Wastewater Plant Operator I Job
Employer: City of Salina, Kansas
SpiderID: 14229196
Location: Salina, KS (US), Kansas
Posted: 8/25/2026
Wage: $50,898-53,435/yr.
Priority Review Date: 11/23/2026
Job Code / NOC / SOC:
Category: Civil Service/Government/Postal
Job Description:
WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR I
City of Salina, Kansas
Utilities Department
Apply Directly with the City of Salina
Apply: jobs.salina-ks.gov
The Wastewater Plant Operator I position is pivotal to the efficient operation of Salina's utility systems, ensuring that our community remains vibrant & healthy. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude & a solid understanding of electrical systems, essential for troubleshooting & maintaining complex machinery. The operator must exhibit exceptional problem-solving skills & the ability to work independently. Key responsibilities include monitoring equipment, managing repair & maintenance tasks, & adhering to state & federal regulations. This role offers a unique opportunity to be a part of Salina’s mission towards a sustainable future, representing both a challenge & an honor for any prospective candidate.
Career Advancement: Wastewater Plant Operator II, Senior Operator
On-the-Job Training: Training is provided by experienced staff, creating an enriching environment for continuous skill development. The training regimen is designed to impart key operational skills, such as equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance, & efficient plant management, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of plant operation. The emphasis on mentorship within this role underscores the potential for operators to advance in their careers while actively contributing to the wellbeing of the Salina community. This training structure ensures a pathway to long-term professional development, which aligns with the city’s commitment to cultivating a skilled & dedicated workforce.
Duties:
· Keeps daily logs of shift operations.
· Utilizes monitoring equipment & maintains records.
· Draws samples for laboratory analysis.
· Performs preventive maintenance on equipment.
· Performs custodial work such as cleaning & painting.
· Receives & addresses customer concerns.
Education:
· High school diploma or G.E.D.
· Must possess or obtain a Kansas Class I Wastewater Facility Operator Certificate within two (2) years from date of hire.
Experience:
· Two (2) years of mechanical & electrical equipment maintenance or related work preferred.
· Must have ability to understand & apply mathematical concepts accurately.
Related Work:
· Automotive Service Technician: Uses electronic testing equipment to troubleshoot complex automotive issues; conducts routine maintenance services like oil changes & tire rotations.
· Chemical Operator: Monitors & adjusts equipment used to process chemicals, ensuring safety standards & quality in production processes.
· Custodian: Indoor/outdoor cleaning & painting in an industrial environment.
· Electrician: Installation & maintenance of electrical systems in industrial settings, including plants & large facilities.
· Facility Maintenance: Routine maintenance & repair on industrial equipment & facilities.
· HVAC Technician: Installation & repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, & refrigeration systems within industrial environments.
· Industrial Machinery Mechanic: Conduct diagnostic tests on machinery & calibrate equipment for optimal function.
· Maintenance Mechanic: Repair & maintain machinery & mechanical equipment, including engines, motors, & tools; performs routine preventive maintenance ensuring optimal equipment performance.
Requirements:
· Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
· Must possess a valid Kansas driver’s license.
· Must live within 40 minutes response time.
Work Type:
· Heavy, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
· May work outside in adverse weather conditions.
Equipment:
· Computer, hand & power tools, Lockout/Tag-out equipment, telephone, test equipment, trucks, vehicles, & other safety equipment needed for a safe job site.
Variable Shifts:
· Monday – Friday; Includes some weekends.
· 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
· 12:00 a.m. midnight to 12:00 p.m. noon.
· 12:00 p.m. noon to 12:00 a.m. midnight.
Starting Pay DOQ EOE:
· $24.47-25.69/hr.
· $50,898-53,435/yr.
· Additional $1.50/hour paid for hours worked after 6:00 p.m. & before 6:00 a.m.
Paid Time Off:
· 48 hours of vacation available upon hire; additional 48 hours earned during the year (96 hours in first year).
· 96 hours of sick leave during first year.
Application Deadline:
• Until filled
Apply Directly with the City of Salina
Apply: jobs.salina-ks.gov
Important: Uploading a resume or profile through this platform does not complete your application. You must complete an application for employment directly with the City of Salina to be considered.
Contact:
Human Resources Department
Office: 785-833-8018
Email: [email protected]
City of Salina, Kansas
Utilities Department
Apply Directly with the City of Salina
Apply: jobs.salina-ks.gov
The Wastewater Plant Operator I position is pivotal to the efficient operation of Salina's utility systems, ensuring that our community remains vibrant & healthy. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude & a solid understanding of electrical systems, essential for troubleshooting & maintaining complex machinery. The operator must exhibit exceptional problem-solving skills & the ability to work independently. Key responsibilities include monitoring equipment, managing repair & maintenance tasks, & adhering to state & federal regulations. This role offers a unique opportunity to be a part of Salina’s mission towards a sustainable future, representing both a challenge & an honor for any prospective candidate.
