Water Pollution Control Plant Operator

City of Davenport • Davenport, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision performs work of routine difficulty operating a wastewater treatment plant facility; and performs related work as required. The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefit package. The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2026 and starts on first day of employment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and mechanical aptitude.
• Must obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment a CDL Class B license with air brake endorsement.
• Must be able to pass the City of Davenport's background check and prescribed physical.
• Must reside in Iowa or Illinois within two (2) years of hire and maintain residency throughout the duration of employment.
• Plant Operators will be required to obtain an Iowa Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification within the first year of employment.
• Plant Operators hired after 7/1/11 must obtain within 4 years of hire and maintain throughout employment an Iowa Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification.
• Knowledge of: The function and service requirements of sewage plant machinery and equipment.
• Knowledge of: Processes involved in the treatment and disposal of sewage and treatment of water.
• Knowledge of: The hazards of the work and safety precautions to be taken.
• Knowledge of: The use of chemicals in the treatment of effluents and activated sludge.
• Skill in: Inspecting machinery and mechanical equipment and detecting flaws and defects in operation.
• Working skill in: Reading and interpreting from control gauges the operating status of plant equipment.
• Working skill in: Keeping records and making reports.

Nice To Haves

• Upon completion of the Grade II certification, Plant Operator will move to the pay grade of a Plant Operator Grade II.

Responsibilities

• Maintains proper flow of sewage through plant; monitors gauges and equipment, operates treatment plant equipment including pump, valves, and engines.
• Takes sewage and sludge samples and performs some analysis, records gauge readings, checks temperatures, gas usage, amounts pumped, pressures, and processing times and records information on daily report sheets.
• Checks and maintains the plant and grounds; cleans up work areas and floors; cleans; paints, cleans plant vehicles and inspects plant for unsafe conditions, such as malfunctioning parts, lack of oil, etc.
• Operates large endloaders and dump trucks to remove solids from the treatment plant.
• Performs minor preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Engages positively in formal and informal exchange of knowledge and skills.
• Operates treatment plant equipment including pumps, valves, engines, small hand tools, belt filter presses, rake drives, conveyors and augers.
• Operates large endloaders, skid steers and dump trucks to remove solids from the treatment plant.
• Able to use ladders provided to access equipment and tanks as needed.
• Able to work in all kinds of weather (inside and outside).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Prescription coverage
• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 6.5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to Teamsters)
• 13 paid holidays
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commercial Driver's License training upon hire

What This Job Offers

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