Water Reclamation Plant Operator

Water Reclamation Plant Operator

Salary

$65,728.00 - $92,497.60 Annually

Location

Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility, NV

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

331626

Department

Utility Services

Opening Date

10/02/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The City of Reno is seeking a Water Reclamation Plant Operator to join the Utility Services Department at the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility (RSWRF), a modern wastewater treatment and water reclamation facility.

This hands-on position supports the operation and maintenance of the City's wastewater treatment system through monitoring and adjusting treatment processes, operating and maintaining plant equipment, collecting samples and performing routine laboratory testing, and responding to changing operating conditions. Operators work as part of a team to help ensure safe, reliable facility operations and compliance with applicable water quality standards.

Work Location: Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility, 4250 Norton Drive, Reno, NV 89506

There is currently one vacancy in the Utility Services Department, with hiring anticipated to begin immediately following the close of this recruitment. This recruitment will also establish an eligible list that may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

This is both an internal and external recruitment to provide a promotional opportunity for all qualified current classified City of Reno employees and an open competitive opportunity for all other qualified applicants.

The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Operate wastewater treatment, sludge processing and disposal equipment, and lift stations; adjust valves and gates and start and stop pumps, engines, and generators to regulate the flow through filtering, settling, aeration, and sludge digestion processes; clean and level sludge beds.
• Observe variations in operating conditions; inspect, monitor, and document plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, and other instrumentation.
• Inspect and maintain electric motors and pumps for proper operation; lubricate, overhaul, and install new and rebuilt motors and pumps; replace worn bearings; perform mechanical adjustments and repairs to ensure efficient operation of equipment.
• Collect liquid samples and perform a variety of routine water quality laboratory tests; ensure proper treatment of sewage and purification of water.
• Operate a variety of vehicles, tools, and equipment necessary to maintain the water reclamation plant system and equipment.
• Perform a variety of carpentry, electrical, concrete, plumbing, pipe fitting, soldering, and welding functions as required.
• Maintain, compile, and update plant operations logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities.
• Perform general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting, and repairing plant facilities, various grounds maintenance duties, and weed abatement.
• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications are required to be met at the time of application.*

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in wastewater or sewage treatment plant operations or a related field.*

• Additional relevant work experience beyond the two year experience requirement will substitute for the required specialized training.

Experience:

Two years of experience in wastewater plant operations and maintenance.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of an appropriate, valid drivers license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Grade III Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.

Requirements of the Position: This position participates in an on-call rotation and may require evening, night, and weekend work. The position requires the ability to perform essential duties in a wastewater treatment plant and field environment, including prolonged standing and walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting or carrying moderate to heavy amounts of weight.

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Supplemental Information

To Apply:

Submit your completed application and all additional information/documentation requested through our job board at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/reno by October 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to complete an online application submittal include: the City of Reno City Hall 2nd floor computer kiosk or Civil Service Office, any Nevada Job Connect location, local libraries, or educational facilities.

If you are having difficulty logging into your governmentjobs.com profile, please call the applicant support line at 855-524-5627.

Application Preparation:

A complete application is required, including detailed work experience and education. Résumés may be submitted as supplemental information but will not be reviewed when determining minimum qualifications.

Examination Process:

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, receive a passing score on the scored examination component, and complete all required informational assessments to be eligible for hire. The examination process consists of the following:

• Training & Experience Evaluation (T&E) = 100% of the examination score

• Cognitive Abilities Test = Informational purposes only; does not contribute to the examination score

• Employee Personality Profile = Informational purposes only; does not contribute to the examination score

Online Assessment Details:

Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the Cognitive Abilities Test and Employee Personality Profile after the recruitment closes. These assessments will be self-administered with no proctor, which means candidates will be able to complete them online at their convenience during the designated testing window.

The instructions and guidelines will be emailed to qualified applicants after the recruitment closes on October 18, 2026. Please make sure to check for emails around this time, including your spam folder so that you do not miss this testing opportunity. All assessments must be completed within the designated testing window to move forward in the hiring process.

Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) Details:

The T&E examination consists of a Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS" on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online at the time of application.

• Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
• Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
• In order to receive credit for education or training, you must attach copies of your transcripts, diploma, or relevant certificates to your online application.
• Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments to the application will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
• "See Resume" or "See above," etc., are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
• Changes or corrections to your responses cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
• TIP: It may be more efficient to develop your responses in a word processing document and then paste them into the online questionnaire to be submitted.

Notification:

Applicants are notified by email of their examination results. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will also be notified within two weeks of the job posting closing.

Applicants may opt in to receive text message notifications regarding application updates, next steps, and interviews. If you have not previously selected a text messaging preference, the option will appear before you submit your application. Your preference may also be updated at any time through the account settings in your GovernmentJobs profile.

Testing Accommodation:

We strive to ensure equal access for all individuals. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, you must inform the Chief Examiner by completing the Accommodation Request Form by the closing date of this announcement. All requests will be handled with confidentiality and respect.

Contact Information:

Reports (Rule XV, Section 2)

Applicants are responsible for keeping the Reno Civil Service Commission informed of their current contact information, including phone number, email, and mailing address.

Employee/Veteran Preference in the Event of Tie Scores:

Open Competitive Examination (Rule VII, Section 7):

In the event of tie scores, candidates will be provided a rank preference in the following order:

• City of Reno classified employees who are veterans
• City of Reno classified employees who are not veterans
• City of Reno non-classified employees and external candidates who are veterans

This preference is only used to break ties. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application.

Promotional Examinations (Rule VIII, Section 7):

If two or more employees earn the same final score (including seniority points), veterans' preference will be applied if any of the tied employees have submitted proof of an honorable military discharge. This preference is only used to break ties. If a tie still remains, it will be broken based on seniority in the current classification. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application.

Seniority Points:

Seniority Credit (Rule VIII, Section 9):

Classified employees of the City of Reno shall receive seniority credit computed by adding to a passing score as follows:

The final ranking will include the applicable seniority points added to the overall grade of the examination process. For each full year of continuous service completed, 0.2 points will be added up to a maximum of ten (10) years... 2 points will be the maximum.

Appointment and Certification:

Appointments to positions in the Citys Civil Service system are made on the basis of examination. Scores resulting from a competitive examination are used in determining a persons rank on an eligible register. The department may hire any of the persons referred. The names of those persons not hired may be considered when the next vacancy occurs, for as long as that register is viable.

Probationary Period:

Certification of Eligibles, Appointments, and Probation (Rule VII, Section 12)

Classified employees who are newly hired, promoted, reclassified, transferred, or who voluntarily demote to a lower position are subject to a probation period.

The only exception is if an employee chooses to voluntarily demote back to the exact job they previously held within 24 months of being promoted.

Questions and Updates:

Questions about the information on this announcement and updates to application information should be directed to Civil Service at (775) 334-2223 or civilservice@reno.gov.

The City of Reno is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association, or any other protected class status applicable under federal or state law or City Charter.

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link to learn more about the City of Renos great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

01

Minimum Qualification Review

The following questions are a required part of your application for this position. Your answers will be used to assist us in evaluating your related work experience and education to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as outlined on the job posting.

Things to consider before you proceed:

• Resumes are not reviewed or considered in the evaluation process.
• All of your relevant experience must be clearly listed in the work experience section of your application.
• Unlike a resume which summarizes duties, your application should include detailed descriptions of your job responsibilities, tasks performed, and scope of work.
• Complete information assists us to accurately evaluate your qualifications, training, and experience.
• List multiple positions with a single employer separately within the work experience section.
• Failure to attach copies of required certifications, licenses, and/or proof of education beyond high school may result in disqualification during the minimum qualifications review. Proof of high school diploma does not need to be submitted.
• Information provided in your application may be verified.

By checking below, you confirm your application contains accurate, complete and truthful information. Any evidence of falsification or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from the recruitment process in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

• I confirm

02

Are you a current classified City of Reno employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you completed the twelfth grade or an equivalent level of education?

• Yes
• No

04

Select all types of education or training you have completed that are relevant to wastewater or sewage treatment plant operations or a related field.

