Plant Operator Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $102,377.60 - $133,120.00 Annually
Location : Reno, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 60018152 (07/2026)
Department: Community Services Department
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: 8/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Information
Under direction, develops, plans and oversees the operation and maintenance of Washoe County's wastewater reclamation plants; and performs related work as required.
This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Community Services Department. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at
Minimum Qualifications
Four years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment/reclamation in a Nevada Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant including one year of supervisory or lead experience AND an associate degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, biology or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, per NAC 445A.2862.
License Or Certificate
A valid Class "C" State of Nevada Driver's License is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
A Nevada Grade III Wastewater Plant Operator certificate is required at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
A Nevada Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Possess strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; be collaborative, approachable, accountable, and skilled at building productive relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Have extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment and water reclamation processes, plant operations, laboratory testing, and regulatory compliance with a strong commitment to public health, safety and environmental stewardship.
• Use sound judgment and data-driven decision making to analyze operational trends, laboratory results, and process information to optimize plant performance, improve efficiency, and ensure permit compliance.
• Effectively lead, mentor, coach and develop staff while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous learning and workplace safety.
• Be organized and able to successfully manage multiple priorities, regulatory requirements, contracts, maintenance activities, and daily operational demands.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with staff, regulatory agencies, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Embrace innovation and continuous improvement by identifying practical, cost-effective solutions that enhance treatment processes, operational reliability, and customer service.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and environmental stewardship while ensuring the reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of the County's wastewater treatment facilities.

Conditions of Employment
The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager position.
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation. Effective January 1, 2025, the $39.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.
Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.
Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.
What Happens Next
1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications. Written appeals should be submitted via email to the assigned Human Resources Business Partner using the contact information listed on this job announcement.
2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager position will be placed on an unranked eligible list. The examination is waived for this recruitment in accordance with the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160.
Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160 - waiver of examination. The director of human resources may waive examination for those classes requiring specific training, education, certification, licensure, experience or when there are an insufficient number of qualified candidates.
3. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be placed on an unranked eligible list for the department to interview upon the close of the recruitment. Once referred, candidates will be contacted by email or telephone.
4. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:

• "Applications" to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
• "Inbox" to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
• "Account" to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact

If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process you can find additional information at the following link:
Questions: Veronica North
775-328-2078
Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.
Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.

• Nevada PERS Retirement - Washoe County pays 100% of the PERS contribution for each benefit eligible employee.
• Health, Dental, Life and Vision Insurance - Washoe County contributes 100% of the premium for each employee. Washoe County also contributes 50% of the premium for dependent coverage. Note: New employees are automatically enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account. Washoe County contributes up to $2,500 annually (based on benefit effective date and coverage tier) into the employee's Health Savings Account (HSA). Newly hired employees become eligible for health benefits after 30 days of employment. Benefits Link -
• Deferred Compensation plans available
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Accrual (120 hours per year, increasing with continued employment)
• Sick Leave (120 hours per year, increasing with continued employment)
• Longevity Pay
• Merit Increases - Full-time employees eligible to receive an annual merit increase of 5% until the position classification's maximum salary is reached.
• Cost-of living adjustments - historical annual COLA increases for 2017-2026 have ranged from 2.5% - 5.0%
• There are no Social Security deductions (although a 1.45% deduction for Medicare is required)
• Nevada does not have state or local income tax*

01
Do you have a valid Class "C" State of Nevada Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a valid Nevada Grade III Wastewater Plant Operator certificate?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have 4 years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater treatment/reclamation in a Nevada Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant including 1 year of supervisory or lead experience?

• Yes
• No

04
Did you graduate from high school or have a General Education Development (G.E.D.) Certificate?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have an associate degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, biology or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

Required Question