Utility Process Control Specialist (Water Plant Operator) Salary $30.25 - $44.45 Hourly Location Wichita Water Works, KS Job Type Full-time Job Number UTILITY PROC CONT SPEC Bonus Department Public Works and Utilities Division PWU Production and Pumping Opening Date 04/17/2026 Closing Date 5/3/2026 11:59 PM Central Bargaining Unit 2000 Description Benefits Questions The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer. Distinguishing Features of Work This position requires a Kansas Water Supply System certification: The typical salary range for this position with a Kansas Class IV water Supply System Operators certificate is $34.53 - $41.93 hourly. This is highly skilled, technical work to monitor and control production, pumping, and distribution systems to meet water drinking water system demands and water quality permit requirements for a plant that is being constructed at 2120 N. Hoover in Wichita. This position exercises a high degree of decision-making regarding water treatment, flows, and pressures, based on independent judgement on how to maintain multiple water quality parameters within regulatory limits. Work includes supervising other staff when the Shift Supervisor is not present. This position is eligible for progression through four competency levels with increasing levels of responsibility and corresponding pay ranges. Progression requires a combination of plant experience and specialized training. Experience in the water treatment industry is a valued asset. Compensation will be based on individual experience and determined at hire based on skills and competencies. The role provides additional opportunities for swift pay progression linked to the development of skills and competencies. HIRING INCENTIVES Tiered Relocation Reimbursement: (Outside of Residency Ordinance Boundary) Tier 1: Up to 100 Miles Reimbursement: $2,000 Tier 2: 101 to 500 Miles: up to $5,000 Tier 3: 501 to 1,000 Miles: up to $8,000 Tier 4: Over 1,000 Miles: up to $10,000 maximum Signing Bonus (Water Plant Experience) Entry-Level Operators: $5,000 (for candidates with less than 2 years of experience) • Mid-Level Operators: $7,500 (for candidates with 2-5 years of experience) • Senior Operators: $10,000 (for candidates with over 5 years of experience)Signing Bonus payments of 50% at employment and 50% on the anniversary date ending year two of successful employment. Additional Vacation Accrual New Hires Externally Hired will receive an extra five (5) days up front at hire. This is in addition to the standard vacation accrual. Employees currently in the Utility Process Control Specialist - Plant Operator position are not eligible for the hiring incentives. The days and hours for this position: 6:00 pm - 6:00 am. Workdays will vary. Workdays, hours, and work location are all subject to change in the future due to transition to the Citys new water treatment plant. Shift reassignments will be made based on division seniority. Bargaining Unit: Service Employees International (SEIU) Employees within the department or division shall be given first consideration Examples of Work Performed Operates and monitors production, pumping, and distribution systems from a control center utilizing data from the Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and the Geographic Information System (GIS). Monitors and maintains flows and pressures within all systems, including making independent decisions regarding how to balance flows to basins and reservoirs to maintain water storage requirements. Monitors water levels in reservoirs and towers and makes appropriate pump changes. Collects water samples and performs basic chemical tests. Utilizes results to make process change decisions. 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 daily water consumption and production requirements. Operates and maintains a water treatment plant, including maintenance of equipment. Records information about plant performance on log sheets or computer databases. In charge of plant and staff when Shift Supervisor is not working. 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, Water Quality Specialists, and O&M Specialists. Requirements of Work Current and New hires to the division must be capable of achieving the following within two years of hire: Obtaining a Kansas Class IV Water Supply System certification Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to producing and distributing safe drinking water Thorough knowledge of the principles of specialized water treatment operations Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of pumps, chemical analyzers, and other equipment used in a water treatment plant, and ability to perform basic preventive maintenance on equipment. Ability to calculate flows and solution strengths. Ability to collect data and make decisions based on data from on-line analyzers. Ability to monitor, evaluate, and make decisions about SCADA information. Ability to utilize GIS data for decision making. Ability to interpret, validate, and analyze complex data. Basic understanding of the principals of biology and chemistry as they relate to water treatment. Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information Ability to tolerate exposure to airborne environmental nuisances associated with open grounds, exposure to chemicals used in water treatment, and equipment and machinery noise (with the use of earplugs). Ability to walk variable distances multiple times per shift and climb stairs and ladders and to bend, twist, push, pull and reach as necessary to evaluate equipment/instrumentation function Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds. Ability to exert up to 40 pounds of pressure to operate valves and fire hydrants. Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather. Ability to read and interpret technical manuals. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments and representatives of outside agencies Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas drivers license Ability to drive at night. Ability to be available for after-hour emergencies including on-call duties. An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace. Experience and Training Applicants must meet one of the following: Kansas Class IV Water Supply System Operator certification. OR Class II plus 6,000 hours of hands-on operations control experience (experience after receiving the Class II certification) at a surface water or softening treatment plant OR Class II plus 4,000 hours of hands-on operations control experience (experience after receiving the Class II certification) at a surface water or softening treatment plant that includes control of a distribution system Note - Out-of-state certification holders from large water utility / surface water treatment must complete the Kansas reciprocity process within six (6) months of hire. 2. High School Diploma. 3. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship. 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. Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement. 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. 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.pdfhttps://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdfhttps://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 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. 02 (PP) I have graduated with a four-year degree or higher in the following: Science Technology Engineering Math Closely related to the above My degree does not apply to any of the above I do not have a four-year degree 03 Which of the following best describes how you meet the certification and experience requirements for this position? I currently possess a Kansas Class IV Water Supply System Operator certification OR an equivalent out-of-state certification. I possess a Kansas Class II Water Supply System Operator certification OR an equivalent out-of-state certification AND have completed at least 6,000 hours of hands-on operations control experience at a surface water or softening treatment plant, gained after obtaining my Class II certification. I possess a Kansas Class II Water Supply System Operator certification, OR an equivalent out-of-state certification, AND have completed at least 4,000 hours of hands-on operations control experience at a surface water or softening treatment plant that also included control of a distribution system, gained after obtaining my Class II certification. I do not possess a Kansas Class IV or Class II Water Supply System Operator certification, nor an equivalent out-of-state certification, nor required hours of experience. 04 I have the following years of experience in water treatment or another position with oversight of a treatment, production, or distribution process: less than 1 year of experience 1 to 2 years experience 3 to 4 years experience 5 to 7 years experience 8+ years of experience I do not have experience in water treatment or another position with oversight of a treatment, production, or distribution process 05 Please list all water utility certification(s) you possess? Include certification type, class or level, and state or issuing agency 06 I have a valid drivers license. Yes No 07 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