• Structured on-the-job training
• Employer-provided classroom or technical training
• Trade or apprenticeship training
• College-level coursework
• Certificate or technical training program
• Other specialized training related to wastewater, water treatment, plant operations, or industrial maintenance
• I have not completed relevant education or specialized training beyond high school

05

Which of the following best describes your qualifying paid work experience in wastewater plant operations and maintenance?

• I have less than two years of work experience.
• I have two years but less than three years of work experience.
• I have three years but less than four years of work experience.
• I have four years but less than five years of work experience
• I have five years or more of work experience.

06

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

07

This is your opportunity to provide any additional details about duties you performed that may qualify toward the required experience. Only positions listed in the work experience section of your application will be considered.

For each employer where you gained qualifying experience, provide:

• The employer's name
• Your job title(s)
• Clarifying details about your duties/responsibilities you performed that demonstrate how you meet the required minimum qualifications

If the information you provide in the work experience section and response to this question does not clearly demonstrate that you meet the specific experience requirements, you will not move forward in the recruitment process.

08

This position participates in an on-call rotation and may require evening, night, and weekend work. Are you able and willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

09

Training and Experience Evaluation

The following section of the Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the Civil Service test for this position and must be completed online at the time of application. Questionnaires submitted as an attachment to the online application will not be considered. In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. All responses must be verified by the applicant in the work experience section of this application.

Failure to provide adequate responses to the following questions may result in lower scores or disqualification from the selection process.

Do you certify that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true and correct to the best of your knowledge?

• Yes
• No

10

Select all the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Waste Water Certifications you currently possess.

If you currently possess any of these certifications, you must attach a copy to your application in order to receive credit for them.

• Grade I Treatment Plant Operator
• Grade II Treatment Plant Operator
• Grade III Treatment Plant Operator
• Grade IV Treatment Plant Operator
• Collection Systems Operator
• Industrial Waste Operator
• Industrial Waste Inspector
• Wastewater Quality Analyst
• Plant Maintenance Technologist I
• Plant Maintenance Technologist II
• Plant Maintenance Technologist III
• None of the above

11

Which statement best describes your experience operating wastewater treatment or water reclamation processes and equipment?

Examples may include pumps, lift stations, aeration systems, sludge-processing equipment, or similar wastewater treatment equipment.

• I have no training or experience in this area.
• I have received training or assisted others with treatment-process operation but have not regularly performed this work independently.
• I have independently performed routine treatment-process or equipment operation using established procedures.
• I have independently operated multiple treatment processes or systems and made routine operational adjustments within established procedures.
• I have independently operated multiple treatment processes and made adjustments in response to changing treatment conditions.
• I have extensive experience independently operating and adjusting multiple wastewater treatment processes across a variety of operating conditions.

12

Select all treatment processes or equipment with which you have hands-on operating experience.

• Pumps and pumping systems
• Valves or gates
• Lift stations
• Aeration systems
• Clarification or settling processes
• Filtration systems
• Sludge pumping or solids-handling systems
• Sludge processing or disposal equipment
• Chemical-feed systems
• Disinfection systems
• Other wastewater treatment equipment or processes
• None of the above

13

Which statement best describes your experience monitoring wastewater treatment or similar industrial processes and responding to changing operating conditions?

Examples may include gauges, alarms, process-control readings, laboratory results, or other operating information.

• I have no training or experience in this area.
• I have observed this work or recorded readings under the direction of others.
• I have independently monitored routine operating conditions and recorded required readings or process information.
• I have independently recognized readings or operating conditions outside expected ranges and taken action according to established procedures.
• I have independently evaluated multiple sources of operating information and determined when treatment-process or equipment adjustments were necessary.
• I have extensive experience evaluating operating trends and integrating multiple sources of operating information to determine appropriate process adjustments.

14

Which statement best describes your experience collecting samples and performing water-quality or process-control laboratory testing?

Examples may include collecting samples, performing routine field or laboratory analyses, maintaining testing equipment, or evaluating test results.

• I have no training or experience in this area.
• I have observed or assisted with sample collection or laboratory testing.
• I have independently collected samples according to established procedures.
• I have independently collected samples and performed routine field or laboratory tests according to established procedures.
• I have independently performed multiple types of testing, maintained or calibrated testing equipment, and evaluated results for routine process control.
• I have extensive experience conducting wastewater or water-quality testing and using laboratory results to evaluate treatment performance or determine operational adjustments.

