Wastewater Operator

About the role

The City of Katy is seeking a dependable and motivated Wastewater Operator to join our Public Works – Wastewater team. This essential position is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining the City's wastewater treatment facilities to ensure safe, efficient operations and compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in wastewater treatment operations, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to maintaining high environmental and safety standards.

This position is designated as critical infrastructure personnel and may be required to respond during emergencies, natural disasters, or catastrophic events to support the continuity of essential City services. The work is primarily performed outdoors in varying environmental conditions and requires physical stamina and the ability to safely operate in industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Monitors plant to verify equipment is functioning properly; maintains equipment; switches pumps; cleans blower filters; checks oil levels; organizes sludge removal with sludge hauling companies.
• Coordinates with labs for sample dates and frequency; conducts in-house sampling to include chlorine and ammonia samples.
• Completes State required paperwork; oversees the Storm Water Prevention Plan.
• Assists with the maintenance and repair of collection systems, lift stations, sewer lines, and man holes.
• Performs duties as Critical Personnel during natural or manmade disasters and/or catastrophic events, which may include services or duties outside the usual scope of this position.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; AND one (1) year of wastewater treatment experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class C license.
• Valid State Driver's License; Class B Commercial Driver's license may be required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Department policies and procedures.
• Methods, materials, and procedures used in the repair and maintenance of wastewater treatment.
• City geography, limits, and streets.
• TCEQ regulations.
• Safety policies, procedures, regulations, and practices.
• Following written and oral instructions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Identifying and correcting potential safety hazards.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

Majority of work is performed outdoors and throughout wastewater treatment areas. This position requires:

• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Working in conditions that may include moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, and intense noises.