Wastewater Collections Operator

Job Description

The Wastewater Collections Operator performs a variety of daily tasks to operate, maintain, and repair the City’s wastewater collection system. Work includes preventative and reactive O&M activities such as cleaning, inspecting, documenting, and repairing the collection system. This position works with specialized equipment, such as a combination Vacuum/Jetter truck and CCTV vehicle, to perform the necessary duties and documents all work by creating and completing work orders with the City’s asset management system.

• Performs routine and preventative maintenance activities on the City’s wastewater collection system, including the sewer cleaning program, utilizing a combination sewer cleaning truck.
• Assists with the CCTV inspection program, which records, identifies, and scores defects within the City’s sewer infrastructure utilizing the NASSCO scoring system.
• Responds to emergency call‑outs and investigates and evaluates customer complaints related to sewer service, such as sewer back‑ups, lift station failures, and odor or vector complaints; participates in the rotational on‑call duties required by the position.
• Performs daily checks and performs maintenance on the City’s lift station sites as needed, operating various wastewater equipment including combination sewer cleaning trucks, CCTV inspection vehicles, and utility crane trucks.
• Utilizes the electronic work order system with the City’s CMMS software to accurately record and reflect proper equipment, labor, and asset utilization for each assignment.
• Investigates customer complaints related to sewer service, including potential service blockages or SSOs, and works under the direction of the Lead or Supervisor to resolve complaints as allowed per City code.
• Follows all standard operating procedures (SOP) and job hazard analysis (JHA) for wastewater system operations and maintenance, safely performs work, and utilizes required safety equipment (PPE); occasionally enters confined spaces by safely following OSHA safety regulations.
• Participates in and completes annual regulatory, equipment, and safety training.
• Assists other Wastewater Collection Operators, as needed, with water system operations and maintenance tasks as directed; performs other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or GED equivalency is required.
• One (1) year of experience working with a wastewater collections system, operating heavy equipment, and/or experience in a construction‑related field is required.
• Knowledge of sewer system operation and maintenance, lift station operation and maintenance, or operation of heavy equipment; knowledge obtained through a vocational school or technical college is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and job‑related experience may be considered on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Wastewater Collections Grade I Certification or be able to obtain the Certification within six (6) months of hire, and must be able to maintain certification for the duration of employment.
• Must possess an Arizona Class ‘A’ CDL upon hire and must be able to obtain a tanker endorsement within six (6) months of hire and maintain the license for the duration of employment.

The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work‑life balance, and more. Explore our Employee Benefit Highlights and Benefits Guide for full details.