15

Which statement best describes your experience inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, or repairing mechanical equipment in a wastewater, utility, industrial, or similar environment?

Examples may include pumps, motors, valves, generators, piping systems, or similar mechanical equipment.

• I have no training or experience in this area.
• I have assisted others with equipment inspections or routine maintenance.
• I have independently performed routine preventive or operator-level maintenance, such as inspection, lubrication, cleaning, or minor adjustment.
• I have independently replaced or repaired mechanical components such as bearings, pumps, motors, valves, or related equipment.
• I have independently identified equipment problems and performed appropriate mechanical adjustments or repairs.
• I have extensive experience troubleshooting mechanical equipment, determining probable causes of malfunctions, and completing significant repairs, rebuilds, or installations.

16

Which statement best describes your experience troubleshooting abnormal wastewater treatment or process conditions?

Examples may include abnormal flows, treatment performance, sludge conditions, or other changes in treatment conditions.

• I have no experience in this area.
• I have identified or reported unusual treatment or process conditions to more experienced staff.
• I have assisted others in determining the cause of routine treatment or process problems.
• I have independently identified and corrected routine treatment or process problems using established procedures.
• I have independently evaluated operating information and treatment conditions to determine probable causes and appropriate corrective actions.
• I have extensive experience diagnosing complex wastewater treatment or process problems, evaluating multiple possible causes, and implementing or recommending corrective actions.

17

Which statement best describes your experience maintaining plant or operational logs, reports, or other technical documentation?

Examples may include operating logs, laboratory records, maintenance records, or similar operational documentation.

• I have no training or experience in this area.
• I have recorded information or entered data under the direction of others.
• I have independently maintained routine operational logs, records, or checklists.
• I have independently maintained and compiled multiple types of operational records or reports.
• I have independently reviewed operational records or reports for completeness and accuracy.
• I have extensive experience maintaining technical operational records and documenting operating conditions, activities, or results to support plant operations.

18

Which statement best describes your experience performing mathematical calculations related to wastewater treatment, plant operations, or similar industrial processes?

Examples may include flow calculations, process-control calculations, or similar operational calculations.

• I have no training or experience in this area.
• I have performed routine calculations under the direction of others.
• I have independently performed routine calculations using established formulas or procedures.
• I have independently performed multiple types of calculations related to plant or process operations.
• I have independently reviewed calculations for accuracy and used the results to support operating decisions.
• I have extensive experience performing and interpreting treatment-related calculations and using the results to support operational decisions or adjustments.

19

In which of the following areas have you personally performed hands-on maintenance or repair work? Select all that apply.

• Plumbing
• Pipe fitting
• Electrical work
• Welding
• Soldering
• Carpentry
• Instrumentation
• Building or facility repair
• Grounds maintenance
• Industrial equipment maintenance
• Other directly related maintenance or repair work
• None of the above

20

Which statement best describes your overall level of responsibility for the maintenance or repair work identified in the previous question?

• I have no experience performing this work.
• I have assisted others with this work.
• I have independently performed routine maintenance or repairs using established procedures.
• I have independently completed maintenance or repair assignments requiring selection of appropriate tools, materials, or methods.
• I have independently diagnosed maintenance problems and determined the appropriate repair or corrective action.

21

Which statement best describes your experience working as part of an operations, maintenance, utility, or similar team where work activities required coordination with others?

• I have no experience working in this type of team environment.
• I have worked alongside others on assigned tasks with limited coordination required.
• I have regularly shared work status and coordinated routine tasks or work handoffs with coworkers.
• I have regularly coordinated interdependent tasks with coworkers and adjusted my work based on team needs or changing priorities.
• I have regularly worked with coworkers to resolve operational issues, coordinate responsibilities, and support shared work priorities.
• I have extensive experience collaborating with others during changing or complex operating conditions, coordinating work responsibilities and contributing to the resolution of shared operational issues.

Required Question

Employer City of Reno

Address PO Box 1900

Reno, Nevada, 89505

Phone (775) 334-2223

Website https://www.reno.gov/government/jobs-recruitment.php