Utility Operator, Operator l, Operator ll

City of Soldotna•Soldotna Waste Water Treatment Plant, AK

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Soldotna has an immediate opening in its Utility Department for a Utility Operator. Hiring may be at Operator (Range 13, $31.30–$43.83), Operator I (Range 14, $33.17–$46.45), or Operator II (Range 15, $35.72–$50.03), depending on qualifications and experience. The position is open until filled, with the first review of applicants on 11/20/2026. Under the general direction and supervision of the Utility Department Manager or designee, the operator handles recurring operations and maintenance for Soldotna’s wastewater and water treatment plants and its distribution and collection systems. Work includes operating facilities to meet State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permits and regulations, troubleshooting and repairing equipment, collecting and analyzing samples, maintaining records, supporting inventory and procurement, and conducting tours. The operator may also perform facility grounds maintenance and assist other City departments. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, with some holidays and an on-call rotation that includes some weekend work. Weekly schedules are prepared as needed and may include shift work, defined as late-night, early-morning, and/or weekend hours. Work takes place at treatment plants, in the field, and in an office. Conditions can include extreme temperatures and weather, noise and vibration, chemicals, and occasional repairs in confined spaces. Safety equipment and training are provided. The City is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and made without discrimination on the bases listed in the posting.

Requirements

Operator: High school diploma or GED.
Operator: Obtain provisional certification from the State of Alaska DEC in at least one of the four utility facility types within 12 months of hire.
Operator and Operator I: Hold a valid Alaska driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
Operator and Operator I: Achieve the next level of State of Alaska DEC certifications for treatment, distribution, collection, and wastewater treatment within six months of acquiring the required operating hours and education; continue until reaching the certification level of the facilities being operated.
Operator I: Meet all Operator requirements and hold a Level I State of Alaska DEC certification in one utility facility type: wastewater treatment, water treatment, distribution, or collection.
Operator II: Meet all Operator I requirements and hold one of the following State of Alaska DEC certifications: Level III Wastewater Collection, Level II Water Distribution, or Level III Wastewater Treatment.
Operator II: Hold a valid Class B Alaska Commercial Driver’s License and maintain a good driving record.
Operator II: The City will verify CDL status through the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Applicants with prior violations may be ineligible unless they provide satisfactory documentation of successful completion of the Department of Transportation Return-to-Duty process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on a negative pre-employment drug test.
Use mathematical skills applicable to water and wastewater operations.
Be able to work in treatment plants, in the field, and in an office, with exposure to extreme temperatures and weather, noise and vibration, chemicals, and occasional confined-space repairs.
Perform the physical demands required to carry out the essential functions of the job; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Dependability.
Problem-solving ability.
Positive attitude.
Good communication skills.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Willingness to learn.
An equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions may be considered for Operator I and Operator II.

Responsibilities

Operate wastewater and water treatment plants to meet State of Alaska DEC permits and operate distribution and collection systems to meet DEC regulations.
Troubleshoot equipment and make necessary repairs; inform the Utility Manager about plant or system performance, required repairs, and equipment out of service.
Operate collection, distribution, well, and wastewater treatment equipment, including pumps, presses, screens, grit-handling systems, flumes, clarifiers, aeration basins, blowers, chlorination and ultraviolet disinfection equipment, digesters, conveyors, dump trucks, a vactor truck, and standby power plants.
Keep equipment clean and operable.
Participate in procurement decisions for parts and supplies; assist with custody and accounting procedures, conduct periodic inventories, and prepare inventory reports.
Apply technical knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, systems, sampling, testing, and regulations; stay informed about treatment technologies, methods, and best available technology.
Use knowledge of electrical, instrumentation, plumbing, and mechanical systems relevant to the water and wastewater industry.
Use gas and air monitoring equipment and follow safety policies and guidelines.
Operate computers to input data and retrieve information; read and apply written instructions and work with limited or general supervision.
Conduct private and public tours of wastewater, wells, distribution, and collection systems.
Perform related assigned work, including grounds maintenance, and assist other City departments as needed.
Collect samples and perform laboratory analyses, including pH, temperature, chlorine residuals, total suspended solids, settleable solids, volatile solids, fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand.
Log analyses, maintain accurate records, interpret data for process-control decisions, enter data into a computer database, and practice quality control.
Calculate mean cell residence time, sludge volume index, detention time, BOD, F/M ratio, loading rates, gallons to pounds, mg/L to ug/L, chemical dosages, and sludge age.
Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.