Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Salary

$34.04 - $41.75 Hourly

Location

Grand Island, NE

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

9750-1026

Department

Public Works

Division

Waste Water Treatment Plant

Opening Date

11/03/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Perform skilled and specialized tasks in the operation and maintenance of the Citys Wastewater Treatment Plant; assist in process control work; lead wastewater treatment plant operators and perform a variety of other duties and responsibilities, primarily on the night shift, involved in providing Wastewater Treatment Plant services for the City.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the lead class in the Wastewater Plant Operator series. Employees at this level are assigned more complex work than the Wastewater Plant Operator I/II level, receive instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level II, or when filled from the outside, must possess a DWEE Class IV Wastewater Operator Certification and have prior plant operations experience.

Essential Functions

Display a willingness to assume and visibly demonstrate mentoring and coaching, role modeling and leadership to staff members by recognizing and developing talent.

Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.

Evaluate process parameters and make suggestions to optimize the operation of the plant.

Assist with and troubleshoot process problems and provide recommendations to the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor for problem solving.

Assist with wastewater treatment plant operations and training operations personnel; work with trainees to correct deficiencies; assist with providing guidance throughout the performance of all duties.

Report plant problems to the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor consult with supervisor to convey the needs of the treatment plant.

Assist with regular inspections of the treatment plant and processes; perform readings of equipment and chemical levels.

Collect wastewater samples; perform laboratory tests on wastewater samples as necessary; determine wastewater quality and wastewater characterization and adjust accordingly after reviewing with the supervisor.

Maintain various records; clean and maintain plant facilities and grounds; implement work orders in a timely manner; notify plant maintenance staff of problems requiring their attention.

Maintain a log of wastewater treatment plant operations.

Assist the Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor in preparing Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator schedules. Specifically, the night shift schedule.

Provide Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator shift fill-in as needed.

Follow up on assigned work to ensure it is completed in an efficient and effective manner.

Assist Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor with updating the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for wastewater treatment plant operations.

Record influent and effluent flows; monitor flow charts and gauges; consult with supervisor to adjust and maintain flows as needed for proper treatment.

Maintain computerized databases of information regarding wastewater treatment plant operations and process control; input data needed for reports; produce various reports as requested.

Elevated understanding of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.

Monitor pumps, blowers, and UV disinfection; monitor readings on all plant equipment.

Compute daily averages on chemical and flow levels and laboratory results; submit averages to supervisory staff.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Activated Sludge Process in Wastewater Treatment.

Advanced wastewater treatment processes.

Safe work practices.

Advanced applications involved in wastewater treatment.

Report preparation.

Properties and characteristics of chemicals utilized in the wastewater treatment process and laboratory operations.

All working components of the wastewater treatment plant and proper working order.

Methods and techniques of chemical analysis.

Proper laboratory testing procedures.

Principles and practices of wastewater treatment plant operations.

Operation and use of various plant related equipment and tools.

Modern office procedures, methods and equipment, including a computer.

Chemistry, biology and mathematics.

Different treatment processes and potential problems in wastewater treatment plant operations.

Various permits required by regulatory agencies for wastewater treatment plant operations.

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Train assigned staff.

Perform equipment and chemical adjustments according to equipment readings.

Recognize and troubleshoot problems relative to wastewater treatment process operation and take necessary corrective action.

Operate a variety of plant machinery, equipment including SCADA system, computers and tools.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Recognize different processes and potential problems in wastewater treatment.

Maintain various records, charts and logs.

Start up or shut down wastewater treatment plant operations.

Work under strict rules and guidelines as set forth by regulatory agencies.

Test, analyze and interpret various processes occurring within the plant.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

At least three (3) years of experience working in a wastewater treatment plant.

Eighteen (18) months of experience equivalent to that of a Wastewater Plant Operator holding a Class IV Wastewater Operator's certificate for the City of Grand Island.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by additional specialized training in wastewater treatment or a related field.

License or Certification:

Employee must possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier. Click here to view our driver eligibility requirements.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class IV Nebraska Wastewater Operators certificate within 6 months of hire.

Working Hours:

Will work four consecutive 9 hour night shifts followed by one 4 hour night shift.

Position is required to be on-call.

Salary:

Position will start at the entry level of the Citys salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.

Other:

Candidates are subject to a background check.

Rates Effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change.

This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options: a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employers group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available.

The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan: ($3400/$5900 deductible)

• Employee only $ 29.78
• Employee 2/4 $ 85.22
• Employee and Family $173.97

The semi-monthly premiums for the Traditional PPO Plan: ($1000/$2000 deductible)

• Employee only $121.30
• Employee 2/4 $228.04
• Employee and Family $354.90

DENTAL INSURANCE: Delta Dental coverage provided to employee and dependents. The employee is responsible for a portion of the premium. $5.31 for Single, $10.49 for Emp. 2/4 or $21.78 for Family semi-monthly.

VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.

LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.

RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan: 7.5% of gross earnings matched by the City. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City.

DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow you to make pre-tax contributions up to $23,500/ year.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employees salary should he/she becomes disabled.

CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare.

VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Health reimbursement plan to be used for post-employment medical expenses. Contributions of $20 per pay period are made by the City.

PAID VACATION: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments. Upon completion of the 6-month introductory period an employee is eligible to take 40 hours of vacation time. The employee will accrue an additional 40 hours in the first 6 months following the introductory period. (84 hours in year 2- 4; 118 hours in years 5 - 9; 136 hours in years 10 - 14; 166 hours in years 15 - 19; 188 hours in years 20 - 24; and 200 hours in year 25 and thereafter.)

PAID HOLIDAYS: Nine holidays and two personal leave days.

MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 9 hours per month which is cumulative to a maximum of 1,350 hours.

01

The information provided to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with the employment application to determine whether candidates meet the qualification requirements and/or the final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in the application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

• I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.

02

Please detail any relevant education, experience or training to this position.

03

Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a valid Class IV Nebraska Wastewater Operators license?

• Yes
• No

05

I understand I must maintain a valid drivers license and maintain insurability as determined by the Citys insurance carrier.

• I understand the requirement.

06

Have you had any minor or major driving violations within the last 3 years. Please review to the job posting for the list of guidelines under the license and certification section.

• Yes
• No

07

Are you available to be on an on-call basis?

• Yes
• No

08

Candidates offered employment will be subject to a pre-employment/post-offer physical and drug screen. Do you understand the requirement?

• I understand the requirement.
• I do not understand the requirement.

Required Question

Employer City of Grand Island

Address 100 East 1st Street

P O Box 1968

Grand Island, Nebraska, 68801

Phone 308-389-0190

Website http://www.grand-island.com/jobs