and machinery noise (with the use of appropriate PPE).

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently.

• Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of pressure using tools that tighten, loosen, or cut.

• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.

• Ability to be available for after-hour emergencies including on-call duties.

• Ability to drive at night.

• May require ability to operate a bucket truck, backhoe, forklift, manlift, loader, skytrack, dump truck, large agricultural tractors, spreaders, discs, hydro-lift, liquid sludge tanker truck or other Wastewater Treatment equipment.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

• May require the ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Class A or B Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

• Individuals with Class A or B CDL may be assigned to snow & ice removal duties.

• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training

Required Experience and Training

• High School diploma or GED.
• A valid drivers license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

• One (1) year experience in mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing repair work or trade school training

• Trade school training in mechanics, electrical, HVAC, CDL, plumbing, pipefitting, and/or welding.

• 2-year or 4-year degree

• Water or wastewater operator certification from Kansas Department of Health and Environment or another state agency.

• Relevant preferred experience must be clearly described in your employment history to be considered.

Please note that this position is part of a random drug testing pool, and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

CITY OF WICHITA

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

1. VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.

2. HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.

3. SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.

4. HEALTH INSURANCE - UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.

5. DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered - Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.

6.LIFE INSURANCE - Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.

7.SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE - Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.

8. LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE- The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.

9.VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT - Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.

10.RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.

11.FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.

12. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE - This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.

13.MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES

Deferred Compensation Investment Program

Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)

Bereavement Pay

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund

Voluntary Shared Leave Program

Training Programs

Longevity Pay

Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Injury Leave (on-job injury)

Community Volunteer Events

01

I am a current City of Wichita employee.

• Yes
• No

02

The following verifies my highest level of education..

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate
• I do not have any of the degrees or education listed above.

03

I have the following experience in the operation of motor vehicles, farm equipment, or construction equipment:

• Less than 3 months of experience
• 3 months to 1 year of experience
• 2 to 3 years experience
• 4+ years experience
• I do not have experience in the operation of motor vehicles, farm equipment, or construction equipment

04

I have following years of experience in mechanical repair work or plant operations or maintenance in a water plant, wastewater plant, or other industrial plant

• less than 1 year of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 5 + years of experience
• I do not have any experience in mechanical repair work or plant operations or maintenance in a water plant, wastewater plant, or other industrial plant

05

I have completed college or trade school coursework in the following areas:

• Mechanics
• Electrical
• HVAC
• CDL
• Plumbing
• Pipefitting
• Welding
• I have not had college or trade school coursework in the areas listed above.

06

Do you currently possess water or wastewater operator certification from Kansas Department of Health and Environment or another state agency?

• Yes, I possess a Water Operator Certification.
• Yes, I possess a Wastewater Operator Certification.
• Yes, I possess both Water and Wastewater Operator Certifications.
• No, I do not possess a Water or Wastewater Operator Certification.

07

This position may require a Class A or Class B CDL license. Please identify your current status with a Class A or Class B CDL license:

• I currently have an active Class A/B CDL license.
• I currently have an active Class A/B CDL with brake endorsement.
• I do not have a current Class A/B CDL license, but am willing and able to obtain this license within the first 60 days of hire.
• I am not willing or able to obtain a Class A/B CDL license with a brake endorsement.

08

I understand this position will involve exposure to airborne environmental nuisances associated with open grounds and exposure to chemicals and fluids used in water treatment and in building/equipment maintenance. I am willing and able to perform this job requirement.

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that this position will require me to be exposed to machinery noise with the use of ear plugs; confined spaces; heights and depths; work outdoors when inclement weather conditions are present; and use appropriate safety equipment when required. I am willing and able to perform this job requirement.

• Yes
• No

10

I have a valid drivers license:

• Yes
• No

11

I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Wichita

Address 455 N. Main

Wichita, Kansas, 67202

Phone 316-268-4531

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wichita