Water Plant Operator II
Salary
$27.65 - $39.47 Hourly
Location
Whitefish City Hall, 418 E. Second Street, Whitefish, MT
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
2026-0017
Department
Public Works
Opening Date
06/23/2026
Closing Date
7/24/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
General Purpose
The City of Whitefish is actively recruiting for a full-time Water Plant Operator II to join our Public Works Department. We welcome your inquiries and encourage you to apply! If you have a passion for serving the public sector, this may be the perfect fit for you.
This position is covered under the AFSCME Local 2943 Collective Barganining Agreement and is a career ladder position that will allow for pay progression tied skills, abilities, education, certifications, and experience.
One of the fastest growing cities in Montana, Whitefish is consistently rated one of the best small towns in America and was named one of the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic. It is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and the base of Big Mountain - home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish also boasts over 36 miles of natural surface single-track mountain biking and hiking trails with 10 trailheads, golfing, world class dining, two professional live theater companies, and is only thirty minutes from Glacier National Park.
Benefits of working for the City of Whitefish include:
APPLY BY: It is in your best interest to submit your online application, resume, and cover letter by the Priority Deadline, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 5:00 pm. For assistance with online application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 406-863-2464 or email HR@cityofwhitefish.gov.
EOE-AA-M/F-VET-DISABILITY
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Performs a variety of skilled or semi-skilled technical work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the City water treatment, storage, distribution and systems to ensure high quality water supply and treatment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the direct supervision of the Chief Water Plant Operator or designated supervisor.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
This position does not include supervisory duties. However, the operator will, from time to time, be required to coordinate activities with other operators, maintenance workers and temporary help in the completion of assigned projects and maintenance duties.
Job Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are typical for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
This position serves an important role to the operations of the City and requires a consistent and dependable presence during office and plant hours. It is expected that every employee should be on time, fully prepared, every day that the employee is scheduled to work.
Conducts various field and laboratory water quality tests.
Inspects, installs, maintains and repairs equipment, buildings, grounds, water piping, meters, valves, and appurtenances as requested.
Initiates and maintains a variety of accurate records related to plant operations, laboratory tests, line locations, inspections and maintenance activities.
Responds to requests for assistance regarding water or sewer service problems, evaluates for solution, explains findings to supervisor or customer, repairs as requested or as necessary.
Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance of equipment, materials and tools. Refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. Participates in the Safety Program.
May be required to participate in call out schedules and emergency responses, work nonstandard varied shifts, or be available on a standby basis as necessary for the Public Works Department to meet its responsibilities
Performs other duties as assigned.
Desired Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and
Five (5) years' experience involving manual skills and exercising independent judgment including experience in water maintenance, pipe fitting or plumbing.
A driving record free of accidents and citations for moving violations for the previous five (5) years.
Hold current operator's certification for Water Treatment Class I, Water Distribution Class II, and Wastewater Treatment Class I.
An equivalent combination of education and experience as determined and approved by the Employer.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Technical knowledge of water distribution and treatment systems; skills in the use of laboratory equipment normally associated with water quality control tests. Must possess, maintain and exercise a thorough knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, policies and practices governing community water systems. Working knowledge of EPA Discharge Permits, and Montana Public Works Specifications. Ability to understand engineering drawings.
Skill in operation of the tools and equipment listed below.
Ability to work productively; to exercise efficiency with time and materials; to perform manual tasks for extended periods of time; to work safely; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other employees, supervisors, other departments and the public; understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid State of Montana commercial motor vehicle operators license Class B Type II. Current operator's certification for Water Treatment Class I, Water Distribution Class II, and Wastewater Treatment Class IC.
Supplemental Information
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Motorized vehicles and equipment including, but not necessarily limited to, pickup truck, utility truck, pumps, mixers, blowers, compressors, sanders, generators, jetter/truck, common hand and power tools, mobile radio, telephone, smart phone and/or tablet, computer, fax, copier, various laboratory equipment, dump truck, backhoe, loader, forklift, tamper, plate compactor, and saws.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit; and smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to or more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, straight ahead vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Whitefish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The City of Whitefish does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, creed, political idea, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity and/or expression in its hiring or employment practices.
The City of Whitefish provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Employer City of Whitefish
Address PO BOX 158
Whitefish, Montana, 59937
Phone 406-863-2407
Website http://www.cityofwhitefish.gov