| Location | Athens, GA |
| Salary | $40,721–$50,933 Per Year |
Water Reclamation Operator I / II
Salary
$40,721.00 - $50,933.00 Annually
Location
Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility - 400 Will Hunter Road, Athens, GA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2026-03942
Department
Public Utilities
Division
WRF I
Opening Date
09/08/2026
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
REPORTS TO: Water Reclamation Operator Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a twelve-month probationary period.
PAYGRADE: 111 / 112 depending on qualifications
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes - Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Alcohol and Drug Ordinance.
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to perform technical/manual work functions associated with operating a water pollution control plant and assisting in maintenance of plant facilities. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, monitoring the water treatment process; collecting and testing water samples; monitoring equipment performance; performing preventive maintenance; maintaining records; and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE: Coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, with 3 shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Possible shifts: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m./ 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m./ or 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACCs safe driving policy.
Emergency Position
This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire, or other forced evacuations, as determined by the Manager.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Operator I: ($40,721 - $48,508 depending on qualifications)
High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain an appropriate state certified license for wastewater treatment within one year of date of hire.
Valid drivers license.
One year of wastewater treatment experience preferred.
Operator II: ($42,757 - $50,933 depending on qualifications)
High school diploma or equivalent required; with two years of experience in wastewater treatment facility maintenance or operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess a state certified Class II license for wastewater treatment.
Valid drivers license.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Monitors treatment processes; makes necessary adjustments as indicated by current conditions.
Collects wastewater samples; performs standard tests such as dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, pH, and chlorine residual.
Monitors performance of machinery and equipment used to control the treatment process.
Operates/tends pumps, blowers, feed pumps, centrifuges, dry and wet chemical feeders, aerators, telescopic settings, wet well pumps, and other equipment used to decontaminate wastewater.
Checks lift stations to ensure proper treatment of wastewater.
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment.
Performs routine cleaning of equipment, machinery, building, work areas and grounds.
Maintains daily log and record of samples, test results, and changes in plant operations.
Maintains inventory.
Operates a computer system to record data.
Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports or other documents; processes and forwards as appropriate.
Participates in safety meetings.
Feeds hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals to plant process systems.
Performs other related duties as required.
May be assigned as shift leader as determined by Management:
Develop plant cleanup schedule for their respective shift.
Assist Plant Supervisor in documenting information for use in Employee Performance Evaluations.
Ensure all appropriate samples are taken and chemicals are added for their respective shift.
Fill in as extra operator for vacations, sickness, etc. as required on their respective shift.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Public Utilities Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Water Reclamation Operator.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of state and local wastewater treatment guidelines and procedures, departmental policies and procedures, and other procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.
Knowledge of plant operations, wastewater treatment processes, lift station operations, and safety procedures.
Knowledge of mathematics, basic chemistry, and microbiology.
Knowledge and skill to operate water pollution control equipment (e.g., microwave solids analyzer, chlorinator, samplers, pumps, blowers, feed pumps, centrifuges, dry and wet chemical feeders, aerators, telescopic settings, wet well pumps, compressors, heaters, screens, calculator, etc.).
Knowledge and skill to operate a computer and various software programs relevant to the position.
Skill in plant operations, maintenance/repair of lift stations, and reading of various meters.
Skill in the use of basic tools (e.g., packing tools, socket wrenches, screwdrivers, meters, gauges, power tools, mechanic tools, hand tools, etc.).
Skill in operating mowing and landscaping equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members. Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
Supplemental Information
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a microwave solids analyzer, chlorinator, samplers, pumps, blowers, feed pumps, centrifuges, dry and wet chemical feeders, aerators, telescopic settings, wet well pumps, compressors, heaters, screens, calculator, computer, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of medium work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of flow charts, informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare charts, logs, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative or technical languages including wastewater treatment and mechanical/maintenance terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; calculate decimals/percentages; interpret graphs; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots, and polynomials.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a variety of machinery and equipment including a microwave solids analyzer, chlorinator, samplers, pumps, blowers, feed pumps, centrifuges, dry and wet chemical feeders, aerators, telescopic settings, wet well pumps, compressors, heaters, screens, calculator, computer, etc.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using equipment. Requires the ability to lift, bend, push, pull, manipulate equipment/tools and objects as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated machinery and equipment, laboratory equipment, testing materials, hand tools, mechanic tools, and office supplies. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 orleah.jagatic@accgov.com.
Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well-established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.
Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.
Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.
As an Employer of Choice, we offer:
Health
Wellness
Family and Career
Time
Money
Protection
To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.
BENEFITS
http://www.accgov.com/434/Benefits
WELLNESS
http://www.accgov.com/wellness
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
http://www.accgov.com/index.aspx?nid=791
01
Which best describes your highest level of education?
02
Please indicate your level of experience in a water/wastewater utility/treatment environment.
03
Do you possess an appropriate state-certified license for wastewater treatment?
04
If you chose "yes" for having a state-certified license, please specify the type of license you hold.
05
Do you possess a valid Drivers License?
Required Question
Employer Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County
Address 375 Satula Avenue
Human Resources Department
Athens, Georgia, 30601
Phone 706-613-3090
Website http://www.accgov.com