Water & Wastewater Operator I

Water & Wastewater Operator I

Salary

$29.25 - $35.25 Hourly

Location

Public Works Department, AK

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

25-00132

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

9/10/2026 5:00 PM Alaska

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits

Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.

Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Leaving sections of the application blank, noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

At time of application, applicants are requested to submit:

• Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcript) if using education to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Three (3) professional references, two of which must be from a current or former supervisor.
• Reference requests are automatically sent upon submission of your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be sure to read each question carefully, answers cannot be changed once your application is submitted. Supplemental questions regarding certification, licenses or experience will be verified against information in your application and/or resume, failing to list required experience may cause your application to be denied.

EDUCATION

If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-907-761-1302. The City of Palmer is an equal opportunity employer.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Palmer prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city.

Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.

NOTICE

If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword/User/ResetPassword.

General Functions/Distinguishing Characteristics

The Water & Wastewater Operator I is responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems under the supervision of the Utilities Foreman.

The employee occupying this position must be self-motivated and be able to complete tasks efficiently and accurately. Interaction with all customers and contractors shall be conducted in a courteous and professional manner. Good communication skills and the ability to take directions are extremely important.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Perform daily checks of the City's wastewater treatment facility.
• Assist in performing maintenance and cleaning on the various equipment located at the City's wastewater treatment facility including pumps, motors, blowers, augers, grinders, U/V lights, and wet wells.
• Assist in the performance of weekly laboratory tests as required by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining the wastewater collection system by flushing and jet rodding sewer mains.
• Conduct weekly lift station checks and assist in the weekly confined space lift stations checks. Assist in the repair, maintenance, cleaning, or replacement of sewer lift station pumps, floats, and controls as directed.
• Perform or assist with the maintenance and upkeep of wastewater treatment and collection facilities.
• Flush, test, maintain, and repair fire hydrants.
• Perform daily water checks of the City's water production and treatment system.
• Assist with installation, checking, and reading of water meters.
• Work with City Hall to complete work orders and post door tags.
• Perform utility locates.
• Collect water and sewer samples and deliver to independent labs.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and callouts on a rotating on-call schedule.
• Learn and use safe work practices.
• Perform other related duties as required by the Utilities Foreman.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Any of the following: current State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Wastewater Treatment Level I, Wastewater Collections level l, Water Treatment Level I, or Water Distribution level l certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year. Other related certification is desired.
• Current valid State of Alaska Class B - Commercial Drivers License with Tanker, Hazmat, and Air Brakes endorsements with acceptable driving record or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Basic knowledge in operation and maintenance in wastewater collections systems and wastewater treatment plants.
• Basic knowledge in operation and maintenance in water treatment and distribution systems.
• Mechanical aptitude and knowledge of pumps, motors, blowers, and other related plant operation and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of SCADA systems.
• One (1) year experience operating light equipment, light trucks, heavy equipment, and using a variety of hand tools.
• Ability to comprehend and execute oral or written instructions and to apply guidelines to various situations.
• Ability to organize activities and tasks in an efficient and effective manner and work independently in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to work as a member of a team of staff working towards a common goal.
• Ability to meet and deal with the public and others in a pleasant and courteous manner.
• Ability to multi-task to perform and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.

Supplemental Information

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

The benefits outlined below are for eligble full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week.

Health, dental and vision insurance is available thru Premera BCBS. The City provides a life insurance policy thru MetLife as well as a short-term disability (STD) policy and an employee assistance program is available to all City employees (regardless of the number of hours worked) in addition to thier eligible dependents.

All employees in this category are enrolled in the State of Alaska Division of Retirement PERs program.

Supplemental benefits are available from Colonial Life, AFLAC, Allstate and MetLife as well as several 457 plans. These supplemental benefits are employee paid.

Information regarding leave benefits can be viewed in Palmer Municipal Code, Title 4 at https://palmer.municipal.codes/ or by contacting Human Resources at humanresources@palmerak.org

Employer City of Palmer

Address 231 W Evergreen Avenue

Palmer, Alaska, 99645

Phone (907) 761-1302

Website http://www.palmerak.org