Water Plant Operator

The City of Ottawa, Kansas is recruiting for a Water Plant Operator I or II depending on qualifications. Under the supervision of the Utilities Superintendent - WP, the Water Plant Operator I performs skilled and semi‑skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of the Water Treatment Plant and associated facilities.

• Operate various types of power pumps and related equipment/machinery
• Check water levels and maintain flow into chemical feed machine; adjust feed rates for proper balance
• Perform all tests required to maintain proper water quality and record results
• Check all motors, bearings, and gearboxes to ensure that proper lubrication is maintained
• Monitor condition of water pressure and levels in water towers
• Treat holding ponds for algae
• Perform general maintenance of plant, lab, and exterior grounds
• Communicates by phone and in person with public and other City employees
• Distinguishes color changes, reads small gauges and tests equipment accurately
• Tightens and changes belts and chains
• Determines electrical and mechanical malfunction to equipment and makes repairs
• Maintains tools and maintenance equipment in ready order
• Replaces pumps, motors, belts, valves, bearings, and gearboxes
• Maintains written record of all maintenance performed on Plant equipment

• Clean and replenish supplies in feed and lab rooms
• Aid in maintaining the City swimming pool
• Respond to trouble calls from the public or dispatch
• Comply with all City ordinances and practices
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned
• Some shift work will be expected due to relief operations

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or some college credit in a related field preferred
• Some water plant operation experience preferred
• Must progressively acquire Water Operator certification by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment up to and including Class II within 12 months of the first eligibility date for obtaining a given certification level. Class IV certification preferred by five-year employment anniversary
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license

• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and plumbing systems
• General knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and chemical reactions in the treatment process
• Ability to operate laboratory testing equipment, chemical feed pumps, hoists, small electrical tools, hand tools, and other related equipment
• Knowledge of personal computer, data entry, and spreadsheets
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations

• May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places
• May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, extreme temperatures, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, potentially hazardous bodily fluids, potentially hazardous or cancer-causing agents/chemicals, or loud noise levels
• May be required to wear a respirator in certain situations

• Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity
• Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand-eye coordination
• Must be able to pass annual SCBA fit test
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function

Range: $21.12 to $23.23 per hour

Date Open:
March 3, 2026

Date Closed:
April 2, 2026

Hours:

Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Total2 :00 PM-12:00 AM2:00 PM-12:00 AM2:00 PM-12:00 AM2:00 PM-12:00 AM40

Residency:
Regular full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of the Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire.

E-Mail Confirmation:
After your application has been received by the City of Ottawa, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Please check your SPAM filter or JUNK Mail. If you have not received confirmation within 48 hours of submitting your application, please call  to verify application has been received. For additional information, contact Human Resources at  or e-mail human resources.