Career Advancement: Wastewater Plant Operator II, Senior Operator
On-the-Job Training: Training is provided by experienced staff, creating an enriching environment for continuous skill development. The training regimen is designed to impart key operational skills, such as equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance, & efficient plant management, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of plant operation. The emphasis on mentorship within this role underscores the potential for operators to advance in their careers while actively contributing to the wellbeing of the Salina community. This training structure ensures a pathway to long-term professional development, which aligns with the city’s commitment to cultivating a skilled & dedicated workforce.
Duties:
· Keeps daily logs of shift operations.
· Utilizes monitoring equipment & maintains records.
· Draws samples for laboratory analysis.
· Performs preventive maintenance on equipment.
· Performs custodial work such as cleaning & painting.
· Receives & addresses customer concerns.
Education:
· High school diploma or G.E.D.
· Must possess or obtain a Kansas Class I Wastewater Facility Operator Certificate within two (2) years from date of hire.
Experience:
· Two (2) years of mechanical & electrical equipment maintenance or related work preferred.
· Must have ability to understand & apply mathematical concepts accurately.
Related Work:
· Automotive Service Technician: Uses electronic testing equipment to troubleshoot complex automotive issues; conducts routine maintenance services like oil changes & tire rotations.
· Chemical Operator: Monitors & adjusts equipment used to process chemicals, ensuring safety standards & quality in production processes.
· Custodian: Indoor/outdoor cleaning & painting in an industrial environment.
· Electrician: Installation & maintenance of electrical systems in industrial settings, including plants & large facilities.
· Facility Maintenance: Routine maintenance & repair on industrial equipment & facilities.
· HVAC Technician: Installation & repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, & refrigeration systems within industrial environments.
· Industrial Machinery Mechanic: Conduct diagnostic tests on machinery & calibrate equipment for optimal function.
· Maintenance Mechanic: Repair & maintain machinery & mechanical equipment, including engines, motors, & tools; performs routine preventive maintenance ensuring optimal equipment performance.
Requirements:
· Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
· Must possess a valid Kansas driver’s license.
· Must live within 40 minutes response time.
Work Type:
· Heavy, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
· May work outside in adverse weather conditions.
Equipment:
· Computer, hand & power tools, Lockout/Tag-out equipment, telephone, test equipment, trucks, vehicles, & other safety equipment needed for a safe job site.
Variable Shifts:
· Monday – Friday; Includes some weekends.
· 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
· 12:00 a.m. midnight to 12:00 p.m. noon.
· 12:00 p.m. noon to 12:00 a.m. midnight.
Starting Pay DOQ EOE:
· $24.47-25.69/hr.
· $50,898-53,435/yr.
· Additional $1.50/hour paid for hours worked after 6:00 p.m. & before 6:00 a.m.
Paid Time Off:
· 48 hours of vacation available upon hire; additional 48 hours earned during the year (96 hours in first year).
· 96 hours of sick leave during first year.
Application Deadline:
• Until filled
Apply Directly with the City of Salina
Apply: jobs.salina-ks.gov
Important: Uploading a resume or profile through this platform does not complete your application. You must complete an application for employment directly with the City of Salina to be considered.
Contact:
Human Resources Department
Office: 785-833-8018
Email: [email protected]
Job Criteria:
Start Date:
Position Type: Full-Time Permanent
Experience: 2-5
Education: High School
Travel: None
Vacation: 2 weeks / year
Job Benefits:
Health/Dental Benefits, Retirement Benefits, Paid Holidays, Vacations, and Sick Leave, Life and/or Disability Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement
Company Profile:
City of Salina, Kansas
The City of Salina has been in business since 1858. We are an extremely stable & progressive employer that offers competitive salaries & excellent benefits. The average length of service for our employees is 10 years. We offer multiple career tracks with a commitment to excellent service & performance.
The City of Salina aggressively maintains 300 miles of sewer lines, 85 miles of storm sewers, 266 miles of streets, & 288 miles of water lines. The City also maintains 28 parks, 2 golf courses, a water park, a water plant & a wastewater plant. Our police department & fire department have been nationally accredited. The fire protection is superb with an ISO rating of 3 (with the best being a 1 & the worst being 10).
The City of Salina employs 480 people on a regular basis & an additional 300 during the summer to accommodate the summer programs offered through the Parks & Recreation Department.
Contact Information:
| Contact Name: Linda Lockhart | Type: Employer |
| Company: City of Salina, Kansas | |
| Web Site: https://jobs.salina-ks.gov/index.cfm?get=openings&jid=1997 | |