Water Treatment Operator

Kimley-Horn • Mesa, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Kimley-Horn is seeking a Water Treatment System Operator near Chandler, AZ with 2+ years of experience to join their Water and Wastewater team. This is a full-time role for a Certified Water Treatment System Operator. The operator will be responsible for operating and monitoring treatment processes to maintain EPA and Tribal compliance and operating targets. This includes performing process control sampling, basic lab testing, interpreting results, and adjusting operations and chemical dosing. The role also involves conducting routine equipment inspections, troubleshooting issues, performing preventive maintenance, and maintaining housekeeping and safety standards. The operator will respond to alarms, maintain accurate logs and documentation, follow safety programs, and support SOP updates and audits. Communication with clients and stakeholders, as well as mentoring junior operators, are key aspects of the position.

Requirements

• A High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 1 – 4 Water Treatment Plant Operator's Certification (or equivalent certification from a reciprocal jurisdiction) at time of application.
• A minimum of two years of experience in the operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater treatment plants and related facilities.
• Strong documentation habits and comfort with math/process calculations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with clients and regulatory contacts.
• Experience or willingness to mentor junior operators and support their development.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor treatment processes (e.g., pump stations, cartridge filters, granular activated carbon, RO, disinfection, and SCADA) to maintain EPA and Tribal compliance and operating targets.
• Perform process control sampling and basic lab testing (e.g., pH, Alkalinity, TDS, chlorine residual, SDI, turbidity as applicable); interpret results and adjust operations and chemical dosing accordingly.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections/rounds; identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
• Troubleshoot mechanical/electrical/process issues; coordinate repairs with maintenance staff and/or contractors.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks (lubrication, cleaning, calibration checks) and maintain housekeeping and safety standards.
• Respond to alarms and operational upsets; participate in after-hours/holiday/on-call rotation.
• Maintain accurate shift logs, work orders, chemical usage, meter readings, and compliance documentation.
• Follow safety programs and participate in training and safety meetings.
• Support SOP updates, optimization initiatives, and audits/inspections.
• Communicate professionally with clients and stakeholders on system status, findings, and compliance; adapt messaging for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior operators and trainees on equipment, safe practices, and process control; assist supervisors in evaluating progress.

Benefits

• 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and 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 our 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED