Wastewater Plant Operator I/II

City of Sparks•City of Sparks, NV

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sparks is seeking to hire multiple Wastewater Plant Operators at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF). TMWRF operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Schedules are assigned through a shift-bid process, and selected shifts may vary depending on operational needs. This posting will close on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, construction, engineering, environmental science, manufacturing, science, or a closely related field.
OR High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in water or wastewater treatment, mechanical maintenance, operations, manufacturing or industrial equipment, plumbing, construction, storm drain maintenance, collection system maintenance, septic pumping service, or another field related directly to the essential functions of this position.
Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Operator-in-Training Wastewater Operator certificate.
Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a forklift certification.
Must possess within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Grade I Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate.
Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, construction, engineering, environmental science, manufacturing, science, or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience equivalent to the City’s class of Wastewater Operator I.
OR High School Diploma or equivalent and four (4) years of experience in water or wastewater treatment, mechanical maintenance, operations, manufacturing or industrial equipment, plumbing, construction, storm drain maintenance, collection system maintenance, septic pumping service, or another field related, in which two (2) years of experience is at a level equivalent to the City’s class of Wastewater Plant Operator I.
Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Grade II Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate.
Knowledge of principles and practices of primary, secondary, and tertiary wastewater treatment, wastewater sampling and standard process control tests
Knowledge of safety rules, codes and regulations pertaining to the work
Knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling hazardous chemicals and basic preventive maintenance and general shop procedures and techniques
Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles related to a wastewater treatment system
Knowledge of shop math
Knowledge of treatment plant facilities discharge permitting
Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to, Microsoft Office
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during work
Ability to exercise sound judgment within general policy guidelines
Ability to train others in work procedures
Requires ability to work in a chemical and biological industrial environment which includes any chemicals used in the biological wastewater treatment process.
Duties require sufficient vision, hearing and manual dexterity to perform assigned duties and sufficient strength and stamina to climb stairways and ladders, walk and stand for extended periods of time and to maneuver hoses and other equipment and tools.
Must be willing to wear and work in self-contained breathing apparatus.

Nice To Haves

People who come to Sparks, stay in Sparks.

Responsibilities

Perform routine operational duties, preventive maintenance on the full range of plant equipment for the continuous operation of a tertiary wastewater treatment plant.
Operate pumps, valves and other equipment via flow controllers, hand, or mechanical means to regulate the flow of wastewater through primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes.
Maintain an even flow to ensure maximum efficiency of plant equipment and processes.
Take samples of wastewater, scum, grit, sludge, and other materials at established times.
Conduct standardized control tests.
Interpret process control tests and notify supervisor as necessary.
Read meters, gauges, charts, and instruments.
Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems using complex computer systems.
Operate, monitor, and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical, and hydraulic processes at a wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities.
Operate, adjust, and maintain chemical feed and co-generation equipment to ensure compliance within established standards.
Perform recordkeeping functions such as logging plant operations, test results, maintenance work performed and unusual operating conditions encountered.
Interpret plant piping and distribution diagrams.
Maintain records associated with plant operations, timekeeping, goals and safety training.
Prepare special oral and written reports as required.
Maintain adequate stock levels, requisition materials and supplies.
Inspect plant facilities and equipment; recognize inefficient, unusual or dangerous operating conditions; report any failures or operating difficulties and take corrective action as needed.
Initiate work orders and requests for equipment repairs.
Stop and start equipment as required for repairs, preventative maintenance and rehabilitation work.
Perform routine maintenance on wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities, buildings, equipment, and grounds.
Duties include cleaning, servicing and operating equipment; painting and housekeeping tasks.
Use common hand and power tools.
Drive or operate motor vehicles, forklifts, portable pumping equipment and all other specialized equipment as needed to achieve assigned objectives.
Operate all treatment plant vehicles skillfully and safely.
Observe safe driving practices.
Observe safe work methods and adhere to all safety practices and policies at the treatment plant, including but not limited to: lock-out-tag out procedures, confined space entry, blood borne pathogen awareness, arc-flash awareness and respiratory protection.
Always use appropriate safety equipment, inspect and maintain assigned work areas.
Correct or report safety hazards as necessary.
Safely receive supplies and offload chemicals delivered and ensure that they are properly stored.
Attend safety meetings as required.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and other duties which may be assigned.
Implement operating schedules and procedures to meet changing conditions and to ensure safe, effective, efficient and legal plant operation.
Analyze and recommend improved methods and procedures.
Direct and provide work instruction to less experienced operators during an assigned shift.