Job Description

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 7, 2025





Water Reclamation Operator I: $31.99/hour



Water Reclamation Operator II: $33.53/hour



Water Reclamation Operator III: $36.48/hour





Performs advanced operation and maintenance duties in relation to wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, and related functions within the Wastewater Division. Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work, and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City wastewater facilities and infrastructure.

/ Essential Duties:

These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.




Under the direction of the Public Works Superintendent, assists with the planning, scheduling, and implementation of construction, maintenance, and operation and construction activities designed to provide effective collection and treatment of wastewater. Assists in the training of novice employees to increase their maintenance, construction, and repair skills related to collection and treatment mains and facilities. Inspects and/or repairs various equipment including lift stations, collection, and treatment facilities at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly. Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, testing and maintenance activities. Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use. Performs daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections on equipment including but not limited to fueling, checking fluid levels, greasing, assessing the overall condition of machines and cleaning the interior and exterior of trucks, equipment, machinery, tools, etc. Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor. Determines the locations of utilities as required prior to excavation. Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew. Services sewer lift station and other pumps, and equipment associated with Wastewater collection and treatment. May act as flag person when needed. May be temporarily assigned to other Public Works divisions in emergency situations or due to staffing shortages.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position:

The successful candidate will possess:


Experience with equipment, facilities, materials, and methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction, and repair activities. Ability to work with limited supervision. Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment. Skill in using electronic technology, such as smartphones, tablets, or personal computers, used to perform the duties of the position. Possess strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and the ability to learn specialized software. Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions. Ability to solve conflicts through active listening and clear and persuasive speech. Ability to clearly communicate to the Wastewater Foreperson matters of major significance, issues, or unique circumstances. Ability to interact professionally with coworkers, colleagues, and the public. Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Possess strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to read and interpret basic and complex written information. Ability to write and present clear and concise reports. Ability to perform intermediate mathematical calculations and interpret and present numerical data. Possess sound time management and organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks and establish priorities with limited direct supervision. Ability to perform heavy, manual tasks for extended periods of time. Ability to work safely and adhere to safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to perform mathematical calculations ranging from simple to sometimes complex. Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Word) and the ability to learn and utilize various software and databases. Ability to operate computer systems effectively. Ability to write and present clear and concise administrative reports. Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations as they relate to the position. Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of the Public Works Superintendent or as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training):

OPERATOR I:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and At least six months experience working with equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in maintenance, construction, and repair activities; or Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work may be considered.

OPERATOR II:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and At least two years of successful experience in construction, maintenance, or repair of municipal wastewater related infrastructure; and Must be certified by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality as a Class 1C Operator-in-Training; or Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work may be considered.

OPERATOR III:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and At least two and a half (2) years of successful experience in construction, maintenance, or repair of municipal wastewater related infrastructure; and Must be certified by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality as a Class 1C Operator; or Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work may be considered.

Special Requirements/Licenses or Certificates:

Must possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to obtain a Montana Commercial Driver's license (CDL), Class A, with air brake and tanker endorsement and a DOT medical certification within 1 (one) year of employment. (Preferred at the time of hire, but the City will assist with this process.) Must possess a Montana Flagger's Certification or obtain it within six (6) months of start date. Employee must be available as needed for overtime, call out, and weekend standby. Offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a pre-employment, background check, reference checks, driving record check, and a pre-employment DOT drug screen.

Tools and Equipment Used:

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Motorized vehicles and equipment including but not limited to dump truck, pickup truck, utility truck, street sweeper, sewer jet/vac, street roller, manlift, tamper, plate compactor, saws, pumps, compressors, sanders, generators, lawn maintenance equipment, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, and wastewater meters. Lab equipment such as sample collection tools, dissolved oxygen meters, and other necessary equipment for measuring and testing characteristics of wastewater. Operates modern office machines and equipment, including personal computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephone system and calculators. Must be able to routinely use a full range of software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and a variety of standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.




Requires regular and punctual attendance and reports to work fit for duty. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and weather extremes. Ability to communicate fluently in the English language, both in verbal and written formats; sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities in person, by radio and by telephone, to answer questions and elicit information. Frequently required to sit in equipment and trucks for extended periods of time while performing duties. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and have manual dexterity to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. Frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. Occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. Hazards are regular occurrences and are controlled and prevented by safety and performance standards. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to extremely loud. Employee may be required to wear facial respirators and will be required to comply with safety requirements, which may include the removal of long beards, facial hair and jewelry. Closed toe shoes or boots are required.

Behavioral Expectations:

Employee treats all customers and coworkers with respect, dignity, and honesty and manages relationships and communications in a way that promotes the interests of all parties. Employee works through adversity in a productive and positive manner. Employee shows nonjudgmental respect for all other's perspectives. Employee appreciates the uniqueness, commonalities, and value of others. Employee maintains an appropriate level of transparency in their work and interactions with others. Employee stops disparaging remarks about others and does not participate in these remarks in front of the public or during work time. Employee does not hinder, obstruct, or interfere with the work of other employees. Employee does not show poor attitude (for example, rudeness or lack of cooperation) with others or supervisors by failing to perform reasonable requests, being insubordinate, or refusing to comply with instruction given. Employee does not abuse the use of materials, time, equipment, or property of the City. Employee's performance does not fall below average in quantity or quality in relation to the requirements of the job.

Safety Related Duties:

Follow the City's and department's work practices. Report occupational injuries, illnesses, and near misses immediately to supervisor. Follow supervisor instructions for obtaining first aid or medical attention. Participate in accident investigations as required. Participate in safety training. Suggest improvements in safety training requirements or programs to Supervisor. Identify unsafe work conditions and unsafe practices. Correct hazards or report them to supervisor as appropriate.




The specific statements shown in each section of this position description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodation.