Plant Maintenance Technician or Operator - Utility Maintenance (Hiring Incentive: $1,000)

City of Lewisville, TX • Lisle, IL

11d • $48,094 - $65,259

About The Position

The City of Lewisville is hiring for a utility maintenance role in which applicants may be hired as either a Plant Maintenance Technician or Plant Operator, depending on their qualifications, education, and prior experience. Both positions support the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities and related systems.

The Plant Maintenance Technician is an entry-level Operator-in-Training role performed under direct supervision. The technician assists with routine maintenance, equipment monitoring, recordkeeping, and emergency response at water and wastewater plants, pump and lift stations, and distribution and collection systems. This position requires obtaining a Class D Water license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within six months of hire. Technicians who receive a D license may promote to Plant Operator.

The Plant Operator operates and monitors processing equipment and machinery and performs maintenance and repairs to equipment and facilities. The role includes maintaining utility maintenance records and responding to hazardous chemical leaks, including situations requiring an oxygen breathing apparatus. Operators work under general supervision and must obtain the applicable Class D water or wastewater certificate within six months and Class C certificate within two years of hire.

The scheduled hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may also be required to participate in an on-call rotation and work outside scheduled hours, including Fridays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The role is primarily field-based, with some work in an office environment, and involves exposure to weather, noise, chemicals, and mechanical or electrical hazards. Salary ranges are $48,094–$53,032 for Technician and $50,499–$65,259 for Operator. A $1,000 hiring incentive is available to new hires, paid as a lump sum on the first full paycheck following hire.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Technician: One year of facilities maintenance or mechanical repair experience is preferred; demonstrated mechanical knowledge and competency are strongly preferred.
• Operator: One year of experience in water treatment, electrical, mechanical, technical, general utility construction, or a related field.
• Technician: Obtain a Class D Water license from TCEQ within six months of hire.
• Operator: Obtain the applicable Class D Water or wastewater Certificate of Competency from TCEQ within six months of hire and the applicable Class C certificate within two years of hire.
• Possess a valid Texas Class C driver’s license (or higher for Technician) and maintain a good driving record; the position requires driving. Operator applicants lacking the proper Texas license or class may obtain it within ten working days after a job offer.
• Pass the required criminal background check, pre-employment drug test, and position-specific medical/physical or job placement assessments.
• Technician: Be available for overtime, on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Operator: Be available to work during emergency operations, including preparation for and recovery from prolonged emergency operations as directed.
• Demonstrate basic mechanical knowledge, including electricity, pumps and motors, blowers, drives, belts, and equipment maintenance; knowledge of applicable chemistry and mathematics; and computer skills.
• Learn and apply knowledge of water or wastewater treatment processes, equipment, controls, instrumentation, and hydraulics; interpret charts, flow diagrams, manuals, and instructions; and follow safety procedures and standard operating procedures.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, work with others respectfully, attend work regularly, and perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Meet the physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, including frequent field walking, hiking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects up to 100 pounds; daily lifting is typically 50–75 pounds.
• Technician: Obtain additional relevant licenses as required and be willing to pursue them.

Nice To Haves

• Technician: Field-related vocational training or mechanical-field certifications are strongly preferred.
• Operator: Preference is given to applicants with water or wastewater treatment trainee experience or an existing Class C or B Water or wastewater Certificate of Competency.
• Technician: One year of facilities maintenance or mechanical repair experience and demonstrated mechanical competency are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine repairs, cleaning, and inspections of buildings, structures, equipment, fans, and blowers.
• Learn and assist with mechanical repairs and adjustments under supervision (Technician).
• Assist with operating and monitoring processing equipment and machinery, following directions to support safe and efficient operation (Technician).
• Maintain maintenance records, work orders, standard operating procedures, manuals, and equipment maintenance logs; document maintenance activities accurately.
• Support senior technicians or operators responding to hazardous chemical leaks and emergency procedures; Operators respond and take appropriate action, including using an oxygen breathing apparatus when required.
• Operate and monitor processing equipment and machinery (Operator).
• Initiate operational changes based on calculations, process-variable monitoring, test procedures, and independent judgment (Operator).
• Perform routine maintenance, inspections, mechanical repairs, adjustments, and overhauls of pumps, reduction gear, and variable-speed drive units (Operator).
• Perform other related duties as assigned (Operator).

Benefits

• $1,000 hiring incentive for new hires, paid as a lump sum on the first full paycheck following the hire date.
• Step-based pay plans tied to licenses and certifications, with salary progression as additional required licenses or certifications are obtained.
• Operator: A 5% increase upon receiving a Class C license.
• Employee referral bonus program eligibility for current employees, subject to successful hiring and completion of the referred candidate’s three-month performance plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED