WATER PLANT OPERATOR I
Utilities Department

The Water Plant Operator I role at the City of Salina is a pivotal position within the Utilities Department. This exciting opportunity involves skilled work in operating an advanced water treatment plant, which is crucial to ensuring the community has access to clean & safe water. The Water Plant Operator I is at the heart of sustaining Salina's vital water infrastructure, directly contributing to the community's health & well-being. This position is a rewarding & highly impactful role offering a meaningful career path.

Career Advancement: Water Plant Operator II, Senior Plant Operator

On-the-Job Training: Training is performed by experienced staff, aimed at equipping new operators with crucial skills & knowledge. This training emphasizes the operation & maintenance of advanced water treatment systems, catering to the unique requirements of the plant. Trainees learn through hands-on experience, guided by seasoned operators who share insights & best practices gained from years of service.

Duties: 
· Performs skilled work in the operation of an advanced water treatment plant, distribution system.
· Works varied shifts including 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., including some weekends.
· Keeps daily logs of shift operations; utilizes monitoring equipment & maintains records.
· Draws samples for laboratory analysis.
· Performs preventive maintenance on equipment.
· Performs custodial work such as cleaning, painting & mowing.
· Receives & addresses customer concerns.
· Performs overtime as needed & other duties as assigned.

Education: 
· High school diploma or G.E.D.
· Kansas Class I Water Supply System Operator Certificate or must obtain within two (2) years from employment start date.

Experience: 
· Two (2) years of mechanical & electrical equipment maintenance, or related work preferred.

Requirements: 
· Must live within 40 minutes response time.
· Must possess valid Kansas driver’s license.

Work Type: 
· Heavy, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
· Heavy lifting & manual labor.

Equipment: 
· Computer, hand & power tools, Lockout/Tag-out equipment, telephone, test equipment, trucks, & vehicles.

Hours: 
· Works on shift: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.; 12:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
· Includes some weekends.

Starting Pay DOQ: 
· $23.99-25.19/hr.
· $49,899-52,395/yr.
· Additional $1.50/hour paid for hours worked after 6:00 p.m. & before 6:00 a.m.

Paid Time Off:
• 48 hours of vacation available upon hire; additional 48 hours earned during the year (96 hours in first year).
• 96 hours of sick leave during first year.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug-Free Workplace: We consider applicants for all jobs without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or familial status.  Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the Human Resources Department at 785-309-5710.

TH 07/17/2025