Senior Water Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $52,395.20 - $62,691.20 Annually
Location : Kent, OH
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2026-O-59-755
Department: Water Bureau
Division: Water Plant Division - 841
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Definition
This is skilled work in drinking water treatment operations.
An employee in this class monitors, operates, inspects, and/or maintains a variety of control systems, equipment, instrumentation, and computer software necessary for the treatment of drinking water.
Works under general supervision with considerable opportunity for use of independent judgment within established rules and procedures.
Characteristic Work
Monitors and operates the water treatment processes using the plant SCADA system, process control switches, digital readouts, gauges, charts, and other instrumentation. Interprets operational data and adjusts valve positions, chemical dosages and feed points, filtration rates, and pumping rates. Monitors and inspects chemical storage tanks. Monitors the unloading of chemicals from tanker trucks. Backwashes rapid sand filters and visually observes the characteristics of the wash water. Makes rounds to visually and audibly inspect the operating condition and settings of pumps, electric motors, valves, mixers, flocculators, sludge collectors, compressors, electrical generators, boilers, chemical feed systems, and flow meters. Drives to various locations to assist in the delivery of chemicals and to inspect process equipment. Logs readings from various gauges, meters, and instruments as needed. Operates stand-by generators during power outages or as a supplemental electrical power supply. Keeps a computerized log of various activities during shift. Performs snow and ice removal from plant walkways using shovel, salt spreader, and/or snow blower. Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited high school or GED and a minimum of one year of paid experience in industrial process operations, plant maintenance work, information technology, or related work; or graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in environmental science, information technology, engineering technology, or a related field. Possession of a Class I Water Supply Professional Operators Certificate as issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or must obtain within two years of employment. Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver's license.
Knowledge of the equipment, operations, practices, and safety precautions relevant to the treatment and pumping of potable water. Knowledge of the servicing and maintenance of water treatment plant equipment.
Ability to effectively monitor and coordinate water plant operation activities. Ability to work extended hours and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays. Ability to log, compile, retrieve, review, and interpret operational data with the use of computers. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to keep appropriate records of daily activities. Ability to perform mathematical calculations with fractions, decimals, and percentages. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others. Ability to lift and carry bags of chemicals and walk and stand for long periods of time. Ability to work outside in inclement weather. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
List of essential job functions available upon request.
Competitive Examination Process
This is a classified position.
The selection process will consist of a competitive examination with credit for education and experience. A passing score must be obtained on the competitive examination in order to receive credit for education and experience. TEST WEIGHTS: Competitive Examination 70%, Education 20%, Experience 10%.
Candidates must meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the announcement at the time of examination and at the time of appointment.
NOTE: The competitive examination may be suspended if shown to be impractical because of an insufficient number of qualified candidates. The candidates will then be ranked in a standard manner based on 70% for qualifying, 20% for education, and 10% for experience.
RESIDENCY: Candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the City of Akron for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 5 points added to their passing grades.
VETERANS: A veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty, desiring a bonus of 5 points added to their passing grade, must submit proof of discharge in the form of a DD-214 with application.
DRIVER S LICENSE: An applicant having a valid driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an Ohio Driver's License must be obtained prior to appointment. Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.
NOTE: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING YOUR APPLICATION STATUS THROUGHOUT THE STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS BY VIEWING YOUR ACCOUNT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNABLE TO CHECK YOUR STATUS ON LINE, YOU MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-375-2720.
Email correspondence generated from our system will be sent from To ensure you receive important communication from our office, be sure to make this address a safe sender.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both our hiring and employment practices.
Applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position with or without an accommodation. If you are a qualified applicant with a disability, please notify the Department of Human Resources at least one week prior to testing if requesting a reasonable accommodation for the testing process.
The City of Akron is committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees in our workplace and providing the community with the highest quality municipal services possible. Alcohol, marijuana, and drug abuse in the workplace pose a significant threat to these goals. In furtherance of its goal to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace, the City conducts pre-employment drug screening for illegal drugs, marijuana, and the illegal, unauthorized use, or intentional misuse of prescription drugs. Any candidate who tests positive for marijuana or the illegal use of drugs will not be hired.
City of Akron permanent, full-time employees and their eligible dependents are covered by a comprehensive health plan including emergency accident care, inpatient hospitalization, surgical, diagnostic services, outpatient services, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision and life insurance.
Paid time off benefits may include paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave or paid leave.
All non-safety force employees are members of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).
For additional information regarding benefits, contact the Employee Benefits Division at 330-375-2700.
01
Did you graduate from an accredited high school or do you have a GED certificate?

• Yes
• No

02
Positions in the Water Bureau require possession of an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Class I Water Supply Operator Certification within two years of appointment. Do you currently possess a Class I Water Supply Operator Certification as issued by the State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency? If yes, please attach a copy with your application.

• Yes, I currently possess a Class I Water Supply Operator Certificate.
• No, I do not currently possess a Class I Water Supply Operator Certification but I acknowledge that it must be obtained within two years of appointment.

03
Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you currently have six or more points on your driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05
Is your driver's license currently suspended?

• Yes. My license is currently suspended.
• No

06
List your driver's license number and the issuing state:
07
For the purpose of verifying my eligibility for positions requiring a valid driver's license, I authorize the City of Akron to obtain a consumer report to investigate my driving history for traffic violations and suspensions. I understand that I have a right to request disclosure of this consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.To print out a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act go to: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf. Copies of the summary are also available from the City of Akron Department of Human Resources at 330-375-2720.

• I consent
• I do not consent (I understand that I will not be considered for positions requiring a valid State of Ohio driver's license)

Required Question