Wastewater Treatment System Operator

Kimley-Horn • Mesa, AZ

3d

About The Position

Kimley-Horn is seeking a Certified Wastewater Treatment System Operator near Chandler, Arizona, to join its Water and Wastewater team. This full-time role operates and monitors wastewater treatment processes and related facilities to maintain compliance with permits and operational targets. The operator performs process-control sampling and basic laboratory testing, interprets results, and adjusts operations and chemical dosing as needed. The position also involves equipment inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, alarm response, recordkeeping, safety participation, and support for operating procedures, optimization, and audits. The role participates in an after-hours, holiday, and on-call rotation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least an ADEQ Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certification, or equivalent certification from a reciprocal jurisdiction, at the time of application.
• Two years of experience operating and maintaining water and/or wastewater treatment plants and related facilities.
• Strong documentation habits and comfort with math and process calculations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor treatment processes and systems, including headworks, aeration/anoxic basins, MBR, screw press sludge dewatering, UV disinfection, pump stations, odor control, and SCADA, to maintain permit compliance and operating targets.
• Perform process-control sampling and basic laboratory testing, including pH, DO, TSS, settleability, chlorine residual, and turbidity as applicable; interpret results and adjust operations and chemical dosing.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and rounds, identify abnormal conditions, and take corrective action.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process issues and coordinate repairs with maintenance staff and/or contractors.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks such as lubrication, cleaning, and calibration checks, and maintain housekeeping and safety standards.
• Respond to alarms and operational upsets and participate in the after-hours, holiday, and on-call rotation.
• Maintain accurate shift logs, work orders, chemical usage records, meter readings, and compliance documentation.
• Follow safety programs and participate in training and safety meetings.
• Support SOP updates, optimization initiatives, and audits and inspections.

Benefits

• Retirement plan with a 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary plus bonus) and an additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Student loan matching in the 401(k) and performance-based bonuses.
• Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• New Parent Leave, family-building benefits, and childcare resources.

What This Job Offers

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