W/WW Operator-Apprentice, I, II, III, IV

W/WW Operator-Apprentice, I, II, III, IV

Salary

$24.44 - $44.04 Hourly

Location

Water Filtration 435 14th Ave S, Fargo, ND

Job Type

Full Time Regular (40)

Job Number

2026-00088

Department

Water Treatment

Division

WATER - FILTER - SELECT THIS OPTION

Opening Date

10/15/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits

Position Description

Under general supervision, the Operator Apprentice, I, II, III, IV performs various operational and maintenance activities within the water treatment facility (lime softening plant and membrane plant), raw water facilities, water distribution facilities, and residuals facility. Incumbents are responsible for monitoring the operating conditions of equipment within these facilities, assisting the supervisor in planning daily operational strategies for water flow quantity and water source assisting in plant maintenance activities, and coordinating routine maintenance and repairs to equipment. Incumbent also performs operations, maintenance, repairs, or notifies supervisor of conditions warranting attention to ensure the facilities proper operation. This position works rotating shifts and in pairs with other operators to perform these activities. This position works rotating shifts and in pairs with other operators to perform these activities. Rotating day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts are all applicable to this position.

Hourly rate varies based up which level of licensure the applicant may possess based on the following...

Apprentice / limited or no experience with no North Dakota Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification = Grade 8 Step 3 starting wage = $24.44/hr

Possess Current Grade I North Dakota Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification = Grade 10 Step 3 starting wage = $28.50/hr

Possess Current Grade II North Dakota Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification = Grade 11 Step 3 starting wage = $30.80/hr

Possess Current Grade III North Dakota Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification = Grade 12 Step 3 starting wage = $33.23/hr

Possess Current Grade IV North Dakota Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification = Grade 13 Step 3 to step 5 DOE starting wage = $35.89 to $37.93/hr

Scope of Responsibility:

The Operator Apprentice, I, II, III, IV is responsible for the quality and accuracy of his/her own work in ensuring the water treatment facility meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality regulations and other operational targets. The position provides training to other Operators and water utility staff, depending on experience and expertise. The position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of equipment having a high dollar value.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assists supervisor in organizing work unit activities such as prioritizing and delegating work and performing other administrative tasks such as completing reports, recommending equipment, ordering supplies, scheduling, coordinating activities with other work units, etc.

• Assists in developing and documenting standard operating procedures for all activities;

• Meets with supervisors at shift change to coordinate any follow-up work related to prior shift;

• Maintains records and prepares periodic reports regarding work unit activities, equipment operation, etc. to provide supervisor with information and to ensure compliance with department rules and state and federal regulations

• Assists Maintenance Supervisor with major repairs as assigned.

• Identifies equipment malfunctions and troubleshoots and diagnoses.

• Observes and listens to equipment to determine malfunctions or parts in need of replacement;

• Operates equipment;

• Performs minor repairs such as cleaning out a chemical feed equipment, replacing parts, or calls for maintenance staff;

• Conducts assessments and troubleshooting of membrane and reverse osmosis equipment;

• Performs fiber repairs in the Ultrafiltration system of the membrane plant;

• Cleans and replace filters in the treatment processes as directed by Supervisor.

• Performs operating duties using automated and manual processes; operates pumps, engines, and other process equipment to control flow of water through various processes in the lime softening plant and/or membrane plant to ensure targets are met as well as compliance with state and federal mandates.

• Performs lab analyses and tests on an ongoing basis, according to operating procedures for different processes in the plant;

• Collects samples and analyzes results;

• Determines appropriate adjustments for chemicals and/or equipment;

• Adjusts chemical feed rates, regulates equipment;

• Operates pumps, monitors and determines level and flow.

• While performing the same or similar work as employees under the line of authority, serves as a team leader, using informed and independent judgment

• Collaborates with the responsible supervisor and recommends performance review content for assigned employees.

• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.

• Receives calls from the public ;

• Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions;

• Frequently interacts with others in the work unit to exchange detailed and/or technical information.

• Responsible for security of the building during the night shift.

