Wastewater Facility Operator

Our Public Works Department is looking for a Wastewater Facility Operator to join our team at the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility. In this role, you’ll be directly responsible for protecting the environmental health of our community.

As a Wastewater Facility Operator, you will perform a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor necessary to operate and maintain the City of Durango’s wastewater treatment plant. You’ll handle inspections, collect and analyze water samples, and ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. Your work will also include operating and repairing facility vehicles, machinery, and equipment. 

We prioritize continuous learning and career development, offering all Wastewater Facility Operators eligibility for our Public Works Pay for Certification Program. This program supports your advancement through two education tracks, including wastewater treatment and an additional discipline, plus other individual certifications applicable to your job duties and career path.
 

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Conduct thorough inspections and monitor operations at the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility using equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
• Operate and adjust pumps, motors, feeders and specialized equipment to maintain Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) permit compliance.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and reports and input data into computer systems.
• Collect, analyze, and record water samples; report results according to federal, state, and city standards.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on facility machinery and equipment, including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, and reservoirs.
• Operate pickup trucks, forklifts, Bobcat skid steer loaders, and snow removal equipment to maintain plant access and cleanliness of the facility.
• Respond to emergency callouts as required and respond to public inquiries and complaints.
• Load chemicals and adjust treatment rates.
• Collect water and wastewater samples and perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; conduct water quality tests for pH, alkalinity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and other assigned analyses to make recommendations for adjustments.
• Monitor system flows for all lift stations in the collection system using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software.

You Have:

•  Equivalent to completion of high school or GED.
• Two years of experience in wastewater operations and maintenance, chemistry, biology, statistical analysis, basic electric work, woodworking, welding, or landscaping.
• The ability to obtain Colorado Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification A within 6 years of hire date.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment methods and techniques for safe river discharge.
• Proficiency in semi-skilled maintenance and repairs on assigned vehicles, equipment, and wastewater systems.
• The ability to safely operate mechanical equipment, work in various weather conditions, and establish effective working relationships.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.   
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.  
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.  
• Long-term disability coverage. 
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). 
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area. 
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being. 
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.  
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.  
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.