Full Time Filtration Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $41,133.60 - $56,971.00 Annually
Location : Buffalo, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: POSTING
Department: WATER
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Fee: $0.00
RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANYONE APPLYING FOR THE BUFFALO POLICE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION. NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT-SUMMER LIFEGUARDS: Due to the nationwide lifeguard shortage, residency is NOT a requirement for the seasonal lifeguard position in the City of Buffalo. Applicants from any nearby municipality are encouraged to apply.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW.
FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.)
Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
On as assigned shift, the Assistant Filtration Plant Operator assists in all aspects of Plant operations as directed and in controlling the supply and treatment of water to maintain the proper supply of potable water for distribution and related processes. Incumbents to a position in this class assist in directing and filtering of the City's water supply including the supply of potable water for distribution. Work is performed in accordance with definite prescribed procedures under the direction of the Filtration Plant Operator as technically established by the Water Treatment Supervisor. Immediate supervision is received from the higher ranking official and incumbents may supervise personnel assigned to the filtration plant.
Examples of work (Illustration Only)
Assists in directing the rate at which water is to be pumped into the clear well reservoir and the rate of flow at which the filters operate in order to maintain adequate supplies for distribution demands;
Weighs, records and adds the amount of chemicals needed for water treatment;
Operates manually low lift pumps;
Operates, maintains, and controls sludge pumps, dewatering centrifuge, and dechlorination process related equipment;
Inspects, cleans and operates intake screens, drains, and pumps;
Performs cleaning operation of coagulation basins, centrifuge, lagoon, and mix tank;
Cleans pumps, motors, equipment in the low lift pump room, chlorine room, fluoride room, liquid alum and control rooms;
Is responsible for keeping all areas of the filtration plant and dewatering plant in good housekeeping order;
Assists in washing filter beds, hose down filter sides, trough and Palmer sweeps, feed lines;
Assists in the operation of the SCADA system that monitors the operation of the Filtration Plant; electronically enters data as required using a water information management system.
Makes minor mechanical repairs as needed;
Lubricates all machinery as needed;
Monitors heating boiler on an assigned shift and makes reports of any discrepancies to chief engineer on shift;
May be required to operate the filtration plant in an emergency;
Assists Filtration Plant Maintenance Supervisor in all aspects of plant maintenance as assigned;
Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Promotional
Continuous and permanent status in the Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets as a Maintenance Assistant (Water) for one year.
Open Competitive
Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and one year of full time experience in the operation, maintenance or adjustments of mechanical or electrical equipment or machinery including motors, valves, pumps, compressors, blowers.
Please note: Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience requirements.
Special Requirement for both Promotional and Open Competitive Must obtain a Grade II-A Certificate for Operators of Public Water Treatment and Purification Plants as required by the NYS Department of Health and NYS Sanitary Code within twenty-four (24) months from date of appointment. This certificate must be maintained throughout employment as an Assistant Filtration Plant Operator as required by the NYS Sanitary Code
Additional Information
Ability to read and interpret gauges and motors used in the purifying and filtering of water;
Ability to detect flaws in the operation of the computer operator keyboard/printer terminal;
Ability to follow oral and written instructions;
Mechanical aptitude;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
The City of Buffalo's benefit package is designed to give our employees and their love one's, comfort, safety, and stability they need in serving our community each and every day.
Our offerings include:
-Medical and vision, Dental, Life Insurance (basic) and (supplemental)
-New York State Retirement System
-Deferred Compensation Plan
-Employee Assistance Program for employee/family members
-Flexible Spending Accounts
-Liberal holidays & vacation
-Growth Opportunities and Steady earnings potential