Job Description

The City of Ottawa is currently recruiting for a Water Reclamation Operator I

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Utilities Superintendent - WRF, the WRF Operator I performs skilled and semi‑skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of the Water Reclamation Facility and lift station.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operate various types of motorized vehicles, equipment, pumps, motors, and related machinery.
• Collect samples at sources of supply and perform technical, bacteriological, and chemical examinations of raw, settled, and filtered sewage samples.
• Prepare and maintain equipment used for laboratory testing; keep accurate records of lab data.
• Inspect and maintain lift stations. Check equipment daily for proper operation, grease bearings, change filters, and troubleshoot/correct malfunctions.
• Prepare necessary written documentation and reports. Enter data on computerized spread sheets.
• Perform general building and grounds maintenance work; mow grass and remove snow/ice with Bobcat, snow blower, and/or shovel.
• Climb ladders/stairs to access remote areas of plant and lift stations.
• Maintain ultraviolet disinfection system: clean/replace lamp sleeves, lamps, plugs, ballasts, and sleeve wipers.
• Prepare waste sludge for transfer to landfill: reduce water content, convert from liquid to solid form, and set/operate belt press.

Ancillary Job Functions:

• Observe operation of plant equipment and ensure proper treatment of wastewater; make adjustments or repairs as needed.
• Notify Superintendent when supplies are needed.
• Serve on emergency call-in system.
• Comply with all City ordinances and practices.
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience : An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to three years of wastewater operator experience is preferred.
• Must progressively acquire Wastewater Operator certification by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment up to and including Class II within 12 months of the first eligibility date for obtaining a given certification level. Class IV certification preferred by five-year employment anniversary.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable by City’s carrier

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this position.

• Basic knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and biological systems.
• Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, chemicals, gases, and laboratory testing equipment.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment, pumps, and other related equipment.
• Ability to operate computer systems.
• Ability and willingness to work rotating and extended shifts.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously .
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.

Work Environment: Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places.
• May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, potentially hazardous bodily fluids, potentially hazardous or cancer-causing agents/chemicals, or loud noise levels.

Physical Abilities: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)

• Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.

• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity.
• Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand-eye coordination.
• Must be able to lift 100 or more pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Date Open: July 14, 2026

Date Closed:  August 14, 2026

Range: $21.12 to $29.57 per hour

Residency:  Regular full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of the Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire. 

E-Mail Confirmation: After your application has been received by the City of Ottawa, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Please check your SPAM filter or JUNK Mail. If you have not received confirmation within 48 hours of submitting your application, please call 785-229-3634 to verify application has been received. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 785-229-3634 or e-mail humanresources@ottawaks.gov.

Anyone with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 785-229-3634 at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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