• Supervises the unloading and storage of chemicals delivered.

• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.

• Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;

• Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;

• When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.

• Monitors water supply requirements on a daily basis;

• Monitors feed pumps;

• Reviews water use, storage, weather conditions, and telemetry data;

• Adjusts pumpage amounts accordingly and determines correct chemical adjustments necessary to meet targets.

• Lab tests performed are primarily water quality tests.

• Adds chemicals manually, as well as adjust chemical feeds.

• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Operator - Apprentice:

• Completion of high school or equivalent
• No possession of a North Dakota Water Treatment System Operator Certificate.

Operator I: (pass North Dakota Grade 1 Water Treatment System exam - eligibility as follows):

• Completion of high school or equivalent, and a minimum one year acceptable operation of a facility or system class I or higher or a combination of education and experience that will be satisfactory to the NDDH.

Operator II (pass North Dakota Grade 2 Water Treatment System exam - eligibility as follows):

• A four year college degree and a minimum one year acceptable operation of a facility or system class I or higher one year of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
• 2 years post high school education and minimum of two years acceptable operation of a facility or system of class I or higher, one year of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
• Completion of high school or equivalent and a minimum of three years acceptable operation of a facility or system class I or higher.One year of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
• Combination of education qualifications and experience that will be satisfactory to the NDDH.

Operator III (pass North Dakota Grade 3 Water Treatment System exam - eligibility as follows):

• A four-year degree and a minimum two years of acceptable operation of a facility or system of class II or higher, two years of which must be in direct responsible charge.
• Two years post high school education and a minimum of three years of acceptable operation of a facility or a system of class II or higher, two years of which must have been in direct responsible charge.
• Completion of high school or equivalent, and a minimum 4 years acceptable operation of a facility or system of class II or higher, two years of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
• A combination of education qualifications and experience that will be satisfactory to the NDDH.

Operator IV (pass North Dakota Grade 4 Water Treatment System exam - eligibility as follows):

• A four year college degree and a minimum three years of acceptable operation of a facility or system of Class III or higher, two years of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge.
• Two years of post-high school education and a minimum four years of acceptable operation of a facility or system of class III or higher, two years of which must be in direction responsible charge.
• Completion of high school or equivalent and a minimum of five years acceptable operation of a facility or system of class III or higher, two years of which must be in a position of direct responsible charge.
• A combination of education qualifications and experience that will be satisfactory to the NDDH.

The job accredited technical training in the operation of water/wastewater treatment processes and previous experience in the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors and related machinery; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid drivers license and possession of a North Dakota Grade I-IV Water Treatment System Operator Certificate is also required according to Operator pay grade.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations concerning treatment plant operations;
• Knowledge of the proper operation and maintenance of equipment used in the treatment process including pumps and motors;
• Knowledge of confined space entry and hazardous materials handling as related to treatment process;
• Knowledge of procedures of sampling and sample testing;
• Knowledge of principles of water, wastewater and sludge treatment processes and process control;
• Skill in providing instruction and training to other workers;
• Skill in performing mechanical maintenance and repair to equipment;
• Skill in performing basic mathematical computation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division;
• Skill in reading and writing English sufficient to read and write logs and records;
• Skill in observation and interpretation of changes in process control to sufficiently determine necessary adjustments;
• Skill in operation of all plant equipment and in the performance of all operating activities;
• Basic level skill in computer use;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms;
• Ability to learn water/wastewater control computer system;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Physical Demands

Most work is performed in a plant environment. Work is generally heavy and involves moving equipment and bags of chemicals, climbing into basins to clean, climbing ladders up to 25 feet, and moving between buildings and rooms. There is exposure to hazardous chemicals, wet, cold and slippery conditions. Occasional local driving is required.

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Heavy Work: 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.

Employment contingent upon successful background check, pre-placement medical evaluation and drug screen.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

The City of Fargo offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. For more information on our benefits click here.

If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Fargo.

Employer City of Fargo

Address 225 4th Street N

Fargo, North Dakota, 58102

Phone (701) 241-1321

Website http://www.fargond.gov