Water System Operator

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by 01-31-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application. Resumes and cover letters received after the Final date to receive applications will not be considered.

Applications received that do not contain a resume and a cover letter with responses to the required questions listed below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following:

1. If you possess an ADEQ certification or equivalent state water certification in distribution or treatment, please include the level (numerical or alpha) and type of certifications you possess. List the certifying agency and your operator number or .

2. Please describe your experience in water treatment, wastewater treatment, or distribution systems operations or maintenance.

3. Please describe your experience working with SCADA or Telemetry Systems.

4. Describe your experience working with Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, or disinfection chemicals.

5. Do you possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license? Do you have at least two (2) years of driving experience? Have you had a DUI in the past two (2) years?

If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed above, and wish to receive consideration for the experience the information must be verifiable in your resume and cover letter.

SAVE THE DATE:
Interviews will be held February 12, 2026.

ABOUT THIS JOB

The Water System Operator at the City of Tucson's Water Department is responsible for operating, monitoring, and controlling water treatment facilities, distribution systems, and related equipment. The Water System Operator is responsible for identifying problems within the water system and making appropriate adjustments to ensure appropriate water supply, quality, and pressure.

Work is performed under the Supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor. This position does not supervise.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

* Utilizes (SCADA) to monitor and operate the Potable Distribution System and Advanced Oxidation Process Plant. Analyzes the reports to determine the required pumpage to meet daily demands. Operates and monitors reservoirs to ensure our storage capacity meets system demand. Monitors and sustains pressure zones ensuring customers have satisfactory pressure. Exercises and operates potable groundwater wells to sustain Water Quality (WQ) standards and meet daily system demands.

Responds to SCADA alarms by making proper adjustments in the distribution system. Assesses real-time data from online water quality monitoring instruments and adjusts the chemical injection dosage to comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Makes system adjustments to accommodate the preventative maintenance, water quality sampling, and any miscellaneous work being performed by field staff. Operates and monitors various wells, vessels, stations, and facilities to ensure proper flow and treatment.

Utilizes the logs, notes, and various databases to document events and communicate with staff. Dispatches field crews to flush systems when chlorine residuals fall below or over action levels.

* Drives to various locations to collect, test, and analyze water samples. Adjusts chemical feed rates to comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

* Receives and resolves service calls from internal and external customers providing accurate and timely information. Generates service requests when field staff reports activities requiring immediate attention. Communicates with external utilities to monitor power outages, track external project progress, and resolve field issues. Notifies internal divisions of scheduled and unscheduled water outages. Receives and resolves after-hours emergency phone calls on nights, weekends, and holiday shifts.

Enters relevant information into SCADA and site-specific databases ensuring documentation of events is available for